Screen NSW has launched a new $1 million program to fast-track crew careers, aiming to address skills shortages and encourage entry into junior roles.
The Screen NSW Staff Development Program provides training from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), TAFE NSW and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), as well as paid production placement and mentoring across six sectors for entry-level and mid-career staff in key priority areas.
“We hear from the industry that there is a shortage of skilled staff and that is impacting film production in NSW. To ensure local stories continue to be produced and to ensure we continue to attract international blockbusters, we are increasing our skilled workforce to better support our screen sector. AFTRS, TAFE This bespoke practice program, delivered in part with our partners at NIDA, NSW, is designed to ensure these practitioners are able to act on a range of screen projects filmed in New South Wales,” Screen NSW Acting Director Lauren Edwards said.
“We are working towards a more inclusive film industry by expanding the capacity for more film production in the state and providing rapid access and creating pathways for film professionals from key priority areas to ensure they can build a solid foundation for a career in film.
“This is a program for people who are looking to get into the screen industry through paths they might not have thought of before, or for people who are working in the industry and are thinking of branching out into other fields.”
One of the program’s most prominent supporters is Jane Campion, who loves the idea of educating budding practitioners.
“This is something we, the older generation, should always be doing, because it’s important for the whole industry to pass on knowledge and uplift young people coming into this field. Programs like this will create a thriving and diverse screen community,” she said.
First announced as part of the three-year NSW Screen & Digital Games Strategy, the staff development program was developed in partnership with industry to identify sectors with the greatest need for entry-level and mid-career practitioners. These include:
• Production account (Stream A)
• Location Department (Stream A)
• Production management (Stream B)
• Post Production Supervisor (Stream B)
• Costume Division (Stream C)
• Art Department (Stream C)
The crew development program will be rolled out in three streams, each serving two sectors, and will be implemented in two phases. In the first stage, we will support selected applicants to receive on-set onboard training with AFTRS, followed by departmental training with either AFTRS, TAFE NSW or NIDA. In the second phase, two applicants from each sector will continue to advance into paid placements and receive two years of industry mentorship.
Applications for the Stream A category, where training will take place at AFTRS, are currently being accepted and will close on January 14, 2026. Applications will open next year for Stream B, where training takes place at TAFE NSW, and Stream C, where training takes place at NIDA.
