Ben is channel manager for SBS and SBS Viceland.
âŚand of course the current SBS slogan, A World of Difference.
Itâll be quite interesting to see what direction our multicultural broadcaster will head in after July, when presumably a new channel manager for SBS + VICELAND will take the reigns.
SBS appoints Darren Farnham as Chief Technology Officer
SBS today announced the appointment of Darren Farnham as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and member of the SBS Executive leadership team.
Darren has been the acting CTO since August 2020. Over that period, he has effectively led the Technology Division, including in the ongoing delivery of innovative and distinctive services to our audiences - such as the recent launch of SBSä¸ć.
The SBS Technology Division is responsible for assisting with the production, distribution and transmission of SBS content, as well as delivering effective technology solutions for staff across the organisation.
With more than 25 yearsâ experience working in media and technology, Darren has been an integral part of the team at SBS for six years, starting as Broadcast Operations Manager before taking on a wider remit as Head of Technology Operations and Services in 2019. During his time at SBS he has successfully led transformative projects for the organisation in media asset management, playout, and presentation. His earlier experience includes senior operational and technology roles with the TEN network, TVN (ThoroughVision) and Prime Television.
On his appointment, Darren said: âI am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Chief Technology Officer at SBS. Itâs such an exciting time for the industry, with both audience expectations and technology developments moving at an unprecedented pace. Iâm looking forward to ensuring SBS stays at the forefront of efficient and innovative media services in Australia and delivering great experiences for our audiences.â
Darren will commence in the role effective immediately.
In the Federal Budget announced on Tuesday, SBS will receive $29.1m over three years for additional language services to Australians who speak a language other than English.
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SBS appoints Channel Manager to oversee SBS and SBS VICELAND
SBS has announced the appointment of Natalie Edgar as Channel Manager, SBS and SBS VICELAND.
Natalie will oversee programming for SBS and SBS VICELAND, leading the development and execution of the program and scheduling strategy for both channels, maximising the impact of SBSâs distinctive content offering for audiences.
With more than 20 yearsâ working in the television industry in both public broadcasting and the commercial sector, Natalie brings to the role substantial and diverse experience across a range of platforms and genres. She joins SBS from the ABC where she has been Channel Manager for ABC TV since 2016, overseeing programming across a portfolio of channels including ABC TV, ABC News, ABC Australia, and the recently rebranded ABC TV Plus.
She was previously the Director of Television, Australia and New Zealand for BBC Worldwide, where she led editorial direction for the local portfolio of channels, including commissioning and acquiring content. She has also held roles with Discovery, Turner and TV1, as well as additional roles and experience gained working at the ABC, including relaunching ABC2 in 2007.
Peter Andrews, Head of Network Programming at SBS, said: âWeâre thrilled to welcome someone of Natalieâs calibre and vast experience to this important role at the heart of our network. Natalie will play a leading role in setting the strategic direction for our SBS and SBS VICELAND channels, overseeing the delivery of a truly distinctive content offering that is uniquely SBS. Weâre excited by her drive for innovation along with her shared passion for SBSâs purpose. We look forward to welcoming her on board.â
Natalie Edgar said: âAs a second generation Australian, I grew up with SBS in our home. I have seen firsthand how important SBSâs role in connecting all Australians plays out, and Iâm so excited for the opportunity to work with such an engaged and exceptional team who champion diversity and inclusion through compelling, inspiring and entertaining content, every day.â
In the role of Channel Manager, SBS and SBS VICELAND, Natalie will report to and work closely with the Head of Network Programming, and play a key leadership role in SBSâs Television and Online Content Division. She commences 14 June.
About Natalie Edgar
Natalie Edgar joins SBS as Channel Manager, SBS and SBS VICELAND from 14 June, 2021.
She has been Channel Manager for ABC TV since 2016. In this role she oversees programming across the portfolio of adult channels including ABC TV, ABC News, ABC Australia, and the newly rebranded ABC TV Plus. As well as programming and acquiring content for linear platforms, Natalie programs adult-facing content driving digital audiences and growth on iView.
