Meet our UNTAPPED 2026 Development Lab participants
In partnership with Screen Australia, we’re pleased to introduce the five emerging Australian writers and directors selected for our 2026 UNTAPPED Development Lab: Becki Bouchier, Carly Brand, Leslie Hornung, Joseph Meldrum and Ellen Shanley.
This year, we’ve expanded UNTAPPED’s focus beyond individual project development to support creatives in building sustainable screen careers and connections with the US industry.
Each participant will be paired with an industry mentor and join a curated program of sessions with Australian and international screen professionals. Dedicated pitch coaching will prepare them for a final Talent Showcase, where they’ll share their creative voice, the stories they want to tell and their career ambitions with leading industry professionals.
The Development Lab follows the first stage of UNTAPPED 2026, which featured masterclasses with Adrian Chiarella (Leviticus), Kalu Oji (Pasa Faho), AP Pobjoy (Homebodies) and Jasmine Yang (Glitch Productions).
Meet the participants
Becki Bouchier
VIC
Becki Bouchier is a Singaporean-Australian writer and director based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her work spans both comedy and drama, championing female-driven stories. As a recipient of the SBS Emerging Writers’ Incubator, Becki spent 12 months working as staff writer for production company Sweetshop & Green, helping to develop their scripted slate of film and television projects. She was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild AWGIE Award and an Australian Directors’ Guild Award for her short film Snapshot, which had its world premiere at Austin Film Festival. In 2025, Becki completed the Early Career Writers’ Program with Endemol Shine Australia, and worked in the script department for NCIS: Sydney Season 3.
Carly Brand
VIC
Carly Brand is a queer, female filmmaker based in Naarm/Melbourne. She recently graduated from the VCA with a Master of Film & Television. Her short film Nice Jewish Girl had its World premiere at BFI Flare in 2026 and has since been selected to screen at OUTSOUTH, Rio LGBTQIA+, the UK Jewish Film Festival and SJSFF. It was awarded Best Student Female Director and an Outstanding Achievement award for Best LGBTQ Short at Indie Short Fest. Carly is working on a slate of narrative films that explore the thematic strand of unfettered desire. She also supports local productions as a producer and 1st AD, having worked on 10+ shorts, features, web series, and documentaries in the past year.
Ellen Shanley
QLD
Ellen Shanley is a screenwriter who studied Journalism before teaching high school English and Drama. In 2019, she completed UCLA’s Professional Program in Writing for Television and won the competition for best Drama Pilot. The following year, Ellen was shortlisted for AWG’s John Hinde Award and selected for both QWC’s Scriptable and Playlab Theatre’s Incubator Writing Program. In 2021, she received a Screen Queensland supported placement for Stowe’s Sidewalk Narrative Lab. After completing a Master’s in Screenwriting, Ellen worked on TV series Rock Island Mysteries (Nickelodeon) and Troppo (ABC) as a Script Coordinator. She contributed additional dialogue to the feature film Ruby’s Choice. Ellen loves writing stories through a sapphic lens and is currently in AACTA’s Queensland Creative Launchpad cohort.
Joseph Meldrum
NSW
Joseph Meldrum is a proud queer Ghungalu/Bidjara/German filmmaker from the Northern Territory, Australia. Joseph’s career has taken him across Australia and North America since 2016 where he has been a Commissioning Editor (SBS/NITV), Acting Head of First Nations and Development/Investment Manager (Screen Australia), Content Director (Screen Queensland) and in production roles such as First Nations Producer (Secret DNA Of Us S2, SBS), Assistant Producer and Assistant Cam/Minicam Op (Gold Rush: Alaska Series 11 & 12, Discovery Channel) and in Lighting/Electrics (Peacemaker S1, Joy Ride, Midnight Mass S1, Two Sentence Horror Stories S1 & 2 and many more). Joseph has written, directed and produced television commercials and his debut short film
Maison (2021) and was one of the Screen Producers Australia’s “Ones To Watch” in 2024.
