First Break recipients announced in WA
Australian Writers’ Guild selects 13 participants for its three day workshop run by working writers in the West.
- Published by David Knox
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Participants have been announced for The Australian Writers’ Guild’s First Break WA program.
Supported by Screenwest and Final Draft, First Break is a professional development program designed to give talented, aspiring screenwriters the opportunity to gain in-demand and practical skills, develop their understanding of the industry, and build industry connections.
The following 13 participants will take part in the program, starting in October 2022:
Amanda Bridgeman
Cody Cameron-Brown
Catherine Gillard
Mimi Helm
Matt Hodgkinson
Renee Kennedy
Abbey King
Jesse Laurie
Luke Martin
Nathan Mewett
Luisa Mitchell
Tahlia Norrish
Emma Vickery
AWG Professional Development Manager Susie Hamilton said: “We know from extensive conversations with industry that there is a need for this type of training. The response to this initiative has left us in no doubt that emerging writers recognise the enormous value of a program like First Break. We look forward to rolling out similar opportunities in other states over the next 12 months.”
Screenwest Head of Creative: Content & Industry Development Martha Coleman said: “It’s terrific to see so many WA screenwriters jump at this opportunity to upskill by participating in First Break. The AWG had an overwhelming number of high-quality applications, with 13 selected. All the participants will gain highly sought-after note-taking skills, and we look forward to seeing them in professional writers’ rooms in the near future.”
Facilitators Chris Corbett and Catherine Kelleher said: “The film and TV industry is notoriously hard to break into, but note-taking and script coordinating provide an incredible training ground and the chance to develop important industry relationships in scripted television. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to show these talented creatives the ropes.”
First Break is a series of three day-long online workshops run by highly experienced, working writers. Covering note-taking, script coordinating, and the basics of a writers’ room, participants will come away with the skills required to get that first break and begin their career in the film and television industry.