Natalie has over 20 yearsâ experience within the television industry, including spending two years working in the United Kingdom, covering a broad range of television programming and executive activities. From public broadcasting to commercial networks, free-to-air to streaming and subscription channel, Natalie has a breadth of experience across a wide range of platforms and genres.
Serving as Channel Manager for ABC TV, Natalie has helped drive the channelâs strategic direction across broadcast and digital and is responsible for programming adult content while delivering growth, trust and building a lifelong relationship with Australians.
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SBS calls for diverse and First Nations creatives to get curious about contemporary Australia through new documentary initiative
SBS and NITV have announced the launch of Curious Australia , a new, nationwide initiative seeking submissions for standalone, half-hour documentaries reflecting the diversity of people and experiences of contemporary Australia.
In partnership with Screen Australia, and state and Territory agencies Film Victoria, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Curious Australia will support screen practitioners from under-represented backgrounds in the sector to bring their diverse stories to Australian screens. Successful documentaries will be commissioned for SBS platforms, including SBS VICELAND, NITV, and SBS On Demand.
Criteria for Curious Australia applications includes two key creative roles on a project being held by people from an under-represented background, including those identifying as First Nations Australians; women, those with diverse age backgrounds; people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people living with disability; people of diverse sexuality and gender identities including LGBTQIA+; people from under-represented locations (including regional and remote areas); and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Projects must be stand-alone unscripted documentaries suitable for a half hour television slot, and they should reflect SBSâs Charter and explore issues relevant to contemporary Australia in an innovative way.
Susie Jones, Commissioning Editor, Documentaries, at SBS, said: âThrough Curious Australia , weâve partnered with Screen Australia and screen agencies around the country to seek out documentaries which put the spotlight on those things that make Australia unique, the people that inspire us to see things from a different perspective, and authentic stories that spark curiosity, enlighten and engage audiences in powerful and entertaining ways. Itâs an exciting new addition to our factual offering across the network, providing a unique opportunity for documentary-makers to tackle contemporary Australian stories and issues while also supporting the development of diverse creative talent in the sector.â
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Commissioning and Programming at NITV, added: âWeâre really looking forward to seeing bold and unique stories from First Nations documentary makers across Australia uncovered through this initiative, exploring and reflecting the diverse experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.â
Screen Australiaâs Head of Content, Sally Caplan, said: â Curious Australia aims to discover exciting, new content from documentary filmmakers with genuine and powerful Australian stories to share and explore. We are thrilled to be partnering with SBS, and state and territory agencies to bring these captivating projects to audiences around the country.â
Film Victoria CEO, Caroline Pitcher, said: âVictoria is home to a wonderful diversity of people and communities â each with their own story to tell. Alongside SBS, Film Victoria is proud to be backing our local creators to share and celebrate their diverse screen stories with audiences around Australia.â
Grainne Brunsdon, Head of Screen NSW, said: âScreen NSW is committed to levelling the playing field and sharing the stories of screen practitioners from under-represented backgrounds. We are pleased to partner with SBS, Screen Australia and other state and territory agencies on the Curious Australia initiative and look forward to seeing these diverse stories brought to life on screen.â
Kylie Munnich, CEO at Screen Queensland , said: âSBS has long been at the forefront of diverse commissioning and programming. As part of our core commitment to identifying and supporting diverse Queensland-made screen stories, Screen Queenslandâs goals are aligned with those of SBS. We are proud to partner in this career-building opportunity for under-represented screen creatives working in factual storytelling.â
Screen Tasmania Executive Manager, Alex Sangston, said: âScreen Tasmania is committed to supporting Tasmanian screen practitioners to develop and produce stories that reflect the diversity of people and experiences within our community. We are proud to be supporting this new groundbreaking initiative from SBS, which will provide a powerful storytelling platform for practitioners from under-represented backgrounds to inspire, intrigue and entertain audiences.â
Jennie Hughes, Director of Screen Territory, said: âScreen Territory is delighted to be a part of the Curious Australia initiative. The Northern Territory is a unique and diverse place where Indigenous languages are still widely spoken and First Nations culture is interwoven intrinsically in the fabric of our multicultural society. Screen Territory looks forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship with SBS and for Territory screen practitioners to have the opportunity to contribute to the national story in adding their voices to this important initiative.â
Screenwest CEO, Rikki Lea Bestall, is thrilled to be partnering with SBS on the Curious Australia initiative, saying: âScreenwest is committed to developing the talented pool of diverse storytellers in Western Australia and providing opportunities for their stories to be showcased to the rest of Australiaâ.