Leslie Hornung
WA
Leslie Hornung is a Western Australian screenwriter and filmmaker based in Perth. He has built experience across writers’ rooms, script departments and production on Australian film and television, with credits including
Two Birds (ITV/STAN),
Mystery Road: Origin
(ABC),
The Twelve
(BINGE),
Invisible Boys (STAN),
Scrublands: Silver
(STAN),
Kid Snow and Whale Shark Jack
(STAN). Leslie was selected for Screenwest’s 2024 Tele Navigator program with his original queer comedy-drama
Daddy. His previous work includes the award-winning documentary A Safe Space For All and Atom Award-nominated
Open Up. Leslie’s work is driven by distinctly Western Australian stories, queer perspectives and complicated, funny characters rarely afforded the opportunity to take centre stage.
AUSTRALIANS IN FILM AND SCREEN AUSTRALIA’S
FLAGSHIP TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
This year's Masterclass Series explored the theme of Creative Collaboration and brought together a remarkable group of Australian writers, directors and creators who have achieved breakthrough success with their original work over the past year.
Through a series of open-call online masterclasses, participants gained insight into the creative partnerships, processes and professional relationships that help transform ideas into completed screen projects. These sessions were designed to provide practical knowledge, honest conversations and valuable perspectives from creatives working at the highest levels of the industry.
Featured speakers included, Adrian Chiarella, whose debut feature Leviticus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired for U.S. distribution; Kalu Oji, whose debut feature Pasa Faho premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival before streaming on SBS On Demand; AP Pobjoy, creator of the acclaimed series Homebodies; and Jasmine, who shared insights from her own creative journey and collaborative practice.
Featured collaborators included cinematographer Gabriel Francis, who joined Kalu Oji to explore the writer–director–cinematographer relationship; producer Cyna Strachan, discussed their creative partnership with AP Pobjoy; writer Jake Sidwell, in conversation with producer and development executive Jasmine Yang; and production designer Bethany Ryan, shared insights alongside Adrian Chiarella on shaping story through design.
MASTERCLASS #1
Behind the Lens:
A Filmmaker and DoP Discuss Their Creative Partnership
Speakers: Kalu Oji and Gabriel Francis
MASTERCLASS #2
Behind the Lens:
A Filmmaker and DoP Discuss Their Creative Partnership
Speakers: AP Pobjoy - Cyna Strachan
MASTERCLASS #3
AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION:
A Producer and Writer on Collaboration, Fandom, and Making What You Love
Speakers:
Jasmine Yang and Jake Sidwell
MASTERCLASS #4
SETTING THE SCENE:
A Filmmaker and Production Designer on Building a World Together
Speakers:
Adrian Chiarella and Bethany Ryan
Adrian Chiarella
Writer | Director
Adrian is an award-winning Australian screenwriter and director. His debut feature, Leviticus, premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it was acquired by NEON. The film was also the Opening Night selection at the 2026 New Directors/New Films Festival at Lincoln Centre/MoMa, as well as playing in competition at the 2026 Sydney Film Festival. The film, alongside screenings at SXSW, Frameline, NewFest and SXSW London, opens in the US and Australia in June 2026. Adrian’s television directing credits include Totally Completely Fine (Fremantle Media, 2023) and Five Bedrooms (Hoodlum Entertainment/Paramount+, 2023), as well as television writing credits on Erotic Stories (SBS) for which he won an AWGIE Award for his work. Adrian’s short films have also played numerous international festivals, including Clemont-Ferrand, Sydney Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and Outfest, and earned him nominations from both AACTA and the Australian Directors Guild.
