Shortlist for premier awards for unproduced Australian screenplays

8 February, 2018

The thrilling depths of 1942 wartime Sydney, an elderly woman who finds a new lease on life and an examination of the tragedies and triumphs of three high school friends are just a few of the original Australian stories on showcase in the Australian Writers' Guild's 2017 Monte Miller Awards shortlists.

The premier awards for unproduced scripts in Australia, the Monte Miller Awards turn the spotlight on the best among Australia’s up-and coming screenwriters, and celebrate a diverse mix of new and original Australian voices for the stage and screen.The awards are open to short and long form work across all genres and formats, and have been presented by the Australian Writers’ Guild since 1972. 

With over 400 entrants in 2017, they are a unique and competitive opportunity for emerging screenwriters to have their work showcased to the industry.

The 2017 Monte Miller Awards shortlists are:

Short Form category 

Alan King for Leo's Dream

Leanne Mangan for The Morning After

Nicholas Clifford for The Handy Man

Nir Shelter and Tai Scrivener for Spies Girls: Pilot Episode

Sam Uther and Grace Uther for 1969

Tim Spencer for Wilco

Long Form category 

Arky Michael and Kym Vercoe for Mrs Burswood

Gabriel Bergmoser for Windmills

Gemma Crofts for Below the Radar

The award winners will officially be announced at the inaugural Monte Miller Awards night in Melbourne on 27 February 2018, presented by the Australian Writers' Guild in association with Screen Australia.

Hosted by Celia Pacquola, the night will bring together entrants, screenwriters and Australian and International producers in a celebration of the future of Australian stories.

Shortlisted writers will be given the opportunity to network with key industry figures, and their projects will be inducted onto Pathways Showcase, joining a host of outstanding unproduced scripts by Australia's most talented screenwriters.

The 2017 Monte Miller Awards are made possible with the support of our Major Government Partner Screen Australia.