We have partnered with Netflix ANZ, the Australian Writers’ Guild, and screen agencies across Australia to launch The Next Brilliant Career, a nationwide search for the next great screenwriter. The program honours the legacy of pioneering author Miles Franklin, one of the greatest Australian writers of the twentieth century, who is also celebrated in the new Netflix series My Brilliant Career.
The initiative invites emerging Australian writers who identify as women or non-binary to submit original, authentically Australian scripted concepts for the chance to receive invaluable feedback directly from Netflix in developing their story for screen.
Following an application and eligibility check via each state’s Screen Agencies’ dedicated online portals, an independent Australian Writers’ Guild panel will shortlist applications. One finalist from each state and territory will then be invited to pitch their concept live at Netflix ANZ headquarters in Sydney in October and will receive direct feedback from Netflix in developing their story for screen.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be emerging writers, defined as holding 1-3 reportable writer credits on a commercially released short film, film, or television series production longer than 10 minutes that has been screened at a recognised film festival and/or been supported by a state or federal screen agency
- Not be a full-time student
- Be an Australian resident
- Be aged 18 or over
- Identify as a woman or non-binary
- Be available to attend a pitch day in Sydney on 6 October 2026
Submissions
Applications are open until 18th August 2026 at 23.59.
Submissions must include scripted stories that are authentically Australian and include a brief professional biography, working title, logline, intended audience description, genre, an explanation of the work’s cultural relevance and personal connection, a one-page synopsis, and a five-page writing sample.
Writers retain full ownership of their original work throughout the program. Participation does not transfer any rights in a submitted story to Netflix, the Australian Writers’ Guild, or any screen agency. Selection as a program participant does not guarantee that Netflix will develop a participant’s story or provide funding or ongoing support beyond the program.
The judging process
Applications will be assessed on the strength and distinctiveness of the writer’s voice, the clarity and compelling nature of the central premise, and whether the narrative demonstrates potential to sustain a series or feature format.
Judges will look for a strong command of genre, an awareness of the current screen marketplace, and work that is demonstrably and authentically Australian.