South Australian Film Corporation CEO, Kate Croser, said: âThe SAFC is committed to supporting and promoting South Australian screen practitioners with diverse experiences, cultures and backgrounds who can tell compelling stories on screen that reflect the enormous diversity of their audiences, and engage them in new and exciting ways. We are proud to partner with SBS on this exciting national initiative.â
Curious Australia is targeted at mid-career practitioners working on lower-budget, exciting and risk-taking projects .
Submissions can be made directly with relevant local screen agencies in each state or the Northern Territory. Applications will close 12 July 2021.
Heal Country! NAIDOC returns to NITV and across the SBS network in 2021
- For the third year running, SBS is the official National NAIDOC Principal Media Partner and official Education Partner
- Australian television premiere of docu-comedy History Bites Back
- The National NAIDOC Awards return in 2021, live on NITV and SBS VICELAND
- Australiaâs only Indigenous television breakfast program, Big Mob Brekky , returns to NITV and SBS
- SBS Radio to share the Uluru Statement from the Heart in-language for Australiaâs diverse communities
- NAIDOC educational resources available through SBS Learn
- NAIDOC will be celebrated across all SBS channels and platforms, including an exclusive NAIDOC collection available to stream on SBS On Demand
All Australians are invited to celebrate NAIDOC 2021 with a week-long dedicated schedule on National Indigenous Television (NITV) , and a range of programming and content across the SBS network, celebrating and reflecting on the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Inspired by the 2021 NAIDOC theme, Heal Country! , the slate focuses on the strength and survival of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet, from Saturday 3 July to Sunday 11 July.
This yearâs multiplatform offering includes the exclusive broadcast of the 2021 National NAIDOC Awards , the return of Australiaâs only all-Indigenous breakfast television program, the premiere of docu-comedy History Bites Back, as well as a range of documentaries, movies, news and current affairs programs and features across the network. Educational resources through SBS Learn will also be made available to schools nationally to encourage students to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.
Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, Tanya Denning-Orman , said: âWe are excited to once again be bringing Australians together to celebrate the achievements of our First Nations Peoples, encourage a deeper understanding of our shared history, embrace First Nations culture and knowledge for Australiaâs future, for NAIDOC in 2021.
âWe are proud to continue our partnership with the National NAIDOC Committee as the Principal Media Partner and official Education Partner, and look forward to delivering an offering across NITV and the SBS network bringing a range of perspectives to all corners of Australia, championing First Nations voices and faces, and sharing stories that inspire, instil pride and lead to greater understanding and inclusion in this country.
âOur NAIDOC offering across the network continues to grow and reach more Australians each year. Itâs central to SBSâs important role in the media landscape as a space to share stories of First Nations cultures, communities and conversations with all Australians, with NITV at the heart of the network providing a trusted platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and experiences.â
National NAIDOC Awards
The NAIDOC Awards kick off the week, returning for 2021 after a 2020 hiatus. Tune in to NITV from 6:30pm on Saturday 3 July to catch all the stars on the red carpet, before the National NAIDOC Awards air live on NITV and SBS VICELAND from 7:00pm. The Awards recognise individuals who have contributed their talents, expertise, knowledge and lives to the First Peoples of this land. The NAIDOC Awards Aftershow follows from 9:00pm - Bianca Hunt , Tyrone Pynor and Gilbert McAdam will wrap up the night, featuring interviews with the NAIDOC Award winners, as well as all the memorable moments from the ceremony. At 9:30pm, The NAIDOC Award Winners Stories 2021 will give viewers an insight into the incredible lives and achievements of the NAIDOC Award winners.
