Digital Originals 2026

Digital Originals is a joint initiative of Screen Australia, SBS and NITV, aimed at developing exciting and innovative short-form scripted series for SBS and NITV.  These series contain 6 x 10-minute episodes for broadcast on SBS and NITV platforms.

Digital Originals is targeted at emerging creators working on exciting and risk-taking scripted projects. Following the success ofpast participants such as Homebodies, Moonbird and Appetite, this opportunity is aimed at episodic narrative series designed for SBS and NITV audiences. Prior experience in writing for screen is not necessary.

Up to ten teams will be selected to attend an exclusive workshop run by Screen Australia, SBS and NITV, featuring a range of industry guest presenters and past Digital Originals teams. The workshop will focus on short form narrative writing skills, pitching and developing the projects to align with the SBS Charter and audiences, culminating in a pitch to Screen Australia, SBS and NITV.

From the ten teams invited to attend the workshop, up to five will be chosen to take their project into further development, and from these, up to three will be chosen for production funding and commissioning with SBS, NITV and Screen Australia. Teams will have the support and resources of SBS, NITV and Screen Australia through the development process.

Team members residing outside of New South Wales (NSW), and residing in Australia, will receive economy return flights and accommodation within Australia for two to three team members to attend the workshop in person. Teams residing in NSW but outside of Greater Sydney may be provided with accommodation for the workshop and Pitch Day.

Following the workshop, selected teams will be provided with funding to develop their project, with delivery required by May 2027. Decisions on next steps will be made thereafter.