Australia is embarking on a nationwide search to discover its next generation of screenwriting talent. In an exciting new partnership, Netflix ANZ has teamed up with the Australian Writers’ Guild and all eight State and Territory Screen Agencies to launch a major initiative called ‘The Next Brilliant Career’. This project is timed to celebrate both the upcoming release of My Brilliant Career and the enduring legacy of Miles Franklin, one of the nation’s most pioneering authors.

The initiative is designed to give emerging local writers a unique platform. Successful applicants will get the rare opportunity to receive direct feedback from Netflix executives to help them develop their original stories for the screen. It is a highly collaborative effort aimed at uncovering fresh, bold, and authentically Australian voices that can capture the imagination of audiences both at home and across the globe.

By partnering with state screen agencies, Netflix ANZ and the Australian Writers’ Guild are opening up a clear pathway for creators who have been working hard to establish their careers. Each of the eight state and territory screen agencies will run their own dedicated online portals to manage the initial application process. This ensures that every corner of the country, from Queensland to Tasmania, is included in this massive search.

Pitching your story at Netflix Headquarters

So, how does the programme actually work? The process begins with the submission of original scripted concepts through the local screen agency portals. Once the application window closes, an independent panel of experts from the Australian Writers’ Guild will take over to review and shortlist the submissions.

From this competitive shortlist, the panel will select just one finalist representing each Australian state and territory. These eight selected writers will then receive an invitation to travel to the Sydney headquarters of Netflix ANZ in October. There, they will have the chance to pitch their script ideas live to Netflix content executives. This live pitch session represents an extraordinary opportunity to receive professional feedback and guidance from film industry leaders who know exactly what it takes to bring a story from the page to the television or cinema screen.

Writers who take part in the programme can rest assured that they will retain full ownership of their original work throughout. Participating in ‘The Next Brilliant Career’ does not transfer any intellectual property rights in the submitted stories to Netflix, the Australian Writers’ Guild, or any of the state screen agencies. However, it is important to note that selection for the programme does not guarantee that Netflix will develop the story, provide future funding, or offer ongoing support once the initiative concludes.

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

To participate in this programme, applicants must meet a specific set of entry requirements. Because the initiative is targeted at supporting creators at a pivotal moment in their professional journey, eligibility is carefully defined.

First, applicants must be emerging writers. This is defined as holding between one and three reportable writer credits on a commercially released short film, feature film, or television series. The qualifying production must be longer than ten minutes and must have screened at a recognised film festival or received support from a state or federal screen agency.

In addition, applicants must be Australian residents who are at least 18 years of age. Full-time students are not eligible to apply for this programme. Crucially, this initiative is specifically designed for emerging writers who identify as women or non-binary, as part of the effort to support these voices in the screen industry. Finally, all applicants must be fully available to attend the live pitch day in Sydney, which is scheduled for 6 October 2026.

What Judges are Looking For

Applications will be assessed on several key factors, starting with the strength and distinctiveness of the writer’s voice. The judges want to see a central premise that is clear, compelling, and holds the potential to sustain either a television series or a feature film format.

Additionally, successful submissions must demonstrate a strong command of genre and a clear awareness of the current global screen marketplace. Above all, the scripted stories must be authentically and demonstrably Australian. As Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney noted, the state is home to incredible emerging writers who have bold, exciting stories just waiting to be told. This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to sharpen their craft, get feedback, and forge game-changing connections.

Amanda Duthie, the Content Director for Netflix ANZ, highlighted the inspiration behind the programme. She noted that Miles Franklin spent her career fighting for the right to tell her own story on her own terms, and ‘The Next Brilliant Career’ is built on that same conviction. By welcoming the next generation of bold voices, the programme aims to champion stories that resonate deeply in Australia culture and around the world.

How to Enter The Next Brilliant Career

Submissions are open from today, 4 August 2026, and will close on 18 August 2026 at 23:59. Writers will need to submit a working title, logline, genre, intended audience description, a brief professional biography, an explanation of the work’s cultural relevance and personal connection, a one-page synopsis, and a five-page writing sample.

To enter, applicants should head to:

If you live in South Australia, you can apply via the South Australian Film Corporation’s portal here: safilm.smartygrants.com.au
If you live in Canberra, you can apply via Screen Canberra’s portal here: screencanberra.smartygrants.com.au/TNBC26
If you live in New South Wales, you can apply via Screen NSW’s portal here: screennsw.smartygrants.com.au/thenextbrilliantcareer
If you live in the Northern Territory, you can apply via Screen Territory’s portal here: grantsnt.nt.gov.au
If you live in Queensland, you can apply via Screen Queensland’s portal here: screenqueensland.smartygrants.com.au/mynextbrilliantcareer
If you live in Tasmania, you can apply via Screen Tasmania’s portal here: buildingtasmania.smartygrants.com.au/BrilliantCareer
If you live in Victoria, you can apply via VicScreen’s portal here:
my.vicscreen.vic.gov.au/apply-for-funding/
If you live in Western Australia, you can apply via Screenwest’s portal https://screenwest.smartygrants.com.au/SWNextBrilliantCareerFY27