AWG on Demand

Apple Cider Vinegar is currently taking the world by storm on Netflix. Dramatising the life and crimes of Belle Gibson, the series is a dazzling example of Australian television, bold in its storytelling style, anchored by a brilliant performances, and led by writer, creator, and showrunner Samantha Strauss. Join us for a deep dive into the writing, development, and production of this outstanding series. How did Samantha come to be involved in telling such a hotly publicised true story? How did she navigate the creative and practical challenges? Where did her writing journey begin? And how has she managed her transition into showrunning?

How does a work of dramatic writing retain its voice throughout translation into another language? How does the relationship between writer and translator work during this mysterious and complex process? AWG Lunch Break returns for 2025 with three AWG members and award-winning playwrights, Alana Valentine, Matthew Whittet and Lachlan Philpott, giving us an insight into the art of the translation process. The panel is moderated by playwright Michele Lee.

What are secondary royalties? Where do they come from and how do you receive them? Next month on Lunch Break, join Manager of the Australian Writers’ Guild Authorship Collecting Society (AWGACS) Molly Ulm, to learn more about what you need to do to protect your right to secondary royalties.

This year saw the second iteration of our groundbreaking career acceleration program: The Creators With support from Screen Australia, this program sends six high-calibre writers to Los Angeles for high-level showrunner training and supports them to make connections in LA while developing a slate of premium Australian television. Next month on Lunch Break, join the 2024 cohort as they reunite and reflect on lessons learned from their time in LA.

Some of the most common questions we get from members are about finding an agent. Do I even need one? Who’s the right fit? What are they looking for? How do I make a great first impression? Once I have one, how does the relationship work and what can I expect? We’ve gathered three highly experienced and knowledegable agents to answer all these burning questions and more!

If you’re a writer for stage or screen, you’ve probably considered dabbling in the wonderful world of the web series. Hear from these four incredible writers-for-web as they fill us in on breaking in, platforms, funding, everything you need to know!

Have you always wanted to try your hand at a different way of writing? Are you looking to diversify your income and dip your toe into a totally new form or genre? Marieke Hardy, Tommy Murphy and Katherine Thomson chat to us all about the perils and benefits of working across screen, stage, audio, documentary, comedy and more.

It’s nearly AWGIES time! In the week before the big event, we’re chatting with some of the award nominees about their outstanding projects and the writing teams and processes that led to their recent AWGIE nominations. Featuring Finnegan Kruckemeyer, Giula Sandler, Jacklyn Bassanelli, Kim Ho and Mitch McTaggart.

Audio is an increasingly popular medium for writers and comedians working across platforms. Is it true that all you need is a laptop, a good idea and a decent pair of headphones? In this beginner-friendly conversation, Declay Fay (award-winning comedy writer and co-creator of ARIA-nominated and i-Tune-chart-topping podcasts Crossbread and The Sweetest Plum) shares his own journey into audio.

Key players from the world of Narrative Direction and Writing for Games talk about their pathway into the industry and lessons learned.

Following on from our Creators Lunch Break, we’ve added an extra special member-exclusive conversation with Hollywood Showrunner Jeff Melvoin, as he prepares to launch his new book “Running the Show: Television from the Inside“. Jeff shares his fascinating insider’s perspective on the ethical side of show running and writing with humour, integrity, and wisdom.

In the lead up to Melbourne International Games Week, we’re embracing all things Narrative Design! All are welcome to this enlightening and timely conversation between two playwrights-turned-narrative-designers, JoJo Zhou and Ellen Jurik.

This year, with the support of Screen Australia, we sent six high-calibre writers to LA for a dynamic career acceleration program to hone their skills and further develop a slate of premium Australian television. They received high level training in showrunning and immersed themselves in the local scene. As fate would have it, their travel dates aligned almost exactly with the beginning of significant and ongoing WGA strike action. Four months on, The Creators reflect on lessons learned from their time in LA.

This month on Lunch Break, we’ve invited a compelling panel of writers, performers and advocates with disability  and/or who are Deaf to discuss how considering inclusive practice throughout every stage of the writing and production process can enrich your creative outcomes.

This month on Lunch Break, screenwriter Niki Aken interviews comedian Zoe Coombs Marr (Queerstralia) and filmmaker Sari Braithwaite (Because We Have Each Other) about the unique process of building a narrative based on true events and real people.

In this AWG exclusive event, Julie Eckersley, Head of Scripted at SBS and Scripted Commissioning Editor, Loani Arman share their expert advice on how to hone your pitch materials to give your project its best chance to stand out in the crowd.

This month on Lunch Break, hear from our CEO Claire Pullen as she discusses upcoming changes to the Australian Writers’ Guild Constitution, as well as key priorities for the Guild in 2023 and beyond. This is a great opportunity for new and existing members to raise the issues and opportunities that are important to you.

Find out more about AWG and Screen Australia’s new development program The Creators via this information session, featuring AWG Professional Development Manager Susie Hamilton, AWG President Shane Brennan and Screen Australia’s Head of Development Louise Gough.

Andrew Rodgers, Studio Enterprise Sales Associate at Final Draft, discusses writing, pre-production and production tools in Final Draft 12 and new program features including Focus Mode, Track Changes and PDF Import.

Join Sam Meikle in conversation with James Dormer as they discuss his own origin story, his career to date, working in the UK, and the role of a showrunner in international television.

Sam Meikle chats with ABC’s Head of Children’s Content Libbie Doherty about Aussie kids content.

Join Sam Meikle in conversation with Sarah Lambert as they discuss her creative pathway, her process, her work here and overseas, and her evolution as a showrunner.

