Lunch Break: Writing By The Numbers

All writing eventually has one thing in common...in order to get made, it must be budgeted.

How is a script translated into a budget? Where is it important to spend money? Where is it not so important?

What is the typical daily cost of production in Australia? What are the key factors that can raise or lower a budget?

With so much Australian content dependent on foreign investment – and the stars who trigger it – how are projects financed?

What are production offsets and incentives? And why do they matter?

And most important of all – how do the numbers effect the art?

If you’re a writer interested in producing your own work or moving into showrunning, even if you just want to be a more effective member of the key creative team, don’t miss this in-depth look at the inner workings of the budgeting process.

Jonny Kennerley is one of Australia’s most effective and versatile line-producers. Beginning his career in the world of New Zealand advertising, he transferred his skills to Australia where he moved into television and film production. Rising through the ranks from production coordinator, to production manager, line producer and producer, Jonny’s credits include Housos,Soul Mates, The Code, Catching Milat, Dead Lucky, Janet King, Wakefield,Doctor Doctor, and the Secrets She Keeps. Most recently, he line-produced feature film Carmen for director Benjamin Millepied, starring Paul Mescal and Elsa Pataky, before moving to Netflix, where he is now Production Executive for Australia and New Zealand.

Join Sam Meikle in conversation with Jonny as they discuss the paradox of the numbers – they don’t lie, but they can be creative too.

WHEN: Wednesday 15 June 2022 from 1pm

WHERE: Online via Zoom

TICKETS: Free for AWG members, but booking is essential. 

Join us for lunch! Every third Wednesday of the month at 1pm AEST, the Australian Writers' Guild will be hosting Lunch Break, a chance to catch up with your Guild on a wide range of topics, including how to make the most of your membership, the latest industrial and advocacy news, and exclusive In Conversations with AWG members focused on the craft of performance writing.

Each month you will also hear about the work the AWG is doing on behalf of its members, as well as upcoming initiatives, opportunities, and campaigns.