AFTRS and Sony Pictures Television & Curio Pictures announce recipient of the inaugural Curio Pathway Internship – The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Curio Pictures have today announced that the recipient of the inaugural Curio Pathway Internship is proud Biripi woman and regional NSW emerging screenwriter Paige Webster.
The Curio Pathway Internship is an opportunity for an AFTRS graduate who has demonstrated excellence and dedication to jump-start their career. Paige will begin a 12-month paid position with the Curio Pictures team in November, with the position based at Curio’s headquarters in the heart of Sydney’s premiere television and film precinct at the Disney Studios Lot, Moore Park.
Working in partnership with AFTRS, the Curio Pictures Pathways Project is designed to provide that first foot on the ladder for individuals in a competitive industry where societal and systemic barriers can present significant hurdles to launching a career.
The aim of the internship is for the recipient to build meaningful credits, experience and connections while working as an active member of the Curio Pictures development and producing team.
The Curio Pathway Internship is supported by the Sony Pictures Creative Diversity Fund, which aims to help build a community of diverse creative talent within the international television industry. The Fund operates across its international production group, including Curio Pictures, its recently acquired Sex Education producer Eleven Films and The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures.
“As a business we are committed to finding practical pathways to support the next generation of brilliant talent coming through and are delighted to be partnering with AFTRS on this initiative,”
– says Curio Pictures Managing Director Jo Porter.
“The Curio Pathway Internship is designed to support the recipient to overcome barriers as they enter the industry and assist them to build meaningful credits as they begin their career. It is support by Sony Pictures Television Creative Diversity Fund. Rachel Gardner and I were impressed by the recent graduates we met and are delighted 2025 graduate Paige Webster will be joining the team in the new year as our inaugural recipient – she is an exciting talent with a big future ahead of her.”
Paige’s time at Curio will enable her to experience high-level industry discussions and operations, increasing both her acumen and her wider engagement with the screen industry, which will be invaluable in developing the skills and the network needed to progress her career.
Paige, who graduates from the Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting at the end of this year, said it was a dream come true to step straight from AFTRS into a paid internship with such a well-respected and established TV and film production company.
“Doors like the one this internship offers haven’t often been open to me, and when they have, it’s usually because I’ve gone right ahead and jammed my foot in the door,”
– she said.
“Curio has provided me with a chance to grow as a storyteller while helping shape the creative community I’ve always dreamed of. I’m beyond excited to throw myself into this opportunity and learn all I can about the development process while improving my screen craft.
“My lived experience has shaped who I am and the stories I want to tell. I have held a love for stories for as long as I can remember, and it was this love of stories that motivated me throughout my formative years. This passion eventually drove me to be the first in my family to complete the HSC and graduate high school. On the day I turned 18, I signed my first lease, moving over five hours away to Wollongong (south of Sydney), in pursuit of higher education and a career in storytelling.
“Starting from scratch, I built new networks and found community with other local creatives in a way I had never imagined possible. Those early experiences provided me with a strong understanding of the challenges that regional and First Nations creatives face, particularly in terms of access, opportunity and visibility. Now, I carry with me not just my own ambitions, but a deep commitment to inclusion, representation, and empowering others to believe in their potential.”
Applications for this ground-breaking internship were invited from 2023 and 2024 AFTRS graduates andAFTRS final year students (BA year 3 and MAS year 2). Sixty-nine applications were received which were assessed by a panel of six, drawn from both AFTRS and Curio Pictures staff.
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said how proud she was to see Paige selected as the inaugural Curio Pathway Intern.
“This opportunity is a testament to Paige’s talent and determination and to the power of partnerships that actively break down barriers to create pathways into the screen industry,”
– she said.
“Curio Pictures’ commitment to nurturing emerging voices – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds – is deeply aligned with AFTRS’ mission to foster a more inclusive and representative creative community. We’re so grateful to Curio and Sony Pictures Television for their generosity and for their foresight in investing in the next generation of Australian storytellers.”
Media Release – AFTRS
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AFTRS and Sony Pictures Television & Curio Pictures announce recipient of the inaugural Curio Pathway Internship
