Five early career screenwriters will be given the opportunity to be embedded in the script department of CBS Studios’ world-leading global franchise.
Screen Australia has today announced the NCIS: SYDNEY S1 Script Department Program, a collaboration with Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) and Paramount+ to offer up to five early-mid career screenwriters the opportunity to be embedded in the script department for the highly anticipated local iteration of the global franchise NCIS: SYDNEY S1.
The Aussiewood meets Hollywood initiative aims to provide Australian screenwriters with high-level training to further strengthen their career trajectory in scripted episodic storytelling.
Placed writers will be given the opportunity to join the series’ global-calibre script department and benefit from the backing of experienced creatives including senior script co-ordinators, writers and editors, who will guide the process and contribute directly to the writers’ learning and professional development.
The 10-week full-time paid opportunity is designed to immerse selected Australian screenwriters in all facets of the script development process. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to rotate through all roles that make up a global-calibre script department and gain invaluable experience on one of the world’s most successful TV dramas.Screen Australia Head of Content, Grainne Brunsdon said: “We’re thrilled to facilitate this program which will enable early to mid-career writers to completely immerse themselves and learn in a writer’s room of an established world-leading franchise, here in Australia. It’s an exceptional chance to upskill our local creatives and position them to achieve global success with local productions.
“In an increasingly competitive global entertainment landscape this insight and experience is invaluable. We’re pleased to be working with partners Paramount ANZ, CBS Studios and ESA who share our passion for creating career pathways in the local sector.”
Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount ANZ, Beverley McGarvey, said: "We are so pleased that the first international series of the iconic NCIS franchise will be shot here in Australia. NCIS: SYDNEY comes with many fantastic opportunities for local actors, production crew and writers, to be part of such a legacy franchise, and now with the NCIS: SYDNEY S1 Script Department Program, there is even more scope for Aussie writers and creatives to learn, grow and contribute on a global scale."
Chief Executive Officer Endemol Shine Australia, Peter Newman, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Screen Australia for this very important writer’s initiative on NCIS: SYDNEY, the first international iteration of this iconic franchise. We are proud to champion local emerging creative talent and look forward to seeing them thrive, learning alongside a number of Australia’s most experienced screenwriters to deliver an incredible series for Paramount+. We can’t wait for NCIS: SYDNEY to showcase Australian storytelling on an international stage.”
Produced by CBS Studios in association with Endemol Shine Australia, NCIS: SYDNEY marks the first iteration of the hit NCIS series based outside of the United States. Announced in February, the original series and latest installment of the iconic global franchise will launch exclusively on Paramount+ and Network 10 in Australia.
Applications are open now and close 5pm AEST Thursday 06 October 2022 and can be made via the Screen
Australia application portal. For eligibility requirements and how to apply see Guidelines here. Eligible applications will be considered and reviewed by CBS Studios, Endemol Shine Australia, Screen Australia and/or industry specialists with successful applicants notified by Friday 28 October 2022.
Submissions should include the following:
Fully completed application form including contact details and applicant eligibility; a
CV/Biog (maximum 1 page) including writing credits applicable to the required eligibility to apply to this program; and,
A personal motivation statement (maximum 1 page) that includes:
Why you wish to apply to this program;
How the opportunity supports your career goals and trajectory;
Why you believe you are ready for this opportunity; and,
What you believe you will contribute by participating in this program
A letter of recommendation and/or support (maximum 1 page) from a professional context you have worked in as a screen or theatre writer.
One set of samples pages (maximum 5 pages) of your scripted writing (any genre, any platform) either produced or unproduced.
For more information or to apply visit www.screenaustralia.gov.au.This program is presented by Screen Australia in collaboration with Paramount ANZ, CBS Studios and
Endemol Shine Australia with industry partner Australian Writer’s Guild.
About Screen Australia
Screen Australia is the Australian Federal Government agency charged with supporting the development, production and promotion of Australian scripted and documentary content. The agency funds productions for television, film, online and games. Screen Australia also administers Australia’s Official Co-production program, in addition to the Producer Offset tax rebate which assists eligible Australian and Official Co-productions to be made. The agency provides a range of resources and opportunities to the industry including access to research, market intelligence and special initiatives. For more information visit screenaustralia.gov.au.
About CBS Studios
CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming, with more than 70 series currently in production for broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, as well as genre-defining franchises such as the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, and an extensive library of iconic intellectual property.
Internationally, CBS Studios develops, produces and distributes local language and international series originated outside of the U.S., with projects across various markets, including the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Australia and Asia. CBS Studios most recently finished production of the first seasons of “Bestseller Boy” in the Netherlands for Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, “Ze Network” for RTL+ in Germany, “Oderbruch” for ARD Degeto and also recently launched “Munich Games” with Sky Studios and Amusement Park Film. CBS Studios’ international productions are distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
About Endemol Shine Australia
Endemol Shine Australia is a part of Banijay, the world’s largest international content producer and distributor spanning 22 territories with over 120 production companies and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original standout programming. Based in Sydney, Endemol Shine Australia’s team comprises proven leaders in television and digital production whose shows have become ratings hits. Endemol Shine Australia’s slate represents the most exciting and popular programming on Australian free-to-air networks and pay TV channels – shows such as MasterChef, Australian Survivor, Big Brother, LEGO Masters, Australian Ninja Warrior, Married at First Sight, Gogglebox Australia and The Bridge as well as acclaimed dramas including RFDS, Offspring, Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door, INXS: Never Tear Us Apart and Bali 2002.
