Story Assistant Producer - SBS Talent Escalator Opportunity

SBS Talent Escalator Opportunity

About the program

The SBS Talent Escalator (‘TE’) is a joint initiative of SBS together with each of Australia’s state and territory screen agencies to co-fund 12 to 16 week placements for emerging to mid-level practitioners from under-represented backgrounds.

This initiative is designed to support practitioners from backgrounds currently under-represented within the Australian screen industry, working directly with production companies on an SBS program.

It is intended to escalate careers by allowing participants to exercise skills that are a level up from their existing level of experience and secure flexible, on-the-job-paid learning and immersion opportunities to work in a collaborative and respectful environment.

Who can apply for a TE placement? (Eligibility criteria)

The TE is open to TV and film practitioners from under-represented backgrounds who meet the eligibility requirements set out in this section.

In their application cover letters, candidates should state how they meet the eligibility criteria for the TE placement.

Eligible applicants are practitioners from under-represented backgrounds who:

• Are residents of the participating screen agency’s state.
• Identify with one or more of these six groups, as outlined in the SBS Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines:

1. First Nations peoples
2. Culturally and linguistically diverse
3. Non-European culturally and linguistically diverse
4. People with disability
5. LGBTQ+ communities
6. Women from intersectional backgrounds (i.e., women who also identify with one or more of the above groups)

• Are Australian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18+
• Have relevant production experience
• Are not full-time students
• Must comply with the terms of trade of the relevant screen agency

SBS recognizes that diversity is also reflected in other ways, including geography (including regional and remote areas), socio-economic mobility, age and carer status. We encourage the exploration and representation of these communities in our content and initiatives.

Program Partners

The Talent Escalator is a partnership between SBS and each of Australia’s state and territory screen agencies.

Position Description for Talent Escalator Role

Program title: Nightfire (working title)

Talent Escalator role title: Story Assistant Producer

Location: Pyrmont Office

Placement Period

Start: 6th October 2026

Finish: 15th January 2025

Total Weeks: 12 Weeks **NB: There will be a two week break over the New Year period.

How many days per week: 5 days per week

Hours: 8am – 6pm. Note: actual hours may vary.

Production dates of the program : Q3 and Q4, 2026

Supervision

During the placement, the participant will be primarily supervised by the Story Producer at ITV STUDIOS.

The participant will also be able to contact the SBS Commissioning Creative Diversity team throughout the placement.

Production Company Supervisors

Executive Producer

Series Producer

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.

This placement will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to work within a team of other Story APs and Producers at the heart of the editorial process. They will level up by learning to identify narrative arcs, character beats in raw footage, as well as an understanding of the elements needed to build a sequence from a story. In addition to this, the participant will be given training on working in Avid, which they will use throughout their placement.

The Story Producer will provide guidance and mentorship throughout the placement, showing the participant examples of how to recognise and highlight key story elements in rushes, as well as coaching on how to identify story arcs. They will also be given opportunities to independently search rushes to assist finding ‘missing’ moments that may assist the wider team with their work.

Job description/Key tasks and responsibilities

The Story Assistant Producer will be based in the Pyrmont offices as part of a story team that are reviewing a high volume of rushes, and creating story notes of these to assist both the field team with their story focus, as well as provide summaries that will be relied upon in the edit. Working on Avid, this is an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to learn both story producing and technical post producing skills that will help them in both field and post roles in the future.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Marking up timelines in Avid
• Summarising content into clear notes that detail the key story beats for the field and post teams.
• Assisting the Story Team with searching through rushes.
• Contributing in regular story meetings.

Training objectives and learning goals

By the end of their engagement, the participant will have gained an understanding of key story elements and requirements that will enable them to mark up a timeline in Avid and summarise key events within the rushes. These skills will be acquired through them having the opportunity to view and log rushes under the guidance of their supervisor, as well as through participation and feedback provided during the regular team meetings.

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 (2025 to 2028) and the SBS Commissioning Equity & Inclusion website contain tips, resources and information for creating inclusive environments on all SBS production.

ITV Studios Australia is committed to creating an inclusive environment for the Talent Escalator participant. The participant will be supported by the Story Producer throughout the placement and will also be able to contact the SBS Commissioning Creative Diversity team - ***email_hidden***.

ITV Studios Australia is committed to creating an inclusive environment for the Talent Escalator participant.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter clearly outlining how you meet the eligibility criteria to the crewing team at [email protected] with the subject line ‘Nightfire Talent Escalator Application’

Applications open: 29th June 2026

Applications close: 31st July 2026

Successful candidate notified: 28th August 2026

Please let us know if you have access requirements for the interview.