Essential Screen Skills

11/09/2026

⏰Submissions close today!

If you're a Year 10–12 student filmmaker in Queensland this is your final chance to enter your submission for the ESS Awards!

Showcase your creativity, get your work in front of leading industry judges and go in the running to win amazing prizes and gain recognition for your screen skills.

🎬 Submissions close TODAY
🏆 Awards celebration 14 November
🎥 Open to Queensland students in Years 10–12

Enter now: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/


FAQs:
• Is the competition locked to Gateway Schools only?
○ No, the Film Categories are open to any Year 10 to 12 student enrolled in a Queensland High School - this includes Queensland Distance Education schools.
○ The only Gateway categories that are locked is the Screen and Media Gateway Student of the Year and Screen and Media Gateway School of the Year
• Can multiple people on a film nominate for a category?
○ Yes, on Film Freeway you need to list the creatives in all roles - as the producer/entrant it is your responsibility to keep them informed of the outcome and we will ask for their direct contact so that they can be invited to the Industry Day and Awards Ceremony if they are nominated in their category. They must also be an enrolled student in a QLD High School.
• What types of films can be entered?
○ Any screen content/genre. You can submit a documentary, short film, music video, animation etc
○ Read our website to understand the Judges criteria for each category: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
• Can I use copyright material?
○ Refer to https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
○ You need to obtain the appropriate permissions and comply with legislation. We are not covered by the ESS Awards is not covered by the Education license.
• Can I submit work from last year?
○ Absolutely, you can enter films that have been completed from 1st January, 2025.

11/09/2026

⏰Just 1 more day to get your entry in!

The countdown is on! If you're a Year 10–12 student filmmaker in Queensland you have 1 more day left to submit your film for the Essential Screen Skills Awards.

Showcase your creativity, get your work in front of leading industry judges and go in the running to win amazing prizes and gain recognition for your screen skills.

🎬 Submissions close 12 September
🏆 Awards celebration 14 November
🎥 Open to Queensland students in Years 10–12

Enter now: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/


FAQs:
• Is the competition locked to Gateway Schools only?
○ No, the Film Categories are open to any Year 10 to 12 student enrolled in a Queensland High School - this includes Queensland Distance Education schools.
○ The only Gateway categories that are locked is the Screen and Media Gateway Student of the Year and Screen and Media Gateway School of the Year
• Can multiple people on a film nominate for a category?
○ Yes, on Film Freeway you need to list the creatives in all roles - as the producer/entrant it is your responsibility to keep them informed of the outcome and we will ask for their direct contact so that they can be invited to the Industry Day and Awards Ceremony if they are nominated in their category. They must also be an enrolled student in a QLD High School.
• What types of films can be entered?
○ Any screen content/genre. You can submit a documentary, short film, music video, animation etc
○ Read our website to understand the Judges criteria for each category: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
• Can I use copyright material?
○ Refer to https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
○ You need to obtain the appropriate permissions and comply with legislation. We are not covered by the ESS Awards is not covered by the Education license.
• Can I submit work from last year?
○ Absolutely, you can enter films that have been completed from 1st January, 2025.

10/09/2026

⏰Just 2 days to get your entry in!

The countdown is on! If you're a Year 10–12 student filmmaker in Queensland have just 2 days left to submit your film for the Essential Screen Skills Awards.

Showcase your creativity, get your work in front of leading industry judges and go in the running to win amazing prizes and gain recognition for your screen skills.

🎬 Submissions close 12 September
🏆 Awards celebration 14 November
🎥 Open to Queensland students in Years 10–12

Enter now: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/


FAQs:

Is the competition locked to Gateway Schools only?

○ No, the Film Categories are open to any Year 10 to 12 student enrolled in a Queensland High School - this includes Queensland Distance Education schools.
○ The only Gateway categories that are locked is the Screen and Media Gateway Student of the Year and Screen and Media Gateway School of the Year

Can multiple people on a film nominate for a category?

○ Yes, on Film Freeway you need to list the creatives in all roles - as the producer/entrant it is your responsibility to keep them informed of the outcome and we will ask for their direct contact so that they can be invited to the Industry Day and Awards Ceremony if they are nominated in their category. They must also be an enrolled student in a QLD High School.

What types of films can be entered?

○ Any screen content/genre. You can submit a documentary, short film, music video, animation etc
○ Read our website to understand the Judges criteria for each category: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/

Can I use copyright material?

○ Refer to https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
○ You need to obtain the appropriate permissions and comply with legislation. We are not covered by the ESS Awards is not covered by the Education license.

Can I submit work from last year?

○ Absolutely, you can enter films that have been completed from 1st January, 2025.

08/09/2026

Entries close 12 September.
https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/

07/09/2026

Our e-newsletter is back. Don't miss out on weekly news and updates. Subscribe here https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/contact-us/

04/09/2026

⏰ Don't miss your shot!

The Essential Screen Skills Awards are searching for Queensland's most talented emerging screen practitioners. If you're a Year 10-12 student with a film completed since 1 January 2025, enter now for the chance to be recognised by leading industry judges and connect with professionals shaping Australia's screen sector.

🎬 Entries close 12 September 🏆 Awards celebration in Brisbane ✨ Industry Development Day for nominees

Enter today: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/

03/09/2026

Entries for the inaugural Essential Screen Skills (ESS) Awards are closing soon!

The ESS Awards recognises and celebrates the creativity, talent and passion of Queensland’s emerging screen practitioners in Years 10–12, providing an opportunity for young filmmakers to have their work recognised by industry professionals and the wider screen community.

