This Just In: Netflix Is Backing a New Australian Screenwriting Program — Where Emerging Creatives Pitch Directly to Its Executives
Eight emerging women and non-binary writers will have the chance to pitch original scripts to Netflix execs through a new national development program.
Got a script that deserves to be greenlit? Netflix ANZ has just partnered with the Australian Writers' Guild (AWG) alongside eight state and territory screen agencies to launch 'The Next Brilliant Career' — a development program designed to not only support emerging Australian writers, but also advance diversity in the local screen industry.
Open to emerging writers across Australia who identify as women or non-binary, the program is accepting original scripted concepts. And if yours hits the mark, you'll have the chance to pitch it directly to Netflix, where those who shape the streaming giant's content will provide structured feedback that helps develop your story for audience screens.
If you've got aspirations to be the next screenwriting great, such as leading Australian voices like Sarah Lambert (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, Lambs of God, Dance Academy) and international icons like Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha, Lady Bird, Little Women, Barbie), this program will select one writer from each state and territory to attend a dedicated pitch day at Netflix HQ in Sydney.
My Brilliant Career. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Taking place on Tuesday, October 6, the selected participants will present their story directly to Netflix ANZ executives and receive in-room feedback. Then, participants will have the opportunity to refine their concept and receive further written feedback. To get you to the meeting, Netflix is covering return economy-class travel to Sydney (by air or rail), plus up to two nights' accommodation.
While The Next Brilliant Career program — named after a new Netflix adaptation directed and written by South Australia's own Liz Doran — doesn't guarantee that any one pitch will be commissioned for development, it does offer a rare opportunity to have an original idea heard and developed by a major streamer. And when it comes to getting your screenwriting career off the ground, just getting in the room with decision-makers is half the battle.
So, who's eligible to apply? The program asks that participants be aged over 18 and identify as a woman or non-binary. Meanwhile, applicants can't be enrolled as full-time students but should be emerging screenwriters with between one and three reportable writer credits, such as a commercially released short film, feature film, or television series. Is that you? Shoot your shot and screenwriting stardom could be closer than you think.
My Brilliant Career. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Submissions for Netflix ANZ's The Next Brilliant Career are now open until 11:59pm AEST on Tuesday, August 18. Head to the website for more information, including full eligibility criteria and program guidelines.
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