To help you move faster, and be more successful, Screen Canberra has developed what industry insiders believe is Australia’s most effective program for screen development.
- Over six months, we train you in proven development methods, we help you develop your projects, and set up your own virtual writers room with showrunner
- You will have multiple opportunities to learn, and rehearse, and deliver a project pitch that articulates your intentions, and connects with the market gatekeepers
- Whether you write for film, TV, or you’re not entirely sure yet, Screen POD will help you maximise your creativity, AND your chances to find a buyer for your script
DEVELOP AND PITCH PROJECTS PRODUCERS WANT
THE PROCESS
Learn and apply industry standard analytical tools
Understand the nature and business of development
Build flexible development habits, suited to your needs
THE PROJECT
Generate a multitude of fresh ideas for marketable screen productions
Collaborate in a virtual writers room, and receive expert feedback
Learn and practise the discipline and routine of writing for screen
THE PITCH
Understand the various aspects of pitching in the screen industry
Develop and practise an effective pitch for your own screen project
Conduct industry standard pitch meetings with leading producers
The Market
MEET THE MARKET
REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2023
Stephen Corvini - Live Wires
Stephen Corvini is a Drama Executive & Producer whose work has been defined by consistent acclaim gaining multiple AACTA Awards, a Seoul International Drama Award, Logies and an International Emmy® Award.
Stephen Luby - Ruby Entertainment
Stephen has been one of the most prolific producers in Australia. Stephen has won the Screen Producers' Association of Australia ‘Producer of the Year’ award on 3 occasions, most recently in 2016 for THE SECRET RIVER.
Catherine Nebauer - Northern Pictures
Catherine has had over 25 years’ experience in the media space in a wide range of roles including channel management, distribution and as an executive producer. She has a slate of over 600 episodes commissioned in Australia and Internationally.
Meg O'Connell - Unless Pictures
Meg O’Connell is an International Emmy® award-winning and nominated producer. She's the company director at Unless Pictures where she co-created, wrote and produced RETROGRADE for ABC TV, co-produced with Orange Entertainment Co.
Mary Jane Skalski - Echo Lake Entertainment
Mary Jane is currently the President of Production at the US-based Echo Lake Entertainment. Mary Jane’s career spans over 25 years as a producer specialising in taking projects from inception through release.
Miriam Stein - Tama Films
Tama Films is a Sydney-based production company that develops, finances and produces feature films and television drama. As its founder and creative producer, Miriam co-produces and collaborates with storytellers globally.
Tracey Vieira - Hoodlum
Tracey Vieira is the Chief Content Officer for Emmy and BAFTA Award winning film and television production company Hoodlum. Vieira works with partners including ABC Signature, Fox, Peacock, Stan, Netflix, CBS International and A&E amongst others.
SCREEN POD ALUMNI
Erin Foy
Accelerator TV POD 2017, 2019 The personal and professional connections I've made as a result of the POD are beyond valuable.Tom Armstrong
Accelerator TV POD 2019 I found it incredibly rewarding and I'm now developing my concept with some talented industry professionals.Bruce Davie
POD Alumni At the very least, POD is a fantastic networking opportunity. At best, it is the start of a career.BK Lyon
Accelerator TV POD 2020 I highly recommend the program if you have difficulties moving the project down the line.Claudia Cooney
POD Alumni POD allowed me to develop the skills and knowledge to craft my idea in a supportive environment and establish relationships.Joshua Koske
POD Alumni In a matter of months, POD provides knowledge and connections that traditionally take years to foster.
SCREEN POD TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tickets are no longer on sale for Screen POD 2023.
If you would like to participate in the course, please contact us at pod@screencanberra.com.au
For more information about the course, please watch the recording from our second Screen POD 2023 Info Session, where we’re joined by Catherine Nebauer from the Emmy-winning Northern Pictures.
GET POD READY
Explore and download a selection of resources to help you get prepared for Screen POD.
SCREEN POD FAQS
What are the key dates for Screen POD 2023?
Screen POD is due to commence on Saturday, 3 June 2023, with completion end of November at our annual Pitch Fest event.
What is Screen POD?
Screen POD is a format-agnostic and market driven program delivered online over 6 months across the following sessions:
- Group Workshops – the practical component of the course where you review, recharge and replenish your concepts.
- Developer Group Workshops – where you develop your concepts from rough ideas to polished stories – with the assistance and guidance of a trained Developer.