Join us as we talk ‘The Business of Writing – Getting the basics right.’ Presented by Media Super, this hour-long webinar is designed to give you an overview and provide general guidance as you investigate your options for the future. Featuring Tony Nagle from Nagle Accounting, Jonathon Venables, Senior Business Development Manager at Media Super, and screenwriter and producer Liz Doran.

Join Sam Meikle in conversation with Tony McNamara as they discuss his work, his process, and remarkable writing career to date.

We’re joined by line producer Jonny Kennerley to discuss the paradox of the budgeting process – the numbers don’t lie, but they can be creative too.

We talk to Shaun Grant about his impressive career, how he approaches adaptations, the importance of creative partnerships and much more.

Alexander Swords discusses the world of narrative design and writing for games with Gianni Di Giovanni.

Hear from our new AWG Executive Director, Claire Pullen and the rest of the AWG team, who will be discussing the benefits of membership, the range of services the Guild offers, and upcoming professional development opportunities.

Screenwriters Ceinwen Langley (Itch) and Julie Kalceff (First Day) join ABC’s Development Executive for Children’s Content, Michael Drake, and Komixx Entertainment Group’s Managing Director Australia and Global Head of Production, Amanda Morrison, to discuss the writing and development of Australian children’s television.

Our panel of industry representatives share the diversity initiatives they have undertaken over the past few years, including success stories and discussion on what works and where there is room for improvement. Featuring Donna Chang (Commissioning Editor, SBS Scripted) Grainne Brunsdon (Head of Screen NSW), Sabina Giado (Writer/filmmaker/consultant on I.C.E.’s Cultural Safety Risk Assessment Toolkit) and Laurrie Brannigan-Onato (Development & Investment Manager, Screen Australia).

With Aussie animation taking on the world, Thomas Duncan-Watt sits down with two of its brightest new stars, Nick Watson and Charlotte Rose Hamlyn to talk comedy, art and what it really takes to write for the toons!

Join screenwriters Monica Zanetti (Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt), Sisters, My Life Is Murder) and Julie Kalceff (First Day, Starting From Now) for an in-depth conversation on their past and current projects, experiences in the industry, and LGBTQI+ representation in Australian film and television.

This recording contains discussion of mental ill-health and suicide that may impact some viewers. If you feel distressed by this content, please talk to someone you trust or contact your regular healthcare provider. If you are in need of immediate support, please contact one of the follow support services: https://mindframe.org.au/need-… This webinar is aimed at stage and screen content developers and includes training by Mindframe on the portrayal of mental ill-health on stage and screen. The training is designed to help inform safe, non-stigmatising and authentic portrayals of mental ill-health and provide practical advice and guidance on key issues to consider when developing storylines that include mental ill-health. Mindframe is an initiative of Everymind, a leading institute dedicated to the prevention of mental ill-health and suicide. It has been delivering successful mental health and suicide prevention programs for over 25 years. You can find their guidelines here: https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines

Benjamin Law discusses diversity and inclusion in the screen sector with Screen Australia’s Head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe, Screen NSW’s Sector Investment Manager Sofya Gollan, award-winning screenwriter Niki Aken (The Hunting, Upright) and screenwriter Mithila Gupta (Bump, Five Bedrooms). The panel discuss definitions of diversity and consultancy, how to build successful, inclusive writers’ rooms and the evolving landscape of Australian television.

AWG WA Chair Aaron McCann chats with two extraordinary theatre writers and performers, Ian Michael and Chris Isaacs. They explore the challenges of creating works of theatre during COVID as well as how new technology can make devising new works remotely a possibility.

Kodie Bedford talks with award-winning screenwriter Steven McGregor (Mystery Road, Sweet Country), screenwriter and playwright Jada Alberts (Cleverman, Brothers Wreck) and comedy writer and director Bjorn Stewart (Killer Native, At Home Alone Together) about their experiences in the industry, writing and collaborating processes, and the changing form of Indigenous screen and stage stories.

Jed Shireman-Jones from IMDbPro zooms in live from LA for a dedicated Writers’ Webinar, running AWG members through all the features and opportunities available to Australian writers with an IMDbPro account.

AWG’s Senior Industrial Officer Bryant Apolonio and playwright and journalist Melanie Tait join us for a dedicated playwrights’ industrial session, looking at the resources your Guild can provide you and how to use these resources to protect your work. The session covers the terms of the Theatre Industry Agreement (2016), AWG’s Theatre Streaming Guidelines (2020), your rights and entitlements, with a focus on the impact of COVID-19, and Government support for the theatre industry. To view the accompanying presentation, go here. For more information, check out our Members’ Industrial Resources Page here.

Are you keen to take your work to a global audience but not sure where to start? Are you interested in expanding your creative network beyond Australian shores? Have you been wondering what it takes for a writer to break into a new market? Join us as playwright and screenwriter Suzie Miller talks to Melanie Tait about how she built a thriving international career in the UK and the US. This online In Conversation focuses on the main points you need to kickstart a global screen or stage career, including how to build international connections through planning, networking and marketing your ideas and finding the right people to work on your projects.

This introductory webinar will take you through the fundamentals of writing for games and narrative design, including format and structure, key terminology, similarities and differences to the screen and stage worlds, and how to get content funded, developed, and in front of as many eyes as possible. Whether you’re a screen or stage writer looking to broaden your creative prospects, an avid gamer keen to understand how narrative design works, or completely new to the world of interactive games and wondering what it’s all about, Games Night is for you!

Collectively, we can make a difference and fight for a better future for Australian stories on screen. Please email your local MP or head to MakeItAustralian.com to pledge your support.