Victorian Screen Interns Mimo Mukii and Maya Johnson, photo by Sarah Chavdaroska
Two exceptional screen practitioners are launching into the next stage of their screen careers through year-long internships provided by VicScreen in partnership with ABC, Blackfella Films and GoodThing Productions.
Maya Johnson and Mimo Mukii are the recipients of the Victorian Screen Internships, a 12-month program that is focused on developing film and television producing skills for early to mid-career Victorian creatives.
Now entering its fourth year, the Screen Internship program is designed to overcome traditional barriers to entering the screen industry, as well as supporting talented, emerging screen creatives to fast-track their careers.
This year's Screen Internship program is supported by ABC, Blackfella Films and GoodThing Productions. The recipients will have the opportunity to build skills and knowledge of the current commissioning, funding, and production environment within Australia.
Starting at VicScreen, Maya Johnson and Mimo Mukii have commenced the first of three, four-month rotations across each participating organisation.
Emerging producer Mimo Mukii is a graduate of RMIT with a passion for creating screen stories that speak to and reveal the untold stories of underrepresented communities. Mimo has produced several short films, worked in screen production, accounting and casting, and with fellow producer Ivy Mutuku and writer/director Kalu Oji has developed and produced their debut feature film Pasa Faho, through VicScreen's Originate Features initiative.
Mimo Mukii said, "I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn and connect to people from many different areas of the screen industry, and I'm very excited to take this experience and apply everything I learn to my practice as a producer." Learn more about Mimo here.
A proud Wulgurukaba woman from Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) in Queensland, Maya Johnson studied journalism at Bond University. From there Maya worked in communications at CSIRO, Melbourne Fashion Festival before joining the ABC as Social Media Coordinator, creating content and campaigns for ABC Indigenous. Maya has also produced content for Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, Creative Australia and worked in production roles.
Maya Johnson said, "I've always wanted to share First Nations stories, and the Screen Internship will solidify my knowledge and strengthen my industry networks to share important First Nations stories on screen and, be of assistance to storytellers and creators to help amplify their projects. I'm excited to be part of the Screen Internship and looking forward to learning and establishing relationships." Learn more about Maya here.
The Victorian Screen Internship is now in its fourth iteration. Alumni of the program are pushing ahead in their screen careers, working at leading industry organisations and developing their own screen stories.
Program alumni include Gina Song (2022) who won the Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award for her project Miss Underworld in 2022 and is currently working at Blackfella Films. Nikki Tran (2019) is currently Development Producer at Fremantle Australia and has credits including The PM's Daughter and Can You Hear Me? Davey Thompson (2019) has worked in development at Screen Australia and is currently Production Executive (First Peoples Lead) at VicScreen.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said "Through our VICSCREEN strategy, the Allan Labor Government is proud to back our screen industry at all levels. This internship program not only helps to grow our screen workforce and talent pool, but its focus on diversity ensures the stories on our screens, and the workforce behind the scenes, reflect our diverse communities."
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, "Maya and Mimo have distinct perspectives and experiences and a shared passion and talent for film and television production. We're delighted to be supporting them as they take the next step in their careers, in partnership with the ABC, Blackfella Films and GoodThing Productions."
ABC Director, Content Jennifer Collins said: "The ABC is committed to supporting the next generation of creatives through our collaboration with VicScreen, Blackfella Films, and Good Thing Productions, and we're delighted Maya and Mimo will have this wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on production experience to enhance their skills and develop their careers in the Screen Industry."
Managing Director of Blackfella Films, Darren Dale said "Blackfella Films is once again excited to be a part of this successful talent development program. Gina Song is now our Development Executive who came to us via this wonderful initiative. We know first-hand what a profound experience this can be to both the company and the successful candidate."
GoodThing Productions' Virginia Whitwell said "The Australian screen industry is built on shared knowledge and collaboration between a network of businesses and organisations. It's really fantastic that VicScreen have created this opportunity for talented emerging producers to have meaningful time to with a broadcaster, funding body and production company to gain a real depth of experience. GoodThing look forward to getting started with Mimo."
Learn more about VicScreen's Screen Industry Skills Development Program here.
