Meet the 2019 Ones to Watch!

Screen Producers Australia
12 June 2019

From a writer/producer living in the remote Indigenous community of Ngukurr, to a filmmaker from Western Sydney with a penchant for projects that authentically explore the intersection between gender, queer and ethnic identity, the 2019 Ones To Watch showcase the diversity of Australia's screen talent.

Now in it's seventh iteration, Ones To Watch is an annual initiative by Screen Producers Australia (SPA) aimed at accelerating the careers of Australia's screen makers. Sixteen emerging producers from across Australia have been chosen for this year's program after a competitive submission process which included compliance with strict application guidelines. 

"SPA has an impressive history of nurturing the next wave of Australia’s talented producers," said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. "In tandem with the industry expertise of our project partners and valued mentors, we are excited to support the journeys of the 2019 Ones To Watch as they are exposed to exclusive industry opportunities and grow as distinctive Australian storytellers."

The Ones To Watch will spend six months being mentored by some of the most accomplished and experienced producers in the Australian screen industry, as well as attending development workshops and opportunities, before being provided with a specially curated itinerary at SCREEN FOREVER 2019 (12-14 November, Melbourne).

They will also be given the opportunity to participate in one-on-one pitching sessions with commissioning editors from SBS, with one participant being awarded the $15,000 ‘SBS First Look Grant’ to assist in the development of ideas and project concepts. 

Additionally, the participants are eligible for the Screen Australia supported 'Screen Internship', a $20,000 grant which allows the recipient to work with a host production company from any country, including Australia, and for any screen content type.

The recipients of both grants will be announced at the 19th Annual Screen Producers Australia Awards at the Forum Theatre, Melbourne on the final day of SCREEN FOREVER 2019.

The class of 2019:

Belinda Dean, NSW

Vonne Patiag, NSW

Taryne Laffar, WA

Paul Moran, TAS

Emilia Jolakoska, WA

Courtney Collins, NT

Hayley Johnson, NSW

Jim Wright, VIC

Jo de Fina, VIC

Mary Duong, QLD

Rachel Higgins, NSW

Matthew Webb, NSW

Lizzie Cater, NSW

Riley Nottingham, VIC

Nicole Delprado, NSW

Rebecca Elliot, SA