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
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.
BUY YOUR SCREEN POD TICKETS NOW
For 2022, we have introduced a payment plan option, which is available for both Early Bird and Regular Tickets. Simply add your ticket to cart and select the ‘Pay Deposit‘ option when checking out to pay 50% up-front with the remaining 50% due by 10 August 2022.
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SAVE YOUR SEAT
Join Australia's premium story development program. 20+ sessions of training, workshopping, talks and pitching, starting Saturday 20 August.
$2,500.00
Sign Up Now
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 2022?
Session 1:
20 August, 10am – 1pm
Session 2:
9 September (Guest Speaker, Arts Law), 11:30am – 1:30pm
Session 3:
24 September, 10am – 1pm
Session 4:
1 October (Guest Speaker), Time TBC
Session 5:
22 October, 10am – 1pm
Session 6:
27 October (Templates due)
Session 7:
3 & 4 November, 9am – 5pm (Round Table Pitching)
Session 8:
19 November, 10am – 1pm
Session 9:
10 December, 10am – 11pm
Session 10:
21 January 2023 (Guest Speaker), Time TBC
Session 11:
1 February 2023 (Templates due)
Session 12:
4 February 2023, 10am – 1pm
Session 13:
9 & 10 February 2023, 9am – 5pm (Final Pitch)
What is Screen POD?
Screen POD is a format-agnostic and market driven program delivered in three streams: Process, Project, and Pitch.
- Process – focusing on learning the discipline of writing for screen.
- Project – putting the theory-based learning into practice – with the assistance and guidance of a trained Developer.
- Pitch – pitching developed concepts to market.
It is advised that people who haven’t previously attended POD, or have little screenwriting experience, take part in all three streams.
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 for the market.
What contact hours can I expect?
If you participate in all:
- Process; 1 hour every fortnight
- Project; 3-4 hours every fortnight – at the discretion of the Developer
- Pitching; 3 two-day sessions.
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?
Payment for Screen POD can either be made in a lump sum before the program begins or via a payment plan. Payment plans are a set amount on a regular payment schedule – all payments must be made before the final pitching session.
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.
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, you must first complete Barefoot Script.
This 22-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 scriptwriting 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! 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.