Prime Video Australia and the National Institute of Dramatic Art have announced a new partnership, offering two scholarships to women and nonbinary applicants.
Two $50,000 Prime Video Scholarships will be available for students studying Master of Fine Arts directing and/or MFA dramatic writing courses, and $50,000 towards supporting 2024 MFA directing cohort.
Prime Video will also be offering industry support and mentorship to these courses as part of the partnership.
The aim of the Prime Video-funded scholarships is to improve representation in the industry and can be directed towards accommodation and living costs, contributions towards travel, childcare for students, and tuition fees.
“2023 has been a big year for Prime Video in terms of delivering Australian content to local and international customers. Building capability and skills in Australia enables us to continue to create Australian stories that resonate with a global audience,” said Hushidar Kharas (pictured left), head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand.
“The international success of series like The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, produced by critically acclaimed producers Bruna Papandrea and, Jodi Matterson, as well as Deadloch, created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, highlight the global opportunity that the Australian entertainment industry can tap into. We need to continue to invest in skills to ensure a pipeline of content that meets that demand. NIDA is the perfect partner for Prime Video, given their long-standing success and international renown as a creative arts education provider. We’re delighted to be coming on board and look forward to many future collaborations.”
NIDA CEO, Liz Hughes (pictured right), said: “We are hugely grateful for this exciting collaboration and partnership with Prime Video. This scholarship program and support is an incredible opportunity to reach new voices and storytellers of the future who are underrepresented in the creative industries. NIDA is committed to helping build the pipeline to industry for Australians from all over the country, and enabling the most creative and talented individuals to come to NIDA. This generous support will open doors to women and non-binary creatives with diverse intersectional backgrounds. Additionally, the connection and exposure to the team from Prime Video and their production partners will offer vital pathways and opportunities for students.”
“Creative skills in Australia have been identified as vital to our fastest-growing industries, with creative roles predicted to increase their share of employment,” said Sarah Christie, senior development executive, Prime Video Australia. “Strong creative partnerships are key to our success at Prime Video, and we have worked with some of the best talent in Australia. We want to make sure that we’re creating opportunities to broaden the representation of voices and perspectives in our industry. We are excited to be partnering with NIDA to open gateways to women and nonbinary students who would not have otherwise had the opportunity to really hone their craft at one of the world’s best drama schools. At Prime Video, we are committed to nurturing new voices, and can’t wait for the stories to come out of this program, which will no doubt add to the broader fabric of our cultural discourse.”
