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The Next Brilliant Career: Netflix Launches Nationwide Search for Australia’s Next Great Screen Writer
04 August 2026
To celebrate the upcoming release of SA made and SAFC supported Netflix series My Brilliant Career and the legacy of pioneering author Miles Franklin, Netflix ANZ, in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild, the SAFC and fellow State and Territory Screen Agencies, is today launching The Next Brilliant Career.
The initiative invites emerging Australian writers who identify as women or non-binary to submit original, authentically-Australian scripted concepts for the chance to receive invaluable feedback directly from Netflix in developing their story for screen.
Following application and eligibility check via the state Screen Agencies dedicated online portals, an independent Australian Writers’ Guild panel will shortlist applications. One finalist from each state and territory will then be invited to pitch their concept live at Netflix ANZ headquarters in Sydney in October, and will receive direct feedback from Netflix in developing their story for screen.
Netflix ANZ Content Director Amanda Duthie said: “Miles Franklin spent her career fighting for the right to tell her own story on her own terms. ‘The Next Brilliant Career’ is built on that same conviction. Australia has no shortage of extraordinary women writers; we’ve designed this program to welcome the next generation of bold Australian voices telling stories that resonate here and around the world.”
Executive Director of the Australian Writers’ Guild Claire Pullen said: “We are proud to partner with Netflix ANZ on ‘The Next Brilliant Career.’ This valuable initiative aligns with our shared mission to foster diverse talent, champion authentic Australian stories, and create meaningful opportunities for our nation’s emerging voices. Together, we look forward to uncovering the next generation of storytellers across Australia.”
SAFC Acting CEO Leanne Saunders said: “Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career has inspired generations with its bold, independent heroine Sybylla, and we’re proud to see that legacy of strong female storytellers continue through Netflix’s new series, filmed and produced in South Australia, and through this exciting new screenwriting initiative. The SAFC is proud to partner with Netflix, the AWG and other state screen agencies to create opportunities for South Australian writers, enabling fresh South Australian voices and powerful new South Australian stories to be discovered and developed.”
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be emerging writers, defined as holding 1-3 reportable writer credits on a commercially released short film, film or television series productions longer than 10 minutes, that has screened at a recognised film festival and/or been supported by a state or federal screen agency
- Not be a full-time student
- Be an Australian resident
- Be aged 18 or over
- Identify as a woman or non-binary
- Be available to attend a pitch day in Sydney on 6 October 2026
Submissions
Applications open today 4 August 2026 and close 18 August 2026.
Submissions must include scripted stories that are authentically Australian, and include a brief professional biography, working title, logline, intended audience description, genre, an explanation of the work’s cultural relevance and personal connection, a one-page synopsis and a five-page writing sample.
Writers retain full ownership of their original work throughout the Program. Participation does not transfer any rights in a submitted story to Netflix, the Australian Writers’ Guild or any Screen Agency. Selection as a Program participant does not guarantee that Netflix will develop a participant’s story, or provide funding or ongoing support beyond the Program.
South Australian applicants can apply via the SAFC’s portal here: safilm.smartygrants.com.au
The judging process
Applications will be assessed on the strength and distinctiveness of the writer’s voice, the clarity and compelling nature of the central premise, and whether the narrative demonstrates potential to sustain a series or feature format.
Judges will look for a strong command of genre, an awareness of the current screen marketplace, and work that is demonstrably and authentically Australian.
For more information visit www.safilm.com.au/funding-programs#nextbrilliantcareer