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South Australia’s Elena Carapetis announced for 2022 Emerging Writers’ Incubator initiative

28 October 2022
SA writer Elena Carapetis, image supplied
South Australian writer Elena Carapetis, image supplied.

South Australian writer Elena Carapetis is one of six screenwriting creatives from across Australia to have been selected for the 2022 SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, an initiative from SBS in partnership with Screen Australia and state and territory agencies including the SAFC, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Now in its second year, the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator is a nationwide industry initiative supporting the development of under-represented screenwriting talent in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or with disability; people who are female or gender diverse; people who identify as LGBTQIA+; and people located in regional and remote areas.

Each year, six writers join the teams of Australian production companies acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama, for a 12 month paid placement where they will gain significant work experience and further develop their skills, knowledge, and networks while working across the production companies’ slate of drama productions. They are also supported by the Australian Writers’ Guild with access to creative and training workshops.

The successful emerging writers selected for 2022, and the production companies they are joining, are:

Carapetis will follow in the footsteps of SA writer Ansuya Nathan who was selected for the inaugural Incubator program in 2021, through which she undertook a 12-month paid placement with SA’s Closer Productions, supported by the SAFC.

Loani Arman, Commissioning Editor, SBS Scripted, said: “The Emerging Writers’ Incubator reflects our commitment at SBS to investing in an increasingly inclusive sector. Over the last year, we’ve seen the benefits that the initiative brings to both the writers involved, and the production companies they join, and we’re really excited about the impact that will have on the future of storytelling. Congratulations to all those that applied this year, especially our six successful candidates who’ve taken different paths to get to this point in their careers and bring their unique perspectives to their work that reflects voices and experiences historically under-represented in our sector. We believe in their voices and are proud to be working with our industry partners to support their continued development”

Screen Australia’s Head of Development, Louise Gough, said: “Congratulations to these impressive storytellers, we’re pleased to support them deepen their skillset and take the next step in their careers through these year-long placements. Thank you to all who applied and the interest shown in the program. We were thrilled to see the gains made in the first year, both by the talented writers and the host companies, and it’s exciting to be partnering again with SBS and the state agencies to facilitate this opportunity for a new group of diverse voices and the capacity and meaningful engagement of host production companies.”

Kate Croser, CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation, said: “The SAFC is delighted to once again support this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to grow and diversify the pool of credited South Australian key creatives, and foster a screen industry which reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the South Australian community. We congratulate South Australian writer Elena Carapetis on being selected to work and collaborate with Adelaide’s award-winning Highview Productions, led by producer Lisa Scott.”

Susie Hamilton, Professional Development Manager, Australian Writers’ Guild, said: “The Emerging Writers’ Incubator has become one of the most valuable and practical industry opportunities available to promising, new writers. This year’s successful candidates are an exciting group of talented creatives who will undoubtedly thrive with the program. The AWG is delighted to continue its support this year.”

The six successful writers for 2022 were selected by SBS, Screen Australia and state and territory agencies from hundreds of applicants. The following applicants were shortlisted from each of the participating states and the Northern Territory this year:

Co-funded by SBS and Screen Australia, with participating state and territory screen agencies, the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator will support the careers of 18 emerging writers over the three years of the program, with six successful candidates partnered with production companies around Australia each year.

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