SBS/Screen NSW Talent Escalator Placement
Position Description - Associate Producer Placement, Lingo Pictures
Date: Monday 21st February 2023
SBS, Screen NSW and Lingo Pictures are searching for a NSW-based Associate Producer to work on an upcoming scripted series as part of the SBS Talent Escalator program in partnership with Screen NSW.
KEY INFORMATION:
- Applications Close: 12pm Friday 3 March
- Role commences: Monday 13 March 2023.
- To apply for the role, please send your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Liam Heyen, Producer, at liam@madonesfilms.com.au
ABOUT THE DIVERISTY TALENT ESCALATOR PROGRAM
What is the SBS/Screen NSW Talent Escalator program?
The SBS/Screen NSW Talent Escalator (‘TE’) is a national initiative focused on creating opportunities for creatives from under-represented communities within the television production sector. The TE is a partnership between SBS and each of Australia’s screen agencies, Vic Screen, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Canberra and the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania.
The national initiative creates career development opportunities for emerging and mid-level screen practitioners from backgrounds under-represented within the Australian screen industry.
The TE provides opportunities for participants to work with production companies of SBS commissioned programs, in roles that are a step up from their existing level of experience.
Since 2017, SBS has supported more than 30 TE positions including Associate Producer, Production Manager, Assistant Editor, Director’s Attachment and other roles.
TE participants have worked on a wide variety of programs across the documentary, factual, food, entertainment, comedy/drama and drama slates. Most recently with the studio-based Mastermind, other examples include factual series Lost For Words, Come Fly with Me and scripted shows Hungry Ghosts, New Gold Mountain, and The Tailings.
SBS and the state and territory agencies collaborate with production companies working on SBS commissioned programs, to secure flexible, on-the-job, paid learning and immersion opportunities.
Who can apply?
We are seeking candidates who come from a range of lived experiences and identify as coming from an under-represented community including people who are culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTIQ+.
We are looking for applicants who meet these eligibility requirements:
- Residents of the screen agency’s state;
- Demonstrating a diverse background or an under-represented community;
- Can demonstrate significant commitment to working in a related technical discipline within the screen industry and mid to long term commitment to career development in the TV and film industry
- Australian citizen or permanent resident;
- 18 years old or above; and
- Not a full time student.
- The Applicant must be listed on the Screen NSW Attachment Register: https://screen.nsw.gov.au/funding/industry-support/create-nsw-attachment-register
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CURRENT TALENT ESCALATOR ROLE
1) Program description:
EROTIC STORIES is a bold and transgressive series guaranteed to spark conversation. Penned by Australia’s best writers, EROTIC STORIES is an anthology that changes the narrative of what sex and intimacy look like today. Each episode is driven by characters not traditionally seen as sexual leads. Be it queer, trans, disabled, middle-aged and/or people of colour, EROTIC STORIES spotlights diverse points of view, with a non-judgemental attitude and a shameless lust for all things erotic - no matter how unconventional.
At its core, EROTIC STORIES is an uplifting series about our need for physical and emotional connection. It challenges us to see that intimacy is both personal and universal, and to understand each other’s emotional desires and vulnerabilities.
2) Talent Escalator role title: Associate Producer
3) Location: Sydney, NSW
4) Placement Period:
Start: Monday 13 March 2023
Finish: Friday 9 June 2023 + part time post-production
Total Weeks: 13 weeks full time + part time post-production totalling 3 weeks
How many days per week: 5 days per week
Hours: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm with a 30min unpaid Meal Break to be taken in that time.
Note: actual hours may vary.
5) Production dates of the program:
Pre-Production commences: 27th February 2023
Shoot commences: 17th April 2023
Shoot Wrap: 9th June 2023
6) Supervision
During the placement, the participant will be primarily supervised by the Series Producer on the program at Lingo Pictures.
The participant will also be able to contact the SBS Content Industry Diversity Manager Michelle Cheng, throughout the placement
Production Company Supervisors
Series Producer – Liam Heyen
Direct supervisor role title – Series Producer
7) How will the placement provide a ‘level up’ for participants?
This opportunity will provide participants with the opportunity to extend their existing skill set and gain experience which is a level up from their existing skill set.
Please describe how this placement will allow participants to ‘level up’ from their existing skill set
This position would suit a junior producer who seeks to expand their existing experience on a long-form drama production. This person would have a number of credits as a Producer on short form productions, and some experience across long form production in various entry-level roles (i.e. runner, production office, producer’s assistant).
The participant would be attached to the series producer, and work to assist and support them, alongside taking carriage of their own autonomous producorial tasks across the logistics, creative, publicity and marketing of the series. They will work across both blocks of the series, developing relationships with the director(s), producer(s), executive producer(s) and shoot crew.
