Mercury CX supports formal mentorship in a number of ways including the Career Makers program as part of Screenmakers Conference, and the Master Apprentice program delivered in partnership with South Australia Film Corporation.
Speak to us about the options available. MCX Members are entitled to an annual professional consultation which can include exploring the best mentorship pathways.
Master Apprentice
In 2020 MCX and the SAFC partnered to deliver a Master Apprentice Mentorship Program as a COVID-19 response measure that provided direct support to South Australian Heads of Department.
Building on the success of this program, MCX will match South Australian Heads of Department with emerging/advancing crew members, to provide mentoring through individually tailored plans, and build professional relationships that may form the foundation of future employment opportunities.
The outcomes of the program have been significant, including multiple apprentices gaining on set experience and in some cases employment on features A Sunburnt Christmas and Unknown Man. Given the success of this program and industry feedback on the importance of tailored network building, the MCX proposes to continue to deliver a structured mentoring opportunity in 2021 within the same program framework.
Eligibility
Criteria for being eligible for a Masters Apprentice program will be released soon.
Deadlines
Applications open in April 2021
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Career makers
As part of Screenmakers Conference, Career Makers offers the opportunity for targetted mentor discussions between emerging and experienced industry professionals.
Career Makers is the brand-new market session at the Screenmakers Connect 2020. This is a unique opportunity to discuss your career pathway with an experienced industry mentor in a one on one 30 minute session via zoom online.
You may be any of the following:
New to, emerging into or already working in the industry and want to know how to either get a job in the industry, or what potential pathway or strategy would work best for you to escalate your career ie: whether to focus on developing your own IP vs freelancing vs gaining a job within an established company.
Creatives or crew wanting to change roles in the industry e.g a producer wanting to become a writer, a production designer wanting to become a director.
Returning to the industry after caring roles or other circumstances, or transitioning to the industry from another industry
The mentors have been selected because of their depth of experience in the industry and their willingness and generosity to help the next generation.
Applicants will have to register as a full conference delegate, and then also book a Career Makers session at the same time. We will have limited places so it will be on a first come first serve basis.
Apply
Applications for the 2021 Career Makers program open in March 2021.
FAQS
Do I have to be a member to access The Mercury courses?
The Mercury offers a range of workshops and courses. Some programs for the benefit of members, and others are open programs offering generous discounts for Mercury Members.
Where can I learn more about the technical aspects of production?
From time to time, The Mercury will run production workshops. Subscribe to keep up to date on our latest offerings.
In South Australia, AIE (formerly MAPS) TAFE SA and SAE, have a number of foundation level technical courses for production skills.
Flinders University also offers degrees across multiple creative disciplines - Bachelor of Creative Arts in Screen Production is one of them .
Where can I learn about film-making in South Australia?
The Mercury is the right place! We are a pathway between study and professional practice for emerging practitioners.
The South Australian Film Corporation provides support for screen professionals and productions within South Australia. The Mercury works closely with SAFC to provide emerging and early-career screen makers pathways to production.
https://www.safilm.com.au/other-support-resources/
We recommend the Screen Australia guide to getting started in the Australian screen industry
Will The Mercury give me feedback on my feature film script?
With a core purpose of supporting emerging screen creatives, The Mercury is currently focusing on short-form projects (including short films, web series, documentary and animation).
Our script assessment service is limited to 15 pages/short projects. However, we are currently looking to expand into providing television series and feature development support - join our mailing list to receive updates.
Is The Mercury affiliated with any educational institution?
No. However across specific initiatives we work with a range of institutions across our different initiatives including Flinders University and UniSA.
Is The Mercury a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?
No. Our courses and workshops are developed and delivered by industry experts with a range of teaching experience across different institutions both in South Australia and Australia-wide.
Is HECS or Fee Help available for The Mercury courses and workshops?
No. Our major programs offer a range of payment options. The Mercury does have provision to ensure individuals from under-represented groups have the maximum opportunity to participate in the screen economy. Speak to us if you feel your circumstances may mean you need assistance.
What are short documents and how should I format my script?
Short documents refers to a range of different documents used in the development of screen productions. It might be a one-page synopsis, a treatment, a show bible, or a full script.
Screen Australia has a very useful guide to short documents.
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