The upcoming global launch of My Brilliant Career, which premieres globally on Netflix on 13 August 2026, has prompted a strategic partnership in Sydney. To celebrate the upcoming screen adaptation of this classic Australian work, Netflix and Substack recently brought together some of Australia’s most influential creatives, writers and cultural voices for an intimate luncheon. Hosted at Sydney venue The James, the gathering united the cast and creative team of the upcoming series with leading Substack writers and tastemakers for an afternoon of conversation.
The discussion explored what it means to build a brilliant career, embrace ambition and live life on your own terms. These thematic threads have defined Sybylla Melvyn, the fearless heroine of Miles Franklin’s novel, for more than 125 years. Inspired by this legacy, guests at the event reflected on creativity, authorship and what it takes to forge an independent path in today’s world.
A digital alliance for independent storytellers
The luncheon marked a fitting collaboration between Netflix and Substack, representing two platforms committed to championing powerful storytelling and the voices behind it. Author and Substack writer Bri Lee hosted a panel featuring My Brilliant Career lead star Philippa Northeast, writer and executive producer Liz Doran, and executive producer Chloe Rickard.
Also in attendance at the Sydney gathering were castmates Kate Mulvany and Miah Madden, directors Alyssa McClelland and Anne Renton, and Netflix ANZ Head of Content Amanda Duthie.
This partnership will extend throughout August via an original essay series centred around the core themes of My Brilliant Career. Essays from Chloe Rickard, Liz Doran and Samantha Wills are now live. Over the coming weeks, Substack will publish more essays from a diverse group of Australian writers, including Bri Lee, Sunny Adcock, Anna Mackenzie, Anita Heiss, Hannah Ferguson, Dr Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin), Lucy Blackiston, Soph Hirst, Zara Wong and Rachael Akhidenor.
National search launched for Australian screenwriters
The luncheon followed recent news of “The Next Brilliant Career,” a nationwide search for Australia’s next great screenwriter. Developed by Netflix ANZ, the search is run in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and Australia’s eight state and territory screen agencies.
Applications for the search are open now and will close on 18 August 2026. Aspiring writers can submit applications through their respective state or territory screen agency portals, where further information is hosted.
Both the essay series and the screenwriter search are built on the same conviction: that extraordinary Australian voices deserve to be heard. This initiative directly honours the spirit of Miles Franklin herself, who spent her career fighting for the right to tell her own story on her own terms. By aligning a global streaming service with a platform for independent writers, the collaboration highlights the enduring power of Franklin’s legacy and its relevance to modern Australian storytelling.