The position also presents the opportunity for increased creative contribution towards the episodes, and if/when required producing any second unit shoots.
Please describe how the supervisor will help the participant to develop their skills
The participant will be given clear tasks and have the opportunity for feedback both immediately during the pre-production and production periods and at regular scheduled intervals by the Series Producer (and Executive Producer where possible). Lingo Pictures would also work toward any specific areas the participant nominates in which they’d like to extend their skills.
8) Job description/Key tasks and responsibilities
Please provide a one paragraph summary of the role including key duties, which department and which other team members/roles they will be working with
Pre-Production:
- Attend key location scouts/recces.
- Cast research, working with series producer on Cast Budget and Cast Agreements.
- Attending key production meetings: Page turns, Production Meetings, Script Meetings.
- Working with Art Department on clearances, sourcing additional material (i.e. playback on tv screens).
- Working with Series Producer in the script amendment process, attending script meetings.
- Assisting with publicity schedule, working with Unit Publicist to identify key stills days, and tracking budget. Liaising with 2nd AD/Production Office regarding any on set portraits, gallery shoots et al.
- EPK interviews – coordinating on-set EPK filming with Unit Publicist.
- Coordinate and facilitate set visits with the Unit Publicist.
- Produce any second unit shoots required – including attendance at the shoots and reporting back to the Series Producer.
- General assistance to Series Producer and ad hoc tasks when required.
Post Production:
- Watching rough cuts and fine cuts.
- Working with Lingo Post Producer and team regarding clearances.
- Liaising with Unit Publicist on stills approvals, key art, trailer.
- Edit/reviewing press kit.
- General assistance to the Series Producer and ad hoc tasks when required.
9) Training objectives and learning goals
- Develop ability to multi-task and work under pressure in ever changing environments; working to tight deadlines.
- Develop producing skills within the long form drama strand: understanding the intersection of creative, logistical and financial pressures on the production, and how it is a producer’s job to problem solve and find effective solutions with all of these facets in mind.
- Gaining practical knowledge of the production of longform multi-block television production.
10) Creating inclusive environments
SBS recognises the importance of inclusive environments, to ensure everyone is respected and valued for their contributions. Lived experience and meaningful collaboration with community are essential to achieve authentic and respectful portrayal.
The SBS Commissioning Equity & Inclusion Guidelines (2021 to 2024) and the SBS Commissioning Equity & Inclusion website contain tips, resources and information for creating inclusive environments on all SBS production.
Lingo Pictures is committed to creating an inclusive environment for the Talent Escalator participant. The participant will be supported by the Series Producer throughout the placement and will also be able to contact the SBS Content Industry Diversity Manager Michelle Cheng throughout the placement at michelle.cheng@sbs.com.au.
Lingo Pictures is committed to creating an inclusive environment for the Talent Escalator participant.
Link to Lingo Pictures Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy
Lingo Pictures Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Lingo Pictures is proud to be equal opportunities employers. We actively encourage diversity in both the stories we produce and the teams we employ to produce these stories. We work closely with our broadcasters, distributors, suppliers, freelancers, contractors, industry organisations and other businesses partners to share information and promote best practice.
All of our policies embrace the principles of equal opportunity and our commitment to ensure that no cast or crew member, or applicant will be treated less favourably in a manner which conflicts with the provisions of any relevant equality legislation. Legislation protects against certain discrimination on the basis of a number of protected characteristics which include: Age, Disability, Gender identity or expression, Marriage or Domestic Status, Carer’s Responsibilities, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religious Beliefs, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Lingo Pictures will not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on any of these protected characteristics.
We recognise the value of involving everyone in the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. We will fairly reward individual endeavour and value diversity of thought, perspective and experience. We make sure our organisation is accessible to all and provide the necessary encouragement and opportunity to develop careers.
Unlawful discrimination will not be tolerated in respect of all conditions of work. These work conditions include pay, entitlements, maternity/paternity leave, recruitment, selection, training, promotion, and work allocation. All colleagues have a responsibility to support Lingo Pictures’ equal opportunities practices within the organisation, including by treating each other with dignity and respect and challenging any behaviour which is unfair or discriminatory. Producers, Line Producers and Heads of Department are specifically responsible for ensuring the fair treatment of all individuals within their department, with particular reference to recruitment, selection, training and development opportunities and work allocation.
11) How do I apply?
To apply for the role, please send your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Liam Heyen, Producer, at liam@madonesfilms.com.au by 12 pm Friday 3 March 2023.
Sarah Lambert (Executive Producer) & Daniel Nettheim (Director), photographed by Lisa Tomasetti, from The Messenger, 2023 © Lingo Pictures.