SBS has announced its plans to continue their successful TV Lunch Sessions with SBS Scripted in 2023, a series of free online events giving scripted screen creatives direct access to commissioning team throughout the year.
The monthly one-hour lunchtime sessions target early-mid level practitioners looking to pursue and progress their careers, with the first event of the year taking place this Friday, 10 February.
The TV Lunch Sessions with SBS Scripted were introduced in 2022 as a regular virtual forum for aspiring creatives to meet and speak directly with team responsible for developing and commissioning original Australian drama at SBS. Designed to offer valuable information in an informal and open way, they provide an opportunity to learn more about how the team works, what they’re looking for, as well as insight into process and practices in the sector, and advice for career development.
Following the popularity of the sessions last year – with each reaching capacity– SBS has announced they are returning in 2023, following the same format which involves 20 minutes of information covering a key area of the industry such as how to pitch, being in a writer’s room, note taking and industry trends, followed by a 40 minute ‘Ask Me Anything’ Q&A session with members of the SBS Scripted commissioning team.
Julie Eckersley, Head of SBS Scripted, says,
“Our vision for SBS Scripted is to be gate openers, not gate keepers. We want to do all we can to empower new and diverse creatives and give easy access to key information and demystify the television commissioning process. The TV Lunch events are an open invitation to all practitioners – especially if you are at that early to mid-career level – who want to understand more about how the industry works, to come and have a conversation with us. Being held online, people can attend no matter what part of Australia they live in.
“At SBS, we’re passionate about creating incredible, entertaining, inclusive Australian stories that move hearts and minds, here and around the world. We are so excited to be entering a year which will see SBS deliver its biggest ever local drama slate, with three incredible prime-time series alongside our Digital Originals which continue to break new ground. Key to our success as a network – and as a thriving national industry – is identifying, developing and elevating a tidal wave of talent in front of and behind the camera that reflects all of the cultures and lived experiences which make up the society we live in. So, come and talk to us, we’re listening.”
The TV Lunch sessions are run and attended by the SBS Scripted team including Julie Eckersley, Head of SBS Scripted, Loani Arman and Donna Chang, Scripted Commissioning Editors, and Catherine Kelleher, Scripted Development Executive. In 2023, a series of special guests will also form part of the line-up at some events, providing insights and knowledge from the wider industry.
In 2023, topics to be covered by SBS Scripted include pitching, being in a writers’ room, inclusive storytelling, understanding the marketplace, budgets and finance, and tips for taking your career to the next level with initiatives and industry opportunities.
Held on the second Friday of each month, the first event for 2023 is taking place this Friday 10 February from 12-1pm (AEDT) and will focus on the three essential ingredients to having a successful career in the screen industry.
People interested in participating need to register to be provided with the virtual meeting link. Information about upcoming sessions, and the link to register, is online on the SBS website, here.SBS also has a Scripted Pitch Deck Guide available online as a resource to help practitioners to effectively communicate their story and ideas. The guide is designed to support creatives in putting their best foot forward, and is available to download here.
Media Release – SBS
