The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) has partnered with SBS and NITV to provide a practical channel for emerging creatives to the screen sector.
With SBS and NITV, NIDA Pathways is a three-year collaboration, supporting historically underrated creatives, providing experience, expertise and opportunities in the student industry.
The activity includes the annual Creative Pitch Workshop run by the SBS Scripted and NITV teams, leading to one student receiving the opportunity to spend time in the SBS Writer’s room. The First Nations Production Placement program allows First Nations NIDA students to tackle SBS and NITV productions. The annual industry talks presented by SBS and NITV cover important topics such as creating effective pitches, leveraging industry degrees and understanding what makes content appealing to an international audience. Speed networking sessions to connect emerging talent with industry experts.
Head of SBS scripts, Nakul Legha, said the partnership reflects the station’s commitment to elevate and develop new voices for the next generation for the Australian screen sector.
“Stepping into the screen industry can be challenging for new creatives,” he said.
“SBS is extremely proud to launch the NIDA Pathways Partnership, which creates structured programs to develop practical skills and provides meaningful entry points for NIDA students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“We look forward to working with NIDA and NITV to continue to implement this commitment.”
Dena Curtis, director of commissioning and production at NITV, said her organization is proud to help develop talent in emerging countries, given that “they are the future of First Nations storytelling.”
“Being able to connect First Nations students directly with industry experts gives them the opportunity to explore, learn and build skillsets and acquire real-world production experiences in a culturally safe environment,” she said.
For NIDA CEO Liz Hughes, the partnership was “a powerful step towards creating a more comprehensive and representative screen industry.”
“Nida is where stories grow for emerging creative practitioners involved in all aspects of production,” she said.
“SBS, famous for celebrating Australian stories from all communities, is an ideal partner as this project is a great opportunity to create a path for people at the beginning of their careers.”
