International Delegations
Talent USA, New York GUIDELINES
Talent USA, New York aims to provide screen creatives who have a high level of recent success in their field with international knowledge, skills and relationships to enhance their careers.
Up to eight delegates will be selected to travel to the Australian International Screen Forum in New York which runs from Monday 24 to Friday 28 March 2025.
The program is a mix of industry roundtables, panel discussions, matched mentoring sessions, pitch training, strategic consultations and introductions to and advice from a selection of influential New York-based screen professionals.
available support
Up to eight delegates will receive funding of up to $8,000 each towards travel, expenses, and accommodation in New York City, and any pre-/post- business activities.
The proposed dates for Talent USA sessions in New York are Monday 24 to Friday 28 March 2025 inclusive. Delegates will need to be available to attend all scheduled in person workshops, roundtables, masterclasses and panels as well as participate in networking activity during this time.
Delegates should arrive in New York on Sunday 23 March 2025 (at the latest) and depart Saturday 28 March 2025 (at the earliest).
Delegates are strongly encouraged to think about staying longer in North America, and/or consider stopping via Los Angeles on the way back for further meetings with west coast-based industry.
There is a funding cap of $8,000 per application, whether the applicant is an individual (including on behalf of a team) or a company.
Inclusive storytelling
For Australian screen content to effectively deliver cultural and economic benefits it must speak to, and be for, all Australians. A diversity of ideas and a diverse workforce will enhance the Australian screen industry, make it more relevant to Australian audiences and more competitive internationally.
Screen Australia is committed to building equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into its programs and into our engagement with the community.
Screen Australia encourages applications from applicants from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences. In particular, the agency welcomes applications from applicants who are First Nations, d/Deaf and disabled, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTIQ+, women or gender diverse, regionally based, or those from other under-represented groups.
Screen Australia strives to make its programs accessible by removing barriers for people who are d/Deaf and disabled and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility
eligible applicants
To be eligible for this program, applicants:
- can apply as an individual or company. We cannot accept separate applications from individual members of the same company or team; those applications must either be made via a lead applicant who will be responsible for managing the grant on behalf of the team, or as a company.
- Individual applicants must be Australian citizens or residents
- Applicant companies must be incorporated and carrying on business in Australia, and have their central management and control in Australia.
- must otherwise meet the requirements of Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade
- must have credits that demonstrate a strong creative voice and global recognition as a creator and screenwriter and/or director on completed long-form scripted episodic series and/or features, and at least one of which that has recently (last four years):
- screened on broadcast television or streamed on a subscription-based platform, and been one of the top 10 most-watched shows on that platform at the time of transmission. [It is noted that data is not always readily available, especially historically, and assessors will give applicants the benefit of the doubt based on press links and other media reactions about the title from the time of release]; or
- streamed online on any reportable platform, with evidence of audiences/views in excess of 1 million or other evidence of trending on YouTube or other online social media platforms at the time of release; or
- premiered in official selection at Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, Series Mania festivals; or
- been a recipient of a significant international award such as awards from Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, SXSW festivals or been nominated for Academy, BAFTA, or Emmy awards; and
- a slate of long-form episodic scripted series and/or features; and
- some existing experience and interest from US industry.
Application process
how to apply
Applications close 5pm AEDT Thursday 5 December 2024 and can be made via the Screen Australia application portal.
application form
Through the application form, applicants must:
- provide all the information requested and answer the application questions
- address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
- include all required supporting materials
required materials
Applicants must upload the following materials with their application form:
- CV including recent credits and details of commercial success, significant viewership in Australia and if applicable other territories and/or major international festival or awards success.
- A proposal (maximum 8 pages) that includes:
- detailed information on the applicant’s current slate of projects. For each title mentioned on the slate provide: logline, synopsis, the stage of development and what materials are currently available; any secured development funding; the estimated budget; and information on the currently secured key creative, cast and marketplace attachments and/or interest where applicable;
- specific and intended professional development goals and objectives;
- a wish list of up to 12 speakers and / or mentors from the New York industry, along with reasons why the applicant has nominated them and what they are hoping to learn from them.
assessment
assessment process
The Program Operations team will review each application to check eligibility and ensure the required application materials have been provided. Once confirmed, the applicant will receive an email advising that their application has moved to assessment and an estimated timeframe of the outcome.
Complete and eligible applications will be reviewed and assessed by Screen Australia staff members and/or industry specialists.
assessment criteria
Funding decisions will be made against the following equally-weighted criteria:
- Proposal. The strength of the proposal.
- International traction. The amount of traction internationally from the applicant’s completed body of work.
- Experience and knowledge. The level of experience and knowledge of the applicant pertinent to the activity.
assessment priorities
Priority will be given to applicants:
- with an established talent agent and/or management in Australia and/or US
decision and notification
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in writing by Friday 31 January 2025.
Screen Australia recognises the significant work that goes into the preparation and submission of applications. Due to the anticipated high volume of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback on individual applications.
successful applicants
contracting
Screen Australia will send an approval email to successful applicants with information about contracting.
terms of support
Successful applicants will enter into an Activity Grant Agreement with Screen Australia. This will set out the terms of Screen Australia’s support.
contact
If applicants are unsure about their eligibility or have questions about the application form, please email the Program Operations team at [email protected] or call on 1800 507 901.
Please note that Screen Australia is not able to provide creative advice or suggestions to strengthen applications.
privacy
Screen Australia collects personal information from individuals in different ways, including via funding applications, acquittal reports, or supporting material supplied with forms. Screen Australia will handle any personal information provided in connection with a funding application in accordance with its Privacy Notice relating to funding applications and its Privacy Policy.