Bamay
Following The NAIDOC Award Winners Stories 2021 is the premiere of the third instalment of Bamay on NITV at 10:00pm. The slow TV experience will explore the Central Desert region from a birdâs eye view in a feast for the eyes, alongside informative factoids.
Big Mob Brekky
From Monday 5 July, Shahni Wellington and Ryan Liddle will be returning to helm Big Mob Brekky , Australiaâs only all-Indigenous television breakfast program. Last year, the program broke new ground in Australian TV, and this year it will return to NITV and SBS at 7:30am each weekday of NAIDOC week. Audiences can look forward to big laughs, big news stories and big yarns. Viewers can catch up on SBS VICELAND at 12:00pm as well as on SBS On Demand
History Bites Back
On Sunday 11 July at 8:30pm, History Bites Back premieres on NITV and SBS VICELAND . Directed, written and presented by Trisha Morton-Thomas ( Occupation Native , The Song Keepers , Total Control ) alongside Craig Anderson ( Black Comedy , Occupation Native , Red Christmas ), and starring Steven Oliver ( Black Comedy , Faboriginal , Looky Looky, Here Comes Cooky ) and Elaine Crombie ( Nowhere Boys , Top End Wedding , Top of the Lake ). The cast come together to bite back at negative social media comments and steer the conversation towards the historical context of the fortunes and misfortunes of Indigenous Australians â from social security, citizenship and equal wages to nuclear bombs and civil actions.
Living Black
At 8:30pm on Monday 5 July, NITV âs current affairs program Living Black, hosted by Karla Grant, will investigate what happens when ancient stone tools are discovered in our own backyards and asks if they should be placed back on Country or put on display for reconciliation and education.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Over on SBS at 7:30pm Tuesday 6 July, Who Do You Think You Are? will explore Uncle Jack Charlesâ history. Venerated actor and survivor of the Stolen Generations, Uncle Jack will uncover details of the father he never knew and make connections that will complete the jigsaw of his paternal family. His motherâs ancestral journey will take Jack to Tasmania, where he will discover a dark history and maternal ancestors whose resilience resonates with his own fighting spirit.
NITV
From Monday to Friday, 6:00pm to 9:30pm, NITV will showcase the beauty of our land and seas through a number of documentaries that act as a heavy reminder of what must be protected for future generations, tying into the NAIDOC theme of Heal Country! The powerful programming includes Talking Language , Utopia Generations and Saving Seagrass .
From Sunday 4 July at 9:30pm each night, NITV will air a selection of powerful dramas, including The Tracker , Samson & Delilah , Sweet Country , Manganinnie and Tudawali . Notably, on Friday 9 July, NITV and SBS World Movies will premiere Goldstone in a simulcast across the channels.
SBS On Demand
SBS On Demand will have First Australians and Going Places with Ernie Dingo (season four) available with subtitles in five languages: Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Hindi, as well as hosting a NAIDOC-themed Australian movie collection. Additionally, Warwick Thornton âs masterpiece, Sweet Country, will be made available with subtitles in Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Korean.
SBS Food
Throughout the week, SBS Food is proud to present NAIDOC themed episodes of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw. Adam will welcome an array of guests from Monday to Friday at 7:00pm, including Mark Olive , Rae Johnston , Marcus Poa , Jodan Perry , Nyoka Hrabinsky and Jayde Harris . Adam and his guests will chat through bush tucker, native meats and family favourite feeds.
SBS Food will also host Strait to the Plate and On Country Kitchen marathons, with Strait to the Plate â exploring and celebrating Torres Strait Islander cuisine and culture - airing from 11:30am to 2pm on Saturday 10 July, and On Country Kitchen â in which chef Mark Olive and comedian Derek Nannup fuse native bush ingredients with contemporary cooking- from 9:30am to 2:00pm on Sunday 10 July.
