You’ve studied production and are ready to make your mark. Or you’ve got the first draft of a script but haven’t figured out how to connect with a producer. Or you’re an experienced creative wanting to move into a different field.
There’s a lot of information out there but it can be hard to figure out where to begin. And asking a question in a Facebook group might have sent you on a goose chase.
Here are six essential screen industry resources for film, television, web and gaming in Australia.
Screen Australia: Starting In The Industry
Screen Australia is the leading government agency for the screen industry in Australia. It is a comprehensive and essential resource for information about every aspect of the screen industry, development, production, distribution and investment.
Whatever your entry point into the screen industry in Australia, this resource from Screen Australia will help you navigate the range of options as either a creative or craft specialist.
https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/starting-in-the-industry
South Australian Film Corporation
South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), is the lead industry body for the development, support and promotion of South Australia’s screen industries, delivering funding and support for over 40 years to a vibrant mix of South Australian productions.
The South Australian Film Corporation has a number of resources to help learn more about production in this state. Mercury CX partners with SAFC on key initiatives focussed on emerging creatives.
Other state agencies
Like SAFC, each state and territory has its own screen agency. A major role for each agency is supporting the development of productions that will bring investment into the state, create opportunities and build the development of the screen industry. If you’re outside South Australia, your state agency may have resources to help early career.
Screen NSW
https://www.screen.nsw.gov.au/
Film Victoria
https://www.film.vic.gov.au
Screen Queensland
https://screenqueensland.com.au/
Screen Tasmania
https://www.screen.tas.gov.au/home
Screenwest
https://www.screenwest.com.au/
Screen Canberra
https://www.screencanberra.com.au/
Screen Territory
https://screenterritory.nt.gov.au/
Screen guilds and professional associations
Guilds in Australia have programs and membership options to support emerging practitioners and some include student options. With a combination of resources, events and professional development options, explore what your guild can offer you.
Mercury CX
And, welcome to Mercury CX. With decades of experience in helping emerging creatives find their voice and their feet, we have a range of ways to support you. Explore our professional development options and as a MCX Member, plan a consultation to discover the next step for your career. In addition to being a key part of the industry in South Australia, our programs including the Screenmakers Conference also attract participants, speakers and industry leaders from across Australia.
Plus… industry publications
Keeping informed about the industry is an important part of being ready to take the next step. Here are three of the must-read trade publications in Australia.
IF magazine
https://www.if.com.au/
Screenhub
https://www.screenhub.com.au/
TV Tonight
https://tvtonight.com.au/