We have joined forces with WIFT Australia once again to host an exciting three day writing retreat in the beautiful South West region of Western Australia from 27-30 August 2023 in a private residence, thanks to CinefestOZ Industry partnership with Private Properties.
The writer’s retreat was held for the first time in 2021 to WA members only (due to border restrictions) and saw writers work across a week on further developing their long or short form projects.
The 2023 Writers Retreat will host four participants and is open to WIFT Australia members across the country who are able to make their own way to WA next month. The retreat is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to make significant creative progress on a scripted or non-scripted project they are the Sole or Lead writer on.
To support them during the retreat, participants will receive creative consultation from script development executive and former BBC script editor Jamey Claffey.
Jamey works primarily in high-end TV drama, comedy, and scripted podcasts. She supports writers to develop their scripted series and films from initial concept to delivery. Jamey initially trained as a script editor at BBC Scotland and went on to work in various script and story editing roles within BBC TV Drama Commissioning and BBC Studios Scripted, as well as assistant producing radio plays for BBC Radio 4.
Since returning to Australia in 2020, Jamey has developed and consulted on a string of Audible Original serial drama and comedy podcasts produced by the likes of Fremantle, Hoodlum, Beyond Entertainment and Guesswork. Jamey currently contracts as a story analyst and development exec for Dreamchaser Entertainment, as well as working across a slate of her own screen projects via her script development business Script Engine.
As well as the space and time to knuckle down on their projects, participants will also receive a free pass to our Industry Program (31st Aug- 1st Sept), exclusive invitations to VIP networking opportunities, and $200 Coles vouchers.
“I’m so proud of CinefestOZ’s on-going contribution to supporting the development of WIFT talent and their career journey’s and cannot wait to see the outcomes,” Cassandra Jordan, CEO CinefestOZ, said
“It’s also fantastic timing as the writers retreat is just ahead of the CinefestOZ Film Festival (29 August – 3 September), which showcases the best new Australian films at a range of screenings and events over six days and includes the Industry Program, which attracts local, national and international filmmakers.”
The retreat is open to all current WIFT Australia members over the age of 18 with a screen project they wish to develop creatively. The project can be short or long form, but must be intended for broadcast or distribution via traditional channels or online.
“WIFT Australia partnering with CinefestOZ to deliver the Writers Retreat again furthers our commitment to providing opportunities for members of the Australian screen industry to develop confidence and new skills in key disciplines currently underrepresented by female and non-binary voices. We’re pleased that the result of this program will be four supported individuals one step further on their writing journey.” Liz Tomkins, Chair WIFT Australia
Applications open 9am AWST Monday 24 July to 5pm AWST Friday 11 August. An independent panel will assess applications based on how well the applicant can demonstrate how the retreat will help progress their projects and careers. The selected four participants will be notified on Monday 14 August.
Apply here: https://www.wiftaustralia.org.au/cinefestoz-wift-australia-writers-retreat
Not a member? You can still apply as long as you purchase a Full WA or Student membership before submitting your application. Visit the WIFT Australia Membership page to purchase your membership today.
ABOUT CINEFESTOZ
CinefestOZ in the South West region of Western Australia is a celebration of Australian filmmaking that includes premieres and events in the region’s cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries. The festival offers a lucrative film prize of $100,000 – the largest for an Australian film in the country – and has cultivated a reputation as both an industry event and film festival destination. The event has since grown with CinefestOZ Albany returning for its second year this April. The most recent addition is CinefestOZ Broome to be held in November – WA’s Indigenous film festival held in conjunction with Goolarri Media, a wholly owned and run Indigenous media organisation.
ABOUT WIFT AUSTRALIA
Women In Film & Television Australia (WIFT Australia) is a volunteer-run Not-For-Profit organisation dedicated to achieving gender equality in the Australian screen industry through research, advocacy, education and support for female-identifying and non-binary screen industry practitioners. Founded in 2017, the organisation provides skills development opportunities, networking and support, as well as advocacy of gender rights and issues. For more information, visit: https://www.wiftaustralia.org.au/
ABOUT PRIVATE PROPERTIES
Our Industry Program is proud to be partnering once again with Private Properties—an award-winning tourism company overseeing stunning holiday homes across the southern part of WA.
With over 26 years Private Properties has a team of over 30 staff, with more than 115 incredible holiday homes in their portfolio, and many thousands of returning guests. Owners David and Jody Moyes and their team provide far more than just a holiday home booking service. You can be assured of an unforgettable end-to-end holiday experience, thanks to their care and meticulous attention to detail.
Head to Private Properties’ website to find a range of homes to stay during your visit to the festival, or when filming on location in the South West.
Purchase: Industry Cinepass
Two days of inspiring talks, unique workshops and fantastic networking opportunities. Program of speakers to be announced shortly.
Download the official CinefestOZ app to search session times, book tickets and build your calendar of events during the festival.
CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we live and work on, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.