SBS World Movies
SBS World Movies will host a curated collection of acclaimed Australian cinema telling First Nations stories. Rabbit Proof Fence , Jasper Jones , Ten Canoes , Samson & Delilah and Goldstone will each air at 9:30pm, Monday 5 July to Friday 9 July.
The Wake
SBS and NITV will also be launching an immersive storytelling experience with The Wake â an artistic installation that enables audiences to authentically connect with a subject matter and discover unexpected truths. Directed by Adrian Wills and produced by Anusha Duray , The Wake is an exploration of the issues facing Indigenous people from a variety of backgrounds, touching on the themes of birth, death and love. On display at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide, four writer-performers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage share deeply personal and vivid recollections through an interactive display. Starring Shari Sebbens , Matty Mills , Sani Townson and Yvonne Weldon , audiences are offered an insight into their precious and sometimes hilarious customs and rituals.
SBS Radio
SBS Radio will once again be engaging Australiaâs diverse multicultural communities with content across its language services.
SBS Radio - in consultation with the Uluru Dialogue, Indigenous Law Centre UNSW - is sharing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in various languages. For the first time, it will be shared in more than 20 Aboriginal languages, from communities in the Northern Territory and from Northern Western Australia, as part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in Your Language podcast collection which also includes the Statement translated and read aloud in more than 60 languages from Australiaâs culturally and linguistically diverse communities, shared as part of SBS Radioâs NAIDOC Week offering last year, and which will continue to grow as a unique and important resource for all Australians as more First Nations languages are translated. In addition to this audio collection, this year SBS Radio is also sharing the Statement, translated across the extensive selection of languages, as videos, and is also providing a video in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to support the inclusion of Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing, in the dialogue.
NITV Radio
NITV Radio , the SBS Radio service which explores news, event and issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, will also feature a special two-part series on palawa kani, the Aboriginal language taught and spoken in Tasmania, as part of its NAIDOC Week coverage.
SBS Learn
SBS Learn is the Official Education Partner of NAIDOC Week 2021. An Indigenous-designed classroom resource has been developed for the third consecutive year of this partnership. Curriculum-aligned for primary and secondary students, this resource features NAIDOC-themed activities, discussions and clips which support Australian teachers to explore and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in classrooms, year-round. The NAIDOC Week resources will be available in print and online, and distributed to schools nationally. This project is supported by a variety of First Nations resources available via SBSâs dedicated website for teachers, SBS Learn â a trusted, accessible portal for sophisticated learning materials linked to SBS programs.
SBS announces appointment of Head of Scripted as it boosts its drama team
Julie Eckersley (left) and Donna Chang (right), SBS Scripted
SBS has announced the appointment of Julie Eckersley as its new Head of Scripted, to oversee an expanding slate of locally commissioned fiction content, and related industry initiatives championing inclusion in the Australian screen sector.
Julie is an award-winning Creative Producer with a career spanning more than 20 years. She brings extensive industry experience to the role at SBS, which has seen her work as a producer and in development across a range of genres, including drama, comedy, animation, documentary and childrenâs content. As well as working independently, her experience includes nine years at Matchbox Pictures where she worked on award-winning Australian projects including the landmark SBS series, The Family Law , ABC drama series, Glitch, and Australiaâs first kung fu comedy, Maximum Choppage , among others, driven by her passion for creating bold and distinctive stories, and supporting new voices. Sheâs also worked across many elements of production throughout her career, developing and producing projects with Australian TV networks, as well as internationally with Netflix and NBCU International.
