Left to right: Denise Eriksen, Esther Coleman Hawkins, Caroline Pitcher, Ken Crouch and Fiona Gilroy. Photo credit: Daniel Mahon
VicScreen and Screen Australia have unveiled a bold new initiative to address skills shortages in the Australian screen industry. Over the next four years, the agencies will provide a combined $1.4 million to support Screen Careers, which will be based out of Melbourne.
Screen Careers will deliver tailored, industry-led training programs and skills development opportunities for below-the-line crew across Australia, leveraging partnerships with ScreenSkills UK, BFI and BAFTA.
For aspiring screen practitioners, including school leavers, TAFE and university students, Screen Careers will serve as a gateway into the screen industry, providing essential foundational training. For established professionals, Screen Careers will offer lifelong career support, enabling individuals to progress and grow their careers within their respective fields through in-person workshops and e-learning programs.
Media Mentors Co-Founders Denise Eriksen and Esther Coleman-Hawkins will lead Screen Careers, alongside the ABC’s Head of Content Chris Oliver Taylor who has been appointed as the inaugural Chair. Joining them are Fiona Gilroy as Head of Business Development and Communications and Megan Mohell as Chief Operating Officer.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said, “The screen industry is growing and the Victorian Government is proud to back Screen Careers which will expand our highly skilled screen workforce, creating jobs for Victorians for years to come. By being headquartered in Victoria the initiative will create a pipeline of job-ready local screen practitioners, fuel production and confirm Victoria’s status as a global screen powerhouse.”
Federal Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke said, “We always talk about screen being one of the main ways that our stories are told to each other and to the world. I want one of those stories to be jobs. Not just jobs for the people who are on screen, but all the people around them who make it happen.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “Industry has told us that more below-the-line skills and training is needed as a matter of urgency and we are proud to be leading the charge in addressing this strategic need through our partnership with Screen Careers and Screen Australia. This multi-faceted initiative will deliver real results for Victoria’s screen industry and kickstart sustainable and successful careers for the next generation of below-the-line practitioners right here in Victoria.”
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, “Screen Careers marks an exciting advancement, as we strive to develop a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of Australia’s screen sector. This new initiative will address skills shortages by supporting crew at all stages of their careers, driving sustainability for our industry on a national scale.”
Screen Careers CEO, Esther Coleman-Hawkins said, “Screen Careers represents a significant investment in nurturing talent and fostering a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the evolving demands of the industry. We’re committed to providing essential training and lifelong support to below-the-line crew, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals into the industry.”