- Training Sessions – the theory-based learning covering key aspects of story, screenwriting & pitching.
- Pitch Sessions – where you pitch your developed concepts to market.
- Guest Talks – special sessions where diverse industry guests speak on a variety of topics related to you writing journey.
What contact hours can I expect?
- Group Workshops; a 3 hour workshop each month
- Developer Group Workshops; at least seven 90 minute workshops across the duration of POD – at the discretion of the Developer
- Training Sessions; Ten hour-long sessions across the duration of POD
- Pitch Sessions; one day of Roundtable Market Consultation at the midpoint of the course plus a two-day Pitch Fest at the end of POD
- Guest Talks; up to six 90-minute talks across the duration of POD – subject to availability of our Guest speakers
Is there any work that must completed outside of the Screen POD contact hours?
Yes, your in-progress development documents will be submitted throughout the course – these are to be completed within your own time.
Participants are also encouraged to meet outside POD, and outside their specific group’s meetings.
What is the payment process?
Early Bird tickets (save $250) will be available from Monday, 20th of March and close Monday, 24th of April 2023 (or until allocation is exhausted).
Regular tickets will be available until Monday, 29th of May 2023 (or until allocation is exhausted).
Your payment must be made in a lump sum before the program begins on Saturday, 3rd of June 2023.
If you have any further queries about the payment process, please get in touch with us at info@screencanberra.com.au
How is the program delivered?
Screen POD will be held online through secure Zoom sessions and access to a range of resources on our portal. You will also be connected to other POD members through a Discord channel.
What if I miss a session?
Every session will be recorded, and we make an attempt to share it within 48-72 hours after. This means that sessions are accessible for you to catch-up later at your own pace – or to rewatch!
Can I do pitching only?
Yes. However, to qualify, you must have some proven industry experience or have previously completed at least two Accelerator PODs.
If you would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
I've done film school, am I going to learn the same things again?
At film school you learn the craft. As a Screen POD participant, you’ll brush up on your craft, while preparing your pitch for the market.
Will I have to 'sell out' and only write commercially?
Not at all! Screen POD helps you find the overlap between your artistry and the needs of the market.
I have no ideas to bring to Screen POD, why should I do it?
Screen POD starts with an idea generation session that participants have found revelatory. These sessions have even lead to the development of a project that was later courted by a mini-major studio.
I have no writing experience but I am interested in Screen POD, am I still able to enrol?
If you have no experience, we encourage you to first complete Immersion – Screen POD.
This 28-day training program introduces you to the format and style of writing for the screen. There is no additional cost for enrolment.
I'm shy and don't function well in a group, is Screen POD for me?
Some of our Screen POD alumni have had the exact same reservation, and following their completion of the program, they are now running their own writers’ rooms.
If you have any further reservations or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Will I receive a certificate following completion?
Screen POD is not an accredited course, but you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the Immersion – Screen POD component.
What market representatives have previously attended the POD programs?
In the past, representatives from a range of different studios have attended, including:
Studio Canal
Princess Pictures
Goalpost Pictures
Universal Pictures
Roadshow Rough Diamond
Matchbox Pictures
Ruby Entertainment
Northern Pictures
Easy Tiger
Hopscotch
Hoodlum Entertainment
Transmission Films
Arcadia
Odin’s Eye Entertainment
Bonsai Films
Playmaker Media
I'm not ACT-based, can I still participate in Screen POD?
Of course! The program takes place over Zoom with only Pitch Fest taking place in person at the culmination of POD.
Although it is recommended to complete the pitch face-to-face, we will facilitate the option for online-only participants.
I’ve already done an Accelerator POD, is there a benefit in doing Screen POD?
There are many benefits! Screen POD has been redesigned to suit participants at different stages of their writing development. Having previously been format based (TV or film), Screen POD is now format-agnostic. Some returning participants use POD to bring a new project to the market-ready stage.
Screen POD alumni have also come back to run a new project through the POD pipeline, or to meet with new market representatives. It also keeps you sharp in terms of development practices. And even if you can apply the process without POD, you still receive ongoing feedback from the market and your peers.
What is the difference between Developer POD and Screen POD?
Developer POD is an application-based program for evolving script developers. The ‘Developers’ are the team leaders who help assist and cultivate concept ideas with Screen POD participants.
Is this program COVID-safe?
Previously taking place face-to-face, the program has been adapted to be COVID-safe and now takes place via an online classroom.