Australian Films (AIF) and Screen Australia today announced Melody Chen (NSW), Jessica Trinity Fisher (QLD), Megan Palmer (VIC), Ramon Samson (QLD) and William Sebastian Turner (WA) as five emerging creatives in the undeveloped 2025 Development Lab.
The lab, the second phase of an unexplored talent development initiative, is a custom-built programme designed to expand important international industrial knowledge of Australia’s emerging filmmakers. Each participant receives tailored mentorship, creative feedback and professional development support from leading international writers and directors.
They were selected after four open access online masterclasses earlier this year, featuring candid conversations with creatives Megan Park, Michael Shanks, Ryan O’Connell and Jet Wilkinson.
The announcement comes after Pasa Faho, the debut of 2021 undeveloped alumnus Kalu Oji, premiered at this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival.
AIF Executive Director Peter Ritchie said the outcome of the initiative spoke for themselves.
“I am thrilled to announce the next round of recipients for the next undeveloped 2025 Development Lab,” he said.
“With Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland and other industry partners, without the foresightful support of Screen Australia, there is no such important work to inspire and empower the next generation of Australian filmmakers.
Screen Australia’s Senior Manager International and Business Development Harry Avrumidis said this year’s winner continues to illustrate the depth and unique vision of Australia’s early creative talent.
“It will always be rich to work with film and our industry partners and Australians to strengthen our new, bold Australian voice, and we look forward to defending Melody, Jessica, Megan, Ramon and William.
Find out more about the selected project below.
Melody Chan (NSW)
Penny Loafers (Dramedy Series): 19-year-old Penny Wu wakes up with the body of her financial brother Daniel a week before his death. When Penny accidentally finds his life and reveals the dark truth behind his accident, she must also address painful questions about their relationship, her broken family, and the true meaning of living the life she has chosen.
Jessica Trinity Fisher (QLD)
Home Body (Dramedy Series): After Agorafobe accidentally kills an ex-boyfriend of an estranged sister, the sisters must confront their differences in order to continue burying their deadly secrets.
Megan Palmer (Vic)
Dad (Dark Comedy Series): 30 Mona return to her small town, awaiting the imminent death of her highly Catholic father, a doctor accused of abusing a child patient. She and her estranged brothers are forced to head towards each other and face speculation, as well as shame and speculation from their former friends, while they wait for Dad to die.
Ramon Samson (QLD)
Mano Po Logline: (Drama Features): After being diagnosed with early onset dementia, an isolated Filipino Australian piano teacher heads out on a cross-country road trip to reconcile with his estranged daughter. Their journey, accompanied by a young caretaker who forces him to confront the past, forces him to rethink the meaning of his family and how he will correct it while he still has time.
William Sebastian Turner (Washington)
Flooded Mines (Thriller Features): Two Wrist Rest Perth Friends’ Myopia Plans to rob weed dealers on the eve of road trips across Australia accidentally kill dealers and put their dreams of a new life in Melbourne at risk.