SBS has also announced that Donna Chang has been promoted to Commissioning Editor, Scripted. Donna joined SBS in 2020 as Development Executive, Scripted, from Lingo Pictures where she was Head of Development. Prior to that, Donna worked at Screen Australia as a Development Executive, and has also been a Story Development External Assessor since 2015. She previously spent several years working as a Production Executive with Ridley Scottâs production company, Scott Free, in London. Working closely with Julie, Donna will take on an expanded role in developing and delivering SBSâs pipeline of commissioned scripted projects which reflect and explore an inclusive vision of Australia.
The appointments come as SBSâs focus on developing and showcasing under-represented talent has seen its scripted offering expand to not only include premium television series, but a growing collection of original short form content for SBS On Demand. Also, in partnership with the broader industry, through initiatives RIDE and Originate, SBS is investing in the development of low budget feature films exploring uniquely Australian stories, and landmark initiatives like the Emerging Writers Incubator, which brings the sector together to support meaningful career pathways for screenwriters from under-represented backgrounds.
Marshall Heald, SBSâs Director of Content, Television & Online, said: âWe have a fantastic slate of new scripted programming in development and production, and itâs an exciting time to welcome Julie to the team. Weâre thrilled to have someone with her extensive experience and passion for our Charter to lead our Scripted offering, working closely together with Donna in a larger role that will fully recognise and utilise her exceptional talents.â
On her appointment, Julie said: âAll Australians should feel seen on our screens and Iâm thrilled to join SBS as they lead the way in achieving this. My focus will be on supporting talent, in front of and behind the camera, as we create stories that celebrate and explore our diverse perspectives and shared humanity. Iâm looking for great stories that are entertaining, surprising and full of heart."
Donna added: âAt the core of our Scripted slate and industry initiatives is a commitment to making great local drama that showcases under-represented voices and talent. Itâs a privilege to work in service of these stories at SBS, and I look forward to continuing this work with Julie.â
SBS would also like to acknowledge Penny Win, who has been Acting as the Head of SBS Scripted during this transitional period. Over the last six months, Penny has played a critical role in the ongoing development of SBSâs fiction slate, and will continue to work with SBS to support the development of fiction projects into the future.
SBSâs upcoming scripted slate includes its most ambitious drama series to date, New Gold Mountain, a four-part revisionist Western telling the untold story of the Australian gold rush from the perspective of Chinese miners, with Yoson An and Alyssa Sutherland leading an ensemble cast including local breakout talent, Mabel Li; and Iggy and Ace, a short-form drama series exploring friendship, addiction and recovery through a queer lens, set to premiere on SBS On Demand and developed through the SBS, NITV, and Screen Australia Digital Originals initiative.
Julie Eckersley commences with SBS on 5 July 2021.
She must love people talking to her about Seinfeld "Seinfeld" The Chinese Woman (TV Episode 1994) - IMDb
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The 2021 NAIDOC Awards, originally scheduled for July 3, have been postponed due to COVID lockdown in Sydney.
SBS appoints Davide Schiappapietra as Head, Language Content
SBS today announced the appointment of Davide Schiappapietra as Head, Language Content in SBSâs Audio and Language Content (ALC) division.
Reporting to David Hua, Director of Audio and Language Content, in his new role Davide will be responsible for the ALC divisionâs content strategy and output in over 60 languages across multiple platforms including radio, podcasting, websites and social media. As Head, Language Content he will also provide leadership, professional advice and mentoring to the team of Program Managers and other content leads within ALC.
With more than 15 yearsâ experience working in journalism and broadcasting, Davide moves into the Head, Language Content role from his current position as an ALC Program Manager where he has led the management and strategy implementation for diverse language services including NITV Radio, SBS Italian, SBS Russian, SBS Greek, and SBS Samoan.
On his appointment, Davide said: âI am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Head, Language Content at SBS. In current times, the work SBS does to reach and inform Australiaâs diverse communities through its services in more than 60 languages, is proving to be as vital as ever. I look forward to working with David, the ALC division and teams across the organisation to strengthen our world-class service while also reflecting the complexity and variety of Australiaâs multicultural society through our content.â
Davide will commence in the role on 12th August 2021 and speaks Italian and Spanish as well as English.