Bethany Ryan
Production Designer
Bethany Ryan is an Australian Production Designer. She has built an extensive list of credits, collaborating with a range of acclaimed directors. Her most recent work includes Leviticus, directed by Adrian Chiarella with Causeway Films, which premiered at Sundance 2026, where it was acquired by Neon. Also premiering in 2026, at SXSW, was The Fox, directed by Dario Russo and produced by Causeway Films. Bethany’s previous credits include Jimpa (dir. Sophie Hyde), starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, Talk to Me (dir. Danny and Michael Philippou), Of An Age and You Won’t Be Alone (dir. Goran Stolevski) and Buoyancy (dir. Rodd Rathjen). Bethany holds an Honours degree in Interior Design from RMIT and began her professional life in architecture. She later trained at AFTRS, specialising in Production Design, and has since built a career marked by versatility and a distinctive visual voice
Jasmine Yang
Development Executive
Jasmine is the Development Executive for Glitch Productions, an independent animation studio based in Sydney, Australia that just released The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act which grossed over $37.6 million globally.
Having grown with the company since close to its inception, she has overseen every single series, product, and project, working across creative development, scripting, voice acting direction, marketing, merchandise, and distribution. In her private life, she is a prolific tabletop gaming writer, and amateur voice actor herself.
Jake Sidwell
Writer
Jake Sidwell is a writer and composer who got his start with the Adult Swim show, Final Space, which was #1 on Netflix internationally. He then co-wrote the pilot episode and composed the soundtrack for an upcoming animated sequel series, Godspeed. He also co-wrote the tie-in graphic novel, The Final Chapter (which sold more than 40,000 copies), and composed the accompanying soundtrack. Glitch Productions initially contracted him as a punch-up writer for the upcoming animated show, Lackadaisy (based on Tracy Butler’s comic), but he was soon hired on as a full-time staff writer. He’s currently writing for several other unannounced projects in development with Glitch.
Kalu Oji
Filmmaker
Kalu Oji is a filmmaker and educator whose practice is rooted in process-driven collaboration and the exploration of memory, place, and identity. Working in film and television for over a decade, his projects have screened at major international film festivals including the BFI London Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Sydney Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Festival, where in 2019 he was named the 'Filmmaker to Watch'. His debut feature film Pasa Faho premiered at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival to sold-out audiences, before going on to screen at the Chicago International Film Festival, Glasgow Film Festival, and the Africa International Film Festival, where it was awarded Best International Feature Film. In early 2026, Pasa Faho completed a national theatrical tour of Australia and is now available for streaming via SBS On Demand. Kalu is currently in development with his sophomore feature film.
Gabriel Francis
Cinematographer
Gabriel Francis is an award-winning cinematographer based in Naarm (Melbourne). He is a MIFF Accelerator Lab Alumni and his portfolio of film work spans across narrative fiction, documentary, commercial and visual art. Gabriel’s cinematography has screened globally, including
Blackwood (BFI London Film Festival, Palm Springs Int Film Festival),
Hayat (DOC NYC),
Tuī Ná (MIFF),
What’s In A Name? (Sydney International Film Festival). The ACS has awarded him a gold in Art, Innovation and Specialised Cinematography for Banksia (dir. Atong Atem), and bronze for his work on feature film,
Pasa Faho (dir. Kalu Oji). Gabriel has a longstanding collaboration with Kalu. They are also part of the Naarm based film collective TEN DAYS. The 2025 release of
Pasa Faho marked their debut long form project. A 2026 recipient of the Emerging Artist Grant supported by the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, Gabriel will undertake a mentorship in New York later this year.
AP Pobjoy
Writer | Director
Named one of Inside Film’s Rising Talent, AP Pobjoy is an award-winning, ADG-nominated writer/director based in Gadigal Land. AP is the creator, lead writer, and one of the directors of drama series Homebodies (SBS), which premiered in competition at Series Mania 2026. It was one of only two Australian works selected for the festival, receiving a Special Mention in the Short Form category and praised as a Global Breakout by Deadline. AP wrote and directed the series Unerased, nominated for SPA’s Online Series Production of the Year, and the documentary Why Did She Have To Tell The World?, which earned an ADG nomination, won Best Film at the Mardi Gras Film Festival’s My Queer Career, and was nominated for the Iris Prize. Their work has been recognised by The Guardian, The Age, Stronger Than Fiction, RUUSH Magazine, and Global Citizen. AP’s work explores family, memory, transformation and identity through character-driven storytelling.
