Screenworks has announced the seven regional NSW-based practitioners who will be supported through its Career Pathway Programs this year, run in partnership with Screen NSW. 

The programs comprise inside the Writers’ Room, Director Pathway, and Regional Producer Elevator.

Screenwriters Brooke Hemphill (Central Coast), Mark Rogers (Wollongong) and Leearni Hamilton from Bungendore will participate in the Inside the Writers’ Room program, placed with Northern Pictures, Jungle Entertainment  and Easy Tiger respectively. Participants will be provided travel and the opportunity observe the workings of a professional writer’s room.

The emerging directors selected for the Director Pathway Program are Elkie Chadwick (Wollongong) and Nadia Townsend (Central Coast).  Each will receive $3,500 to implement a bespoke professional development program in consultation with the Australian Directors Guild. 

Regional Producer Elevator recipients Claire Lindsay (Coffs Harbour), a First Nations producer of Gamilaraay descent and Miah-Tya Nungheena Gowland (Bungendore), will receive $3,500 each, along with a Screen Producers Australia membership and career advice from a professional producer.

Lindsay said: “With the film and television ecosystem rapidly evolving, I am excited to be part of this bespoke program that provides tangible career acceleration pathways for regionally-based producers. I intend to leverage this opportunity to elevate the visibility, distinct voices and rich stories from regional Australia.”

Screenworks CEO Lisa O’Meara congratulated this year’s cohort.

“In 2026 we are thrilled to see such passion and diversity among applicants including a strong female contingent and First Nations representation – it’s a wonderful indication of the future of regional voices on screen.”

Screen NSW acting executive director Karla Lampe added: “Programs like these are vital to making the screen sector more accessible and inclusive, and I congratulate the recipients of the programs.”

The selection panels for the programs were made up of representatives from guilds and program partners such as Screen NSW, Australian Writers Guild, Australian Directors Guild, Screen Producers Australia, Easy Tiger Productions, Jungle Entertainment and Northern Pictures.