The SBS Audio and Language Content Division informs, educates, and entertains audiences via its over 60 language services to connect communities through conversations, inspire social cohesion and foster belonging in Australia.
SBS provides a platform for diverse Australian writers as the SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition returns for 2021
SBS is on the hunt for the next generation of diverse Australian writers, with the return of the SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition for 2021.
The competition aims to uncover bold new voices that reflect the diversity of contemporary Australia by inviting aspiring writers to share their stories and have their voices heard.
Open for entries from 16 August â 16 September 2021, the theme of this yearâs competition is âBetween Two Worlds: stories from a diverse Australiaâ; writers ages 18 and over are asked to submit a first-person memoir piece, between 1,000-2,000 words. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 10 November 2021.
This yearâs entries will be judged by Wiradjuri author, Tara June Winch, whose award-winning books include Swallow the Air and The Yield, and Kurdish-Iranian writer/journalist Behrouz Boochani, author of memoir No Friend But the Mountains for which he won the 2019 Victorian Prize for Literature.
When discussing the competition, Tara June Winch said: âWeâd love to see entries from first and second-generation Australians. We want to see those new writers and new voices from the diaspora. We just want to hear the whole story of Australia. We want voices from our multicultural Australia. We want First Nations voices, we want these emerging voices that are going to perhaps have the greatest literary careers in Australia, and internationally.â
âLiterature is about life. Literature is life,â fellow judge, Behrouz Boochani said.
âI think it is important we hear from people with different perspectivesâŚwe need people who have new ideas.â
He continued: âA good story is a simple story, and simple writing, but with deep layers.â
The competition is an initiative of SBS Voices - SBSâs online platform which champions the work of emerging, diverse writers.
Marshall Heald, Director of TV and Online Content at SBS, said: âFollowing the success of the inaugural competition last year, we are excited to once again see what stories we uncover with the return of the SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition. Last year, we were overwhelmed by the incredible diversity and depth of the more than 2000 stories submitted. We received intimate, clever, and often emotionally complex stories that reflected life across culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We read powerful First Nations stories, pieces about sexuality, neurodivergence, disability and a range of lived experiences which make up contemporary Australia. Weâre proud to provide a platform to for these unique voices to be heard.â
The winning submission will be awarded a $5,000 prize to support further development of the writerâs skills and knowledge. There will also be a $3,000 prize awarded for second place and two honourable mentions who will each receive a $1,000 prize. All winners and runners up will have their works published on the SBS Voices website.
In addition, all entries will be considered for inclusion in an official anthology of the SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition, published by Hardie Grant. Approximately 30 entries from this yearâs competition will be selected for the anthology, to be published in 2022.
The official anthology of the 2020 SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition, Roots: Home is Who We Are, is set to be published by Hardie Grant on 28 July 2021.
The 2021 SBS Emerging Writersâ Competition opens for submissions on Monday 16th August. Further information can be found on the competition website: sbs.com.au/writers
SBS welcomes new Head of Food and Entertainment to commissioning team
SBS has announced the appointment of Emily Griggs as its new Head of Entertainment and Food.
As part of SBSâs Unscripted commissioning team, Emily will oversee SBSâs diverse commissioned entertainment and food shows.
She joins SBS from BBC Studios where she was Head of Development and Content and oversaw development and production of various shows, including SBS seriesâ Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind.
With more than 25 years of television experience, she has produced shows for all free to air networks across most genres, from entertainment, comedy, factual and reality, to food, lifestyle and childrenâs programming. Her credits include a variety titles and formats, including The Chefsâ Line, The Secret Life Of 4 Year Olds, Iâm a CelebrityâŚGet Me Out of Here!, Dancing with the Stars, and Married At First Sight, and much more.
