Global TV hit Neighbours has launched the careers of some of our biggest local stars like Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie and thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government it will now propel the careers of the next generation of skilled crews and creatives behind the camera.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks visited the set of the iconic Melbourne-based series last week to meet current and former participants of the Neighbours Training Scheme which has been backed by the Labor Government through VicScreen.
Neighbours is Australia's longest running and most successful local drama of all time, with audiences across more than 60 countries including the UK and US, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and South Africa.
A partnership between VicScreen and FremantleMedia - the Neighbours Training Scheme provides paid on-the-ground training for early to mid-career Victorian writers and directors as well as crew members in roles such as post-production, camera, lighting and sound.
The scheme continues Neighbours' decades long nurturing of new local talent behind the camera, giving more Victorians the chance to get the skills they need for the job they want.
Each year, the Neighbours Training Scheme supports training for three directors, three writers and five crew members, providing them with invaluable industry experience and accelerating their career progression.
Thanks to the Labor Government's support, more than 37 Victorians have participated in the program since 2017.
Alumni of the scheme have gone on to secure ongoing work on Neighbours and other Australian productions including feature films and television series such as Turn Up the Volume, Paper Dolls and High Country.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"Neighbours has a celebrated history of fostering local talent and propelling careers in the industry and we're proud to continue this tradition, backing this training scheme which has already created full-time jobs for our next generation of screen workers."
As stated by Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy
"Having the iconic Neighbours set 'Ramsay St' in our community brings us immense pride, showcasing our local talent and thriving film industry while supporting the next generation of screen stars and behind-the-scenes professionals."
As stated by VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher
"VicScreen's Neighbours Training Scheme delivers tangible outcomes for Victorian practitioners - advancing skills, careers and resulting real job opportunities. This program drives the development of a highly skilled screen workforce ready to meet the needs of a growing pipeline of production in Victoria."
As stated by Neighbours Producer Andrew Thompson
"We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary team that bring our show to life in front and behind the camera and we're thrilled to be training the next generation of directors, writers, and production talent with the support of VicScreen. Our current crop of participants is a great indication of the success of the Neighbours Training Program."
