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Sydney producer lands BBC Studios placement

Max Bourke is off to the UK as the inaugural Unscripted International Producer Placement initiative.

Sydney based writer, director and producer Max Bourke is off to the UK for a 6 month placement in the BBC Studios’ documentary department.

Bourke was named as the inaugural Unscripted International Producer Placement at the closing drinks of the Australian International Documentary Conference in Melbourne yesterday.

Following an intensive judging process which took place at the AIDC with five shortlisted NSW-based documentary makers going before a panel of representatives from

The placement BBC Studios Australia, BBC Studios UK, the AIDC and Create NSW carries funding of $50,000 to support his placement in the BBC Studios’ documentary department, headed up by Lisa Opie, MD of Factual.

Bourke has over 30 hours of Australian documentary credits, tackling mental health and climate change. Recent projects include Man Up (2016, AACTA-nominated), Go Back To Where You Came From Live (2018) and I Can Change Your Mind About Climate (2012, AACTA-nominated).

BBC Studios ANZ Director of Production, Kylie Washington, said: “We were blown away by the level of documentary talent in NSW, but in the end Max’s project proposal and passion for his craft had the edge. We’re excited that Max will be joining our factual team in the UK and BBC Studios looks forward to an ongoing relationship with the vibrant documentaries industry in Australia.”

AIDC CEO & Conference Director, Alice Burgin, said: “The Unscripted International Producer Placement is an extraordinary opportunity by BBC Studios and Create NSW, and we are absolutely thrilled that AIDC was able to play a part in its delivery.’”

Max Bourke said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be selected for the inaugural Unscripted International Producer Placement initiative and want to thank BBC Studios, Create NSW and AIDC for this amazing opportunity. Working with Lisa Opie and her team at BBC Studios offers a unique chance to broaden my producing experience with one of the world’s leading production companies. Ultimately I intend to bring the exposure to international markets and producing connections back home with me, not only to fuel the next stage of my documentary career, but to enrich the Australian documentary industry.”

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