With 11 award categories spanning Best Film, Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Performance, Production Design, Sound, Animation and more, the ESS Awards celebrate the wide range of skills involved in screen production.

Entries close 12 September 2026.

We are proud to have Videopro and Canon as major sponsors of the inaugural ESS Awards, supporting the next generation of Queensland screen and media creators.

"Videopro is proud to partner with Canon in supporting the inaugural Essential Screen Skills Awards, celebrating the creativity, talent and passion of Queensland's screen and media community. Together, we’re excited to support an initiative that recognises the people shaping the future of the industry and the incredible work they create." Videopro Canon ANZ https://www.videopro.com.au

There are also a range of prizes available, including QUT gift vouchers, a $3,000 QUT bursary for the Screen and Media Gateway Student of the Year, and a bespoke experiential learning opportunity for the Screen and Media Gateway School of the Year. More prizes are to be announced.

The ESS Awards Industry Development Day will take place on 13 November, followed by the ESS Awards Ceremony on 14 November 2026 in Brisbane.
You can find all the details and enter here:
https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/
Resources and information here: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
Sponsors and Supporters here: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-sponsors-and-supporters/

More sponsors, supporters and prizes to be announced.

31/08/2026

ATTN: Teachers and High School students. Applications are now open for the 5th Youth Pitch Masterclass presented by Essential Screen Skills, ATOM Queensland and Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

Date: Friday 30th October, 2026
When: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Venue: Gold Coast – venue to be announced
Who: students from year 10 to 12 studying a screen and media subject are encouraged to apply (Media Arts, Media Arts in Practice, Cert 3 in Screen and Media, Film, Television and New Media, IB Film)

Selected participants will work with local and international producers on their film, television or webseries concept to improve their pitching skills and refine their ideas .To apply, students are required to create a 1 page pitch for a Film/TV/Web series ideas and creator’s statement. This pitch will be provided to the producers and the masterclass will enable participants the opportunity to refine their pitch.

Application close Friday 9th October, 11:59pm

Asia Pacific Screen Academy delivered in partnership with Australian Teachers of Media Queensland and Essential Screen Skills present the 5th Youth Pitch Masterclass as part of the Asia Pacific Screen Forum

21/08/2026

Last term we facilitated a set visit to Fortitude Valley, Moving Entertainment's latest crime-thriller mini-series.

Screen and Media Gateway teachers had the opportunity to speak directly with crew and watch the craft behind production. Thank you to Co-Producer Ross Allsop for chaperoning us.

"Visiting a working film set was an amazing experience. It was such a great opportunity that lead to conversations in the classroom about how film sets work and the different roles that are available" - Emma Sauer, Film, Television and New Media Ripley Valley State Secondary College

"This was by far one of the highlights of my teaching career! It was so exciting to be on set, see how it works and speak to people in the industry about their jobs, the pathways they took to get into the industry and the employment available. It was a capital A for Authentic. I was able to go back to school and relay information straight to my students who are definitely pursuing a career in the industry. It will certainly change the trajectory for some of them" Lisa Kelly, HOD Performing Arts, Bremer State High School.

"It was fantastic to see what is happening on the ground in industry spaces and chat to those who live this life, and to take this back for career conversations with students. It was also amazing to run into previous student working in the industry!" - Head of Department, Brisbane

Fortitude Valley is written, created and executive produced by Moving Floor Entertainment co-founders Stephen M Irwin, Leigh McGrath (Harrow) along with Hunter Page-Lochard (Reckless, Beep and Mort), this gripping six-part crime thriller stars Page-Lochard, acclaimed actress Kat Stewart and newly announced internationally acclaimed actor, Rupert Everett.

Filmed and set in Queensland’s capital city, the series explores family secrets, the corrupting force of power and the complicated truths behind lies. Fortitude Valley is directed by Sian Davies (Black Snow), produced by Andrew Walker (Deadloch) and co-produced by Ross Allsop (The Artful Dodger) with executive producer Greg Sitch (Fisk). Major production investment from Screen Australia, the ABC and Screen Queensland. International sales by DCD Rights.

Series Created & Written by Stephen M Irwin, Leigh McGrath and Hunter Page-Lochard
Directed by Sian Davies
Produced by Andrew Walker
Co-Produced by Ross Allsop
Starring Hunter Page-Lochard, Rupert Everett, Kat Stewart
Executive Producers: Stephen M Irwin, Leigh McGrath, Greg Sitch and Hunter Page-Lochard
ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh, Rachel O’Kine

BTS Stills provided by

Essential Screen Skills delivers the Screen and Media Gateway to Industry School Program, proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government and Essential Crew.



St Thomas More College, Sunnybank Kelvin Grove State College St Hilda's School, Gold Coast Brisbane State High School Kenmore State High School Skills for Queensland Queensland Department of Education Brisbane Catholic Education

19/08/2026

We are proud to announce the inaugural Essential Screen Skills (ESS) Awards, coming to Brisbane on the 13th and 14th November 2026.

Recognising and elevating the most talented emerging screen practitioners (Year 10-12) from Queensland high schools across the state. The ESS Awards bring together the next generation of filmmakers with industry professionals, mentors, and opportunities that can shape their futures.

You can find all the details here: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/the-essential-screen-skills-awards/
Resources and information here: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-resources/
Sponsors and Supporters here: https://www.essentialscreenskills.com.au/essential-screen-skills-awards-sponsors-and-supporters/

More sponsors, supporters and prizes to be announced.

The Screen and Media Gateway to Industry Schools project is delivered by Essential Screen Skills and is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.