John Godfrey, Head of Unscripted, SBS, said: âEmily is one of Australiaâs most respected and impressive television producers and directors, with a track record producing successful shows across a range of genres. Weâre looking forward to working with her as part of the Unscripted team, bringing her extensive experience, energy and vision to the role, as we explore new opportunities with our unique entertainment slate and continue to provide Australians with a truly distinctive food offering.â
Emily said: âSBS celebrates diversity and different perspectives which is inspiring. I feel fortunate to be joining a network that entertains but also encourages greater acceptance and elicits change. I look forward to joining the team, and commissioning engaging, educational and entertaining content that connects audiences with SBSâs unique purpose."
Emily commences in the role from Monday 30 August.
Labor has asked the federal government to consider removing Warren Mundine from the SBS board after he called the journalist Ben Eltham a âcuntâ on Twitter.
The SBS board asked Mundine to delete the tweet, which was posted on Tuesday in response to Eltham tweeting what he claimed was the mobile phone number of the MP Craig Kelly, and Mundine did so. SBS said Mundineâs tweet was in breach of the boardâs code of conduct and did not align with the broadcasterâs values.
The Morrison government handpicked the unsuccessful Liberal candidate to sit on the SBS board for five years, overlooking the recommendations of the independent nominations panel.
Six emerging screen creatives announced for 2021 Emerging Writersâ Incubator initiative
Top row (L-R) Sebastian Chan, Lâle Teoman, Nicholas Lin, bottom row (L-R) Ansuya Nathan, Alberto Di Troia, Cassandra Nguyen
Six screenwriting creatives from across Australia have been selected as the inaugural participants in the Emerging Writersâ Incubator, an initiative from SBS in partnership with Screen Australia, state and territory agencies Film Victoria, Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation, and with the assistance of the Australian Writersâ Guild.
The Emerging Writersâ Incubator is a nationwide program launched earlier this year to bring the industry together to support the ongoing development of underrepresented writing talent telling Australian fiction stories for the screen. The initiative provides significant work experience in drama production in leading Australian production companies for emerging writers from backgrounds and with lived experience currently underrepresented in the sector. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; those who are living with disability; are female or trans/gender diverse; identify as LGBTQIA+; and people located in regional and remote areas.
The six successful candidates chosen this year will each be employed for 12 months in one of six award-winning production companies around the country, acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama.
The successful emerging writers selected for 2021, and the production companies they are working with, are:
- ACT: Sebastian Chan joins Bunya Productions, supported by Screen Canberra
- NSW: Lâle Teoman joins Goalpost Pictures, supported by Screen NSW
- QLD: Nicholas Lin joins Ludo Studio, supported by Screen Queensland
- SA: Ansuya Nathan joins Closer Productions, supported by the South Australian Film Corporation
- VIC: Alberto Di Troia joins Tony Ayres Productions, supported by Film Victoria
- WA: Cassandra Nguyen joins Komixx Entertainment Australia, supported by Screenwest.
Over the next 12 months, they will each gain valuable work experience, further developing their skills, knowledge, and networks, while working across the production companiesâ slate of drama productions. They will also be supported by the Australian Writersâ Guild, with access to creative and training workshops, to further develop their skills.
Statement from SBS regarding Deputy Chair and Board appointment
The SBS Board and Executive have today welcomed the appointment of current Board member Christine Zeitz as Deputy Chair, and Vic Alhadeff as a Non-executive Director of the SBS Board, as announced today by the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, The Hon Paul Fletcher MP.
Ms Zeitz has served as a non-Executive Director of the SBS Board since 2018. She is a defence, security and ICT specialist with more than 30 yearsâ experience in directing and delivering world-class solutions and services to defence, intelligence, civil and commercial customers, both in Australia and globally.
Mr Alhadeff is a highly regarded community leader who has served as a Chair of Multicultural NSW and CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a journalist by background, formerly Chief Sub-editor of the Cape Times.
Mr Alhadeff joins the SBS Board of Directors consisting of Chair George Savvides AM, Deputy Chair Christine Zeitz, Non-executive Directors Dorothy West, Peeyush Gupta AM, William Lenehan, Prof. Sally Walker AM, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO and SBS Managing Director James Taylor.