Applications Open for 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement, Presented by ABC & AIDC
Providing the Opportunity to Secure a Four-Month Paid Professional Placement with the ABC
ABC in partnership with AIDC are pleased to open applications for the Indigenous Documentary Placement program for 2025, with a submission deadline of 27 April 2025.
Running for the fourth year, the Indigenous Documentary Placement provides one mid-career Indigenous practitioner with a unique opportunity to undertake a paid extended placement with the ABC, Australia’s largest public broadcaster.
The successful applicant will be embedded in the ABC for a period of four months based in Sydney. The placement’s goal is to provide the practitioner with the opportunity to develop their skills in documentary and/or factual development and production within the context of a public broadcaster with a broader view towards creating employment pathways.
The placement will commence with the ABC in early June 2025. The successful candidate will receive an equivalent annual producer-level salary of up to $94,620 per annum which equates to approximately $40,000 for four months inclusive of statutory superannuation contributions. The participant will be contracted by the ABC.
Practitioners from all states and territories are welcome to apply and may be eligible to seek additional support from their relevant state or territory screen agency to help with travel costs.
ABC Director Content Jennifer Collins said: “The Indigenous Documentary Placement is an important initiative that we are so proud to support in collaboration with the AIDC. The ABC is committed to the development of First Nations creatives by providing opportunities that enhance skills, build industry experience, and support potential career pathways. We look forward to welcoming this year’s placement recipient to the ABC.”
The recipient of the first Indigenous Documentary Placement program in 2021 was award-winning filmmaker and descendant of the Yuin and Awabakal nations, Daniel King. In 2022, the recipient was Perun Bonser, a Ngarluma writer and director based in Boorloo / Perth. The most recent recipient in 2024 was Alice Springs-based Palawa woman, Anna-Marie Harding, a director and cinematographer who has won Australian Cinematographers Society state awards in the wildlife and short film categories.
Reflecting on the placement, Anna-Marie Harding said, “The ABC placement completely shifted the way I think about storytelling and filmmaking. Every day was a chance to pick up new skills, refine my craft, and get a better understanding of how the industry works. What I loved most was how flexible the placement was … the team was amazing at tailoring opportunities to what I was interested in, which made the whole experience personal and rewarding. It gave me a new perspective on how to approach my own projects and showed me how much inspiration you can find in different genres and formats.”
ANNA-MARIE HARDING
“The incredible storytelling talent amongst First Nations practitioners continues to impress both here and on the world stage. AIDC is committed to creating and contributing to opportunities for Indigenous-led storytelling and new industry pathways and is thrilled to be co-presenting the Indigenous Documentary Placement with the ABC for a fourth year, said AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, welcoming the program’s return.
“Since 2019, AIDC has welcomed over 470 new and returning practitioners to the Indigenous Creators Program and this placement is an opportunity to extend this commitment outside of the AIDC conference. Following the achievements of previous recipients, Anna-Marie Harding, Daniel King and Perun Bonser, we are excited for what possibilities lie ahead for this year’s recipient and what they will bring to both ABC and the documentary landscape.”
All Indigenous practitioners interested in the placement are invited to attend a virtual information session hosted by Kelrick Martin, Head of Indigenous, ABC, and Justin Fenwick, Indigenous Employment Manager, ABC, on Wednesday 16 April, 11:00am-12:00pm AEST.
The information session will provide practitioners with an opportunity to learn more about the placement from ABC representatives, and to ask questions. To register interest in the Information Session, email info@aidc.com.au
Applicant enquiries about the 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement should be directed to Kelrick Martin, Head of Indigenous, ABC: martin.kelrick@abc.net.au
Applications for the 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement close 11:59pm AEST Sunday 27 April, 2025. Visit the Indigenous Documentary Placement page for more information and the application form.
Main Image: The Kimberley (2025, Wild Pacific Media)