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SA writer/director Scarlett Scherer named finalist in Netflix’s The Next Brilliant Career
08 October 2026
South Australian screenwriter and director Scarlett Scherer has been selected as the South Australian finalist for Netflix ANZ’s The Next Brilliant Career, a national initiative supporting the next generation of women and non-binary screen storytellers.
Scarlett is one of eight emerging Australian writers selected to pitch an original scripted concept to the Netflix ANZ Content team in Sydney this week, receiving direct invaluable feedback as she develops her story for the screen.
Scarlett lives and works on Kaurna Land. Formerly a Director and Associate Producer at Repeater Productions, she now works as a Director’s Assistant at Closer Productions. A former recipient of the Carclew Fellowship, Scarlett has undertaken study with NIDA, AFTRS, UCLA and the Sundance Institute.
Her most recent short films have screened at Adelaide Film Festival, Flickerfest, St Kilda Film Festival and Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Her latest film, Boyish, was one of eight Australian films selected for Mardi Gras Film Festival’s 2025 My Queer Career Competition, Australia’s richest queer short film prize. Last year, Scarlett was a Director’s Assistant on Netflix’s My Brilliant Career. As part of this three-month mentorship, she directed a breakaway unit. Scarlett is currently developing her debut feature film, a coming-of-age story set in Berlin, with Closer Productions.
Scarlett wants to see her hometown on the screen and explore the social landscape of Australia, particularly how Australian culture and relationships have evolved. She is also passionate about seeing people her age represented on screen and writing stories about young people trying to connect with each other. She believes content can help bring people together at a time when the world can feel increasingly divided.
The Next Brilliant Career takes its inspiration from pioneering Australian author Miles Franklin and her determination to tell stories on her own terms. The initiative was launched in August alongside SA made and SAFC supported Netflix series My Brilliant Career, based on Franklin’s celebrated novel, and reflects a shared commitment to fostering diverse talent and creating opportunities for emerging Australian voices.
SA finalist Scarlett Scherer said: “Coming from a background of independent filmmaking, I’ve fought to tell stories that matter to me. It feels significant for the door to be opened like this to emerging creatives – and exciting that it’s because they want to hear our voices. I feel extremely grateful to be included in this cohort of Australian creatives.”
Netflix ANZ Head of Content Amanda Duthie said: “The Next Brilliant Career is a celebration of the extraordinary voices and stories emerging from across Australia. Each of our eight finalists brings a unique perspective, a distinctive creative voice and an authentic connection to the Australian experience, and we’re thrilled to give them an opportunity to connect and develop their stories. We can’t wait to see where these exceptional storytellers take their careers next.”
SAFC Acting CEO Leanne Saunders said: “We are thrilled to see South Australian writer Scarlett Scherer selected for this exciting program, giving her the opportunity to pitch directly to Netflix. Initiatives like this are an important part of creating genuine pathways for emerging writers, giving talented South Australian storytellers the opportunity to develop their work and connect with some of the world’s leading industry practitioners. We look forward to seeing where Scarlett’s brilliant career goes next.”