Cyna Strachan
Producer
Cyna Strachan is a producer and co-founder of Mad Ones. With a background of studies in music, art and design, she champions queer and female-driven stories. Cyna was a co-producer on Sophie Hyde’s Jimpa, starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival; Executive Producer on It’s All Going Very Well, written and directed by Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and starring Jonathan Pryce; and is the producer of SBS Digital Originals Homebodies, starring Claudia Karvan, which premiered at Series Mania in 2026 before releasing on SBS. Cyna has produced an expansive catalogue of award-winning short films, including You and Me Before and After (TIFF 2021), Strangers (Iris Prize 2019) and Adult (SXSW 2017). Previously, Cyna was production executive at Aquarius Films, working across multiple projects including The Unusual Suspects (SBS), Born to Spy (ABC), and as Associate Producer on Love Me S1 (BINGE) and Savage River (ABC).
Whether you are an emerging writer, director, producer, actor or creative practitioner, UNTAPPED offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, expand your network and connect with a community of like-minded storytellers.
We will see you again in 2027
FAQs
ELIGIBILITY
Is there an age limit or a disadvantage being a mature-aged applicant?
There is no age limit or disadvantage being a mature-aged applicant! We encourage adults (18+) of all ages to apply.
I’m an Australian citizen currently residing outside of Australia, does my location matter and am I eligible?
You can live anywhere in the world. You are eligible if you are an Australian citizen or permanent Australian resident.
I am not an Australian citizen, but I can get citizenship, will you consider me?
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your application.
I’m an Australian citizen but an American permanent resident, can I still apply?
Dual citizens are eligible, or you can be an Australian citizen with permanent residency in a different country, or a permanent resident of Australia but a citizen of a different country.
How do you define ‘emerging’?
For UNTAPPED, when we say “emerging” we are generally referring to early-career writers and directors. Most importantly, we are seeking individuals or teams with demonstrated talent and commitment to their careers, but who do not currently have the access and opportunity to take their careers to the next level.
I have a short film(s) on the festival circuit, am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible.
I was a participant in a similar program (e.g., accelerator program / talent camp), am I eligible?
Yes, you are still eligible.
I am an alumna / alumnus of a film school, am I eligible?
All film school alumni are eligible.
I am a full-time student in a different field, am I eligible?
UNTAPPED is a professional development program. Please do not apply if you are a full-time student.
Can we apply as a team of three?
Unfortunately, we do not accept teams of three. Two is the maximum number of applicants.
I’m an emerging screenwriter working on projects with another emerging screenwriter, can we apply as a team?
Yes, but all applicants must be working on all submitted ideas. You may apply as a team of two consisting of either two writers, two directors, or a writer and a director.
Can I apply with more than one project idea?
Yes! This year, applicants are encouraged to submit up to five project ideas (features or series), each with a logline and a short paragraph of no more than 150 words. You may apply as the primary applicant on one submission and as a co-applicant on a second submission.
What does ‘in development’ mean exactly? Do I have to have producers or other big talent/execs attached to any of my projects?
We are open to project ideas at any stage, including early concepts. You do not need attachments or a completed script. We want to see your range of ideas and your creative vision.
My project is under consideration for Screen Australia (or other government screen agency) development funding, am I still eligible?
Yes, you are still eligible. If one or more of your projects are sold to a third party after the commencement of UNTAPPED, you will no longer be eligible for the Development Lab.
May I reapply to UNTAPPED with the same project ideas as last year?
Yes, you may reapply. We encourage you to articulate in your application how you have continued to develop your ideas and your artistic career since you last applied.
MATERIALS
Do you accept documentaries?
