Inspirit Lab
GUIDELINES
The Inspirit Lab created by Typecast and presented with principal partner VicScreen and partner Screen Australia Indigenous Department, will deliver a series of masterclasses simulating a ‘writers’ room’ where teams will learn about the adaptation of existing IP and screenwriting. Participants will use award winning author Tony Birch’s book “THE PROMISE” as their source material and will adapt one of the short stories from the novel into a short film script. They will be guided through the various stages involved in the art of screen adaptation, simultaneously honing their craft and developing a pitch ready script for financing.
Facilitator:
Trudy Hellier (Lowdown, Little Acorns, Daisy Quokka).
Guest Mentors:
Tony Birch (novelist The Promise, The White Girl, Ghost River);
Tony Briggs (The Sapphires, The Warriors);
Elise McCredie (The Clearing, Stateless, Nowhere Boys, Ride Like a Girl);
Jan Sardi (The Secret River, Mao’s Last Dancer, The Notebook, Shine).
Guest Speakers:
Robert Connolly (The Dry, The Dry 2: Force of Nature, Paper Planes)
Joanne Donahoe-Beckwith (Fisk, Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story, Utopia)
Julia Adams (Entertainment lawyer and Commercial lawyer)
About the Program:
The Inspirit Lab
The aim of Inspirit Lab initiative is to deliver a program of masterclasses and hands-on experiences where the participants learn the various stages involved in adapting a short story for the screen. The Inspirit Lab is:
· Open to a cohort of Victorian Indigenous applicants who can apply individually or as writing teams (i.e. Writers with Directors and/or Producers).
· A series of 2-day monthly workshops over six months simulating a ‘writers’ room’.
· Focuses solely on the art of adaptation and screenplay development with access to experienced industry mentors teaching the complexities of the screenwriting process in relation to an existing IP.
· Development of your script where you receive individual feedback from experienced Script Editors and mentors.
· Participants return to the ‘room’ to work on further revised drafts and polished versions of your script.
· Will allow the creatives to have ample time to refine their scripts for final draft delivery.
· Participants will receive an introduction to budgeting and scheduling from an experienced Producer to inform their writing and allow them to have a realistic script for pitching for finance.
· Selected participants will be provided with an allowance to support their participation in the Program.
Inspirit Lab Outcomes:
The Inspirit Lab model is designed to give selected individuals or teams of Indigenous creatives:
· An introduction to the art of adaptation
· A greater insight into the creative development process of adapting existing IP with exclusive access to the originator of the IP and with the guidance of our highly experienced facilitator, experienced script editors and highly experienced industry mentors specialising in literary adaptations.
· An introduction in the short film art form
· An understanding of the basics and complex screenwriting process and industry standards
· An opportunity to complete a short film script to the highest quality ready for financing.
Participating guidelines:
The Inspirit Lab will be open to Indigenous Victorian participants, who can demonstrate previous experience and strong interest in all aspects of the creative writing and filmmaking process.
Eligibility:
· Be over 18 years of age.
· Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
· Must be a Victorian Resident.
· Not be enrolled on a full-time basis at a tertiary education institution.
· Have a creative background in film or the performing arts.
· Demonstrate previous creative writing experience and a commitment to screen writing and/or a body of writing work.
· Studied film and TV and/or acting.
· Available to meet all program deadlines and participate in all Inspirit Lab days.
· Participants can apply individually or as a team (a writer and a director, or writer/director and producer).
Selected participants will need to demonstrate:
· a commitment to creative writing, with a sample of work submitted.
· previous screen or stage-based works.
· how their participation will advance their professional advancement and have a benefit to their career prospects.
· a commitment to the timeframes and ability to attend the entire program.
Timeline:
Call out to Filmmakers: Mon 18th September.
Applications close at 5pm on Tues 10th October.
Participants announced: Friday 20th October.
Workshop 1: Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st October 2023
Workshop 2: Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th November 2023
Workshop 3: Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th January 2024
Workshop 4: Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th February 2024
Workshop 5: Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th March 2024
Final script delivery April 20th, 2024.
How will Applications be assessed?
· Track record of the writer with quality of sample work submitted.
· Benefits of the Program to the Writer’s or writer/director teams careers
· The willingness of the writer and teams to engage in the Inspirit Lab program development process and work professionally to a high technical standard within the timeframes provided.
· Application’s will be assessed by a panel from Vicscreen and Typecast.
How to Apply –
Applicants need to submit:
· CV or Resume
· 200-word Bio
· Professional development Statement (max 1 page) stating how this Lab will benefit your writing/directing goals and how you will benefit from the learning the art of adaptation.
· A sample of previous writing work (max 3 pages)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Typecast, VicScreen and Screen Australia expects all applicants to adhere to the protocols set by Screen Australia’s First Nations Department’s pathways and protocols. Typecast, VicScreen and Screen Australia are committed to providing culturally safe working environments for all staff and external stakeholders. We encourage all applicants and Inspirit Lab participants to get in touch with us at any time throughout the process if they have questions or concerns.
For more information on the Inspirit Lab please contact:
Kynan Clarke
INSPIRIT LAB 2023-2024 IS NOW COMPLETE
