The next great Australian screen story is likely not being workshopped in a writers’ room in Los Angeles or behind the gates of a major studio. Instead, it’s probably started as a single page penned at a kitchen table, or typed on the screen of a laptop during a train commute or in the Notes app of someone who has been waiting for the right moment to press send. And that moment might just be now.
To coincide with the release of Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Careeradaptation, Netflix Australia has launched The Next Brilliant Career – a nationwide initiative designed to uncover emerging women and non-binary <a href="https://cinemamix360.com/2026/10/07/how-a-teacher-in-utah-became-a-hollywood-screenwriter/” title=”How a Teacher in Utah Became a Hollywood Screenwriter”>screenwriters with original Australian stories to tell. It’s a chance for fresh voices to step into the writer’s room of one of the biggest storytelling platforms; to pitch their ideas and receive direct feedback from the people shaping stories for audiences around the world. And now, those fresh voices have been found, in the form of eight finalists.
Who are the finalists in The Next Brilliant Careercompetition?
The finalists hail from each state and territory from across the country, and were selected through an independent assessment process led by the Australian Writers’ Guild and supported by Screen Agencies. Each finalist was tasked with presenting a concept to Netflix, and then received feedback on how it could be best developed for screen. The finalists are:
- New South Wales: Elyse Landsberry
- Victoria: Theresa Angela
- Queensland: Rae Choi
- South Australia: Scarlett Scherer
- Western Australia: Jamey Claffey
- Tasmania: Caitlin Richardson
- Northern Territory: Rebecca Parker
- Australian Capital Territory: Denai Grace
What exactly is The Next Brilliant Career?
Inspired by the legacy of pioneering Australian author Miles Franklin, the program is searching for scripted concepts that feel unmistakably Australian. Applicants are asked to submit an original story alongside a professional biography, synopsis and writing sample, with projects assessed on the strength of their voice, originality and potential to become either a feature film or series.
The process begins through each state’s Screen Agency before an independent Australian Writers’ Guild panel selects eight finalists – one from every state and territory. Those finalists will then travel to Netflix’s Sydney headquarters this October to pitch their ideas directly to the Netflix ANZ team.
Who can apply?
The opportunity was open to emerging Australian screenwriters who identify as women or non-binary. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Be an Australian resident
- Identify as a woman or non-binary
- Have between one and three eligible professional screenwriting credits
- Not be a full-time student
- Be available to attend the live pitch event at Netflix’s Sydney headquarters on 6 October 2026
Successful applicants will have the chance to pitch an original scripted concept directly to Netflix executives, receive professional feedback, and further develop their project. Importantly, writers retain full ownership of their work throughout the program. While participation does not guarantee that Netflix will commission or produce a project, it offers invaluable industry exposure and mentorship at a pivotal stage in a writer’s career.
You can read the full competition terms and conditions on the Netflix Australia website.
When do applications close?
Applications are closes at 11:59pm on 18 August 2026. Successful finalists were notified in late September before travelling to Sydney for the pitch day in October.
Where do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the screen agency for the state or territory where you live. Writers can apply
- Screen NSW for New South Wales applicants
- VicScreen for Victorian applicants
- Screen Queensland for Queensland applicants
- Screenwest for Western Australian applicants
- Screen Tasmania for Tasmanian applicants
- Screen Territory for Northern Territory applicants
- Screen Canberra for ACT applicants
- SouthAustralian Film Corporation for South Australian applicants.
Applicants can only submit one application and must apply through the agency in their state or territory of residence.