No, you cannot apply for UNTAPPED with a documentary project.
Do you accept short film concepts?
No, we do not accept short films. You must apply with an idea for a feature film or series.
Do you accept projects inspired by real events / true stories / real people?
Your project ideas can be based on real events, true stories, or real people, as long as they are in the public domain, free of copyright issues, or you have obtained the necessary underlying rights. Projects must be narrative (scripted), not documentary.
I have a unique idea, are you open to all stories?
We are excited by things which are wildly creative and out of the box!
What materials should I submit?
Please submit up to five project ideas, each with a logline and a short paragraph (max 150 words). You should also include a statement of interest with your personal career goals, a biography, and a prior work sample. Samples may include short films, pilots, or feature screenplays. Treatments and pitch decks will not be accepted as samples. If you are applying as a director, you must submit a link to a directing work sample. You may also submit supplemental materials such as treatments, outlines, lookbooks or pitch decks.
Can directors show previous work?
Directors are required to include a link to prior work.
What do you want to see in a directing work sample?
Please select what you consider to be your best work that is most relevant to your submitted projects. The sample should demonstrate your visual storytelling ability. Directing reels will not be accepted. We will watch one work sample only. Please do not submit multiple samples. If you are directing us to your website, please specify which film or video you would like the committee to review. Make sure to include the password if the link is protected.
How can my application stand out?
Articulate your goals for your career and what you hope to gain from the program. Convey your passion and why it is so important for you to tell these stories. We want to see a unique and authentic perspective, something only you can make!
Do you accept short-form series, such as vertical dramas/micro-dramas?
No, we do not accept short-form projects. You must apply with an idea for a feature film, one-hour, or half-hour series.
MASTERCLASSES
When do the Masterclasses take place?
Great question! This year the 4 Masterclasses are weekly, not monthly as in previous years. All four Masterclasses will take place over four consecutive weeks beginning mid-July. Each session is 60 minutes (45 min discussion + 15 min Audience Q&A) and will be held between 9am-12pm Sydney time. If you cannot attend live, you will be given access to watch the recording online.
Would it be possible to attend the Masterclasses only, without applying for the Development Lab?
Yes! This year we are offering a Masterclass Package for those who wish to attend all four Masterclasses without applying for the Development Lab. You must register to attend.
Will you have closed captioning?
Yes, we will have closed captioning for all Masterclasses.
Are the Masterclass speakers involved in the selection process?
No, the Masterclass speakers are not involved in the selection process. AiF staff will oversee the selection process.
DEVELOPMENT LAB
What is the schedule for the UNTAPPED Development Lab?
The Lab runs from September through December 2026. It is not a full-time program; participants will meet in group sessions and individual one-on-one meetings up to 2 times weekly over the course of the lab. The schedule will be confirmed with selected participants.
Is the Development Lab still project-specific?
The 2026 Development Lab is creator-focused rather than project-specific. Participants will work across a range of their ideas, developing their creative voice, career strategy, and pitching skills, before selecting one project to focus on and present at the end of the program.
How do participants get matched with mentors?
Development Lab participants will be paired with their mentors by Australians in Film staff in consultation with mentors.
How will I find out if I’m accepted or not?
All applicants will be notified directly via email in late September 2026, whether or not they are accepted. Selected participants will be publicly announced in September 2026.
How many people will read my application?
Every application will be read at least once and may be read up to four times.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Will the entire program be online, is any travel involved?
This entire program will be online through Zoom.
Should I submit as soon as possible?
Submission order is not taken into consideration. Please don’t rush; take your time to finish your application properly. Be clear and specific. You only have one chance to submit.
Do you take the intellectual property?
No, we do not. You own 100% of the IP.
Will you grant any application deadline extensions?
No extensions will be given.
Will you grant an application fee waiver if I am unable to afford it?
Australians in Film will consider a fee waiver. Please email untapped@australiansinfilm.org with a description of your financial hardship.