AUSTRALIANS IN FILM AND SCREEN AUSTRALIA’S FLAGSHIP TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
This year's Masterclass Series explores the theme of Creative Collaboration and brings 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 will gain insight into the creative partnerships, processes and professional relationships that help transform ideas into completed screen projects. These sessions are designed to provide practical knowledge, honest conversations and valuable perspectives from creatives working at the highest levels of the industry.
Featured speakers include 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 will share insights from her own creative journey and collaborative practice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alongside the Masterclass Series, a select group of filmmakers will participate in the UNTAPPED Development Lab. New for 2026, the Lab will focus on professional and career development, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and industry connections needed to build sustainable careers in the screen industry.
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.
Applications for the UNTAPPED Development Lab and registrations for the Masterclass Series are now open.
Join us online for UNTAPPED 2026 and be part of the next generation of Australian screen talent.
How to Participate
There are two ways to participate in UNTAPPED 2026:
Development Lab Application: Apply for the Development Lab and attend all four Masterclasses as part of the process. ($25 USD Total)
Masterclass Package: Register to attend all four Masterclasses without applying for the Development Lab. ($20USD Total)
The Program
The program runs online from July to December 2026, providing practical creative pathways and fostering exciting collaborations for a new generation of Australian filmmakers.
Phase One: Masterclass Series
The program begins with a series of open-access online Masterclasses available to all eligible applicants. This year’s theme is Creative Collaboration.
In each session, attendees will hear from a different Australian writer, director, or actor who has achieved breakthrough success with their original work. These visionary creators and their collaborators will offer in-depth discussions on the creative partnerships and relationships that help bring groundbreaking screen stories to life.
Please note: this year, Masterclasses will take place weekly (not monthly as in previous years). See the timeline below for dates.
Eligibility for the Development Lab is contingent upon attendance of all four Masterclasses.
Phase Two: Development Lab
Following the Masterclasses, five to six writers, writer/directors, or writer/director teams will be selected for the UNTAPPED Development Lab, a virtual two-month intensive mentorship program running from September to December 2026.
Unlike previous years, the 2026 Development Lab is creator-focused rather than project-specific. Rather than developing a single project, participants will work to identify their strongest creative ideas, develop their voice and vision, and build the skills and strategy needed to take their careers to the next level.
Each participant or team will receive a stipend of AUD $2,000.
Over the course of the Lab, participants will:
- Work with AiF, industry consultants, and peers in group sessions to review their project ideas and receive feedback
- Be paired with a mentor, meeting one-on-one three times over the course of the program via Zoom
- Be partnered with an UNTAPPED alum to receive peer support and insight from someone who has been through the program
- Participate in virtual roundtable sessions with a range of industry professionals, covering topics including pitching, story development, and navigating the film and television industry
- Work with a pitching coach to develop and refine their presentation skills in preparation for a final Industry Showcase, where they will introduce themselves and share one of their project ideas to an online audience of industry professionals
UNTAPPED 2026 Timeline
- June 22, 2026 - 4:00pm PDT | June 23, 2026 - 9:00am AEST: Applications and registrations open
- July 13, 2026 - 5:00pm PDT July 14, 2026 - 10:00am AEST: Application deadline
- July 21, 2026 - 5:00pm PDT | July 22, 2026 - 10:00am AEST: Masterclass 1
- July 28, 2026 - 5:00pm PDT | July 29, 2026 - 10:00am AEST: Masterclass 2
- August 4, 2026 - 5:00pm PDT | August 5, 2026 - 10:00am AEST: Masterclass 3
- August 11, 2026 - 5:00pm PDT | August 12, 2026 - 10:00am AEST: Masterclass 4
- September 2026 - All applicants notified of their status
- September 2026 - Selected Development Lab participants announced
- Late September - December 2026 - UNTAPPED Development Lab
Application Requirements
For consideration in the UNTAPPED Development Lab, applicants must submit an online application including a logline and short paragraph (up to 150 words) for up to five project ideas (features or series), a statement of interest including personal career goals and what they hope to gain from the program, an applicant biography, and a prior work sample. The program is for scripted feature and series projects only, not documentary.
There is a one-time application fee of $25 USD to cover some of the expenses incurred from eligibility checks and assessment of applications, and attendance of the four Masterclasses.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to request a fee waiver, please send an email with an explanation of your hardship to untapped@australiansinfilm.org.
Program Eligibility
UNTAPPED is a program for emerging Australian writers and/or directors who have not yet received significant recognition and opportunity in their artistic career.
Priority will be given to applicants who have not received prior funding from Screen Australia or state agencies.
Applicants must be a writer and/or director. They may apply as an individual or with a co-applicant who is also a writer and/or director. Co-applicants must also be a writer and/or director.
Applicants will only be considered if they meet the following eligibility requirements and Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade. If you are submitting as a team, the following must be true for the co-applicant as well:
- You have not previously participated in any of the following Australians in Film or Screen Australia Programs: Gateway LA, Global Producers Exchange, Mentor LA, Talent Gateway, Talent USA: LA
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia
- You are not enrolled full-time or part-time in a film, television or interactive digital media course at a film school or other tertiary educational institution
- You are not an employee of a broadcaster or commissioning platform (e.g. an SVOD service)
- You are not acting in the capacity of a trustee of a trust
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Uniqueness, creative potential, and range of submitted project ideas
- Specificity of stated goals and creative vision in the statement of interest
- Demonstrated talent in project materials and work sample
For questions about the application or eligibility please contact untapped@australiansinfilm.org
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!
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.
