CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writer’s Retreat

CinefestOZ Film Festival and WIFT Australia have partnered together again to deliver its highly successful Writers Retreat in the beautiful South West region of Western Australia.

Held over three days from Sunday 27 August to Wednesday 30 August, the CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writers Retreat will provide participants with the space and time they need to make significant progress on a screen project they are currently attached to as the Sole or Lead Writer at any stage of development.

Participants will get the opportunity to stay in a private room at Private Properties’ Busselton Beach House, complete with beachside views, open plan dining and living room, an alfresco area, top of the range appliances, PLUS $200 in Coles fuel and food vouchers to cover the cost of their travel and meals during the program.

Participants will be also receive a free two-day CinefestOZ Industry Program Pass to support their professional development and networking. The Industry Program is CinefestOZ’s annual professional conference where attendees have the opportunity to learn from seminars, workshops, and panels on key industry topics whilst networking with industry guests.

DEADLINE AND HOW TO APPLY

Applications open 9am AWST Monday 24 July and close 5pm AWST Friday 11 August. Written applications can be submitted via the button below or if you prefer, we are also accepting video and audio submissions that address the key eligibility criteria. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 5pm AWST Monday 14 August 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writers Retreat is open to Full WIFT Australia members who are:

  • The Sole or Lead writer on a scripted or non-scripted project currently in development

  • Identify as female or non-binary individuals

  • Are over the age of 18

  • Have remaining at least 3 months’ validity on their membership (this will be checked by the Membership team after receiving your submission so you do not need to worry about checking your membership status before submitting)

Applicants must also demonstrate they:

  1. Are listed as the Sole or Lead Writer on a project that has received development support from a state or federal funding agency (i.e. Screenwest, Screen Australia) within the last five years; and/or

  2. Have participated as a writer in a scheme run by a major screen agency/organisation/broadcaster in Australia (e.g.: AWG Pathways, Screenability, AFTRS Talent Camp, Plot Twist Programs, Cinespace’s Package to Pitch, Impact Australia); and/or

  3. Are a writer who is currently in development on a project with support from a broadcaster, major online content provider or screen agency/organisation); and/or

  4. Are attached as a writer to a project that hasn’t received development funding from a screen agency but has been exhibited in a public forum (i.e. theatrically, festival) or broadcast online or traditional television; and/or

  5. Can provide a body of work that demonstrates their writing skills from related areas (e.g. playwright, author)

Applications are especially encouraged from individuals of diverse backgrounds including those who:

  • identify as First Nations Australians;

  • are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds;

  • are Deaf or hard of hearing or People with disability;

  • identify as LGBTQIA+; and/or

  • are located in regional and/or remote areas

CONTACT

For more information on the application process, please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If you still have unanswered questions you can contact us at applications@wiftaustralia.org.au.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

  • ANSWER: The program will run from Sunday 27 August to Wednesday 30 August 2023. Participants arrive at the house from 2pm Sunday 27 August and check out from the house will be 12pm Wednesday 30 August. The CinefestOZ Industry Program will then run from Thursday 1 September to Friday 2 September.

  • ANSWER: Written applications can be submitted via the Google Form accessible by clicking the ‘Apply Here’ button above.

    We are also accepting video and/or audio submissions which address the key eligibility criteria and respond to the answers outlined in the form. Video and audio submissions should be emailed to applications@wiftaustralia.org.au.

  • ANSWER: The goals for each project will look different for every participant. It should be measurable and bespoke to your project’s current needs as well as your current skill level. It also needs to be personally achievable within the three days of the retreat. For example, an emerging writer might set a goal to write a first draft web series pilot, whilst a more experienced writer might set a goal to write a first draft of a half hour pilot.

    To assist, we suggest following the S.M.A.R.T goal framework, setting a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For example: Within the three day program, I will complete 10 pages of my debut feature film screenplay.

  • ANSWER: As this is a competitive selection process, preference will be given to projects where applicants can demonstrate significant progress by the end of the retreat, therefore actual writing outcomes will be prioritised over research.

  • ANSWER: Yes, as long as you can demonstrate an ability to execute your intended project goal.

  • ANSWER: Yes as long as you can demonstrate you have the required permissions to work on the project during the retreat.

  • ANSWER: Due to limitations in accommodation, we can only support one writer per project and therefore this opportunity is reserved for the Sole or Lead Writer on a project only.

  • ANSWER: Due to limitations in accommodation, we can only accommodate retreat participants. If you require a carer or your children to be near you during the retreat, we can absolutely look into helping them find accommodation near to the retreat.

  • ANSWER: If you currently work in a different role in the screen industry but are able to outline your eligibility as per the criteria outlined above, you are eligible to apply.

  • ANSWER: No. Participants will retain full copyright to their projects.

  • ANSWER: We encourage ride sharing arrangements between all selected participants who will be put in contact with each other prior to the retreat. Alternatively, public transport options are available between Perth and the retreat location.

  • ANSWER: Only applicants who are available to stay for the entire program will be offered a place in the program.

  • ANSWER: Participants of the retreat will receive:

    • Three nights’ private accommodation at Private Properties Busselton Beach House property

    • 1 x complimentary non-transferable 2023 CinefestOZ Industry Program pass

    • 1 x $200 Coles voucher to be used on meals and fuel during the retreat

  • ANSWER:

    • Flights to and from Western Australia to attend the retreat.

    • Ground transport to and from Perth to the retreat.

    • Accommodation or ground transport during the CinefestOZ Industry Program.

    • Tickets to films or any other CinefestOZ scheduled program outside of the Industry Program.

DOWNLOADS

If you wish to obtain a download of the Guidelines or Application Form, click the relevant buttons below.