Six of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and production companies are once again supporting the next generation of screen talent at AFTRS through the AFTRS Graduate Program.
This year, the highly sought-after program is offering nine AFTRS graduates a 13-week paid internship, providing invaluable hands-on experience at ABC, BBC Studios, Endemol Shine Australia, Eureka Productions, SBS and Wildbear Entertainment – all of whom have returned for at least their second-year running.
Designed to forge connections and career pathways, the annual program supports creative, multi-skilled graduates from the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production as they transition into industry.
Saskia Faniis (Children and Family – Development Internship) and Tyler Kang (Documentary and Specialist – Junior Researcher/Production Internship) will join the ABC, Alec Carter (Scripted Production Internship) and Jemma Tainsh (Unscripted Development Internship) will join BBC Studios, Kristin Beukes (Production Internship) will join Endemol Shine Australia, Lauren Hulley (Production Internship) will join Eureka Productions, Akaysha Morgan (Production Internship) will join SBS, and Christopher Deigan (Post Production Internship) and Lara Brighton (Production Management Internship) will join WildBear Entertainment.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our talented students stepping into these roles with such respected industry partners,” said AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood. “The AFTRS Graduate Program is a vital bridge between study and employment, giving job-ready graduates the chance to demonstrate their skills and build lasting connections, often leading to future employment. We are so grateful for the continued commitment of our industry partners, who recognise that after three years of hands-on training, student productions and industry placements at AFTRS, our BA students are perfectly placed to hit the ground running.”
ABC Director, Screen Jennifer Collins, said: “The AFTRS Graduate Program at the ABC gives emerging creatives hands-on experience across our Children’s & Family and Documentary & Specialist teams. One of the most rewarding parts of the program is seeing graduates go on to join ABC or launch their careers in the wider industry. We’re thrilled to be partnering with AFTRS for the sixth year and to welcome the 2026 graduates, Saskia Faniis and Tyler Kang, to ABC’s Screen division.”
Kylie Washington, EVP & Creative Director Global Production, BBC Studios ANZ, said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with AFTRS and support this outstanding program for a fifth year. It’s inspiring to see graduates bring fresh ideas and energy to the industry, and we’re thrilled to play a role in helping them take that important first step into their careers.”
Deb Spinocchia, Head of Unscripted, BBC Studios Productions Australia, said: “The AFTRS Graduate Program remains a fantastic source of emerging talent for us. These graduates bring curiosity, creativity, and a passion for storytelling that enriches our teams. We’re excited to welcome them and help nurture the next generation of unscripted content makers.”
Peter Newman, CEO, Endemol Shine Australia, said: “As our industry continues to shift at remarkable speed, backing the future generation of creative television professionals has never been more important. The AFTRS Graduate Program is a cornerstone for developing new talent. We’re thrilled to uphold our ongoing support and are excited to welcome Kristin Beukes to ESA. Congratulations to this year’s exceptional graduates.”
Rikkie Proost, CEO of Eureka Productions, said: “Here at Eureka Productions, we believe, now more than ever, that it is so important to nurture and inspire the next generation of television creators. We’re incredibly excited to welcome our newest AFTRS Production Intern, Lauren Hulley, in 2026 – we’re sure Lauren is destined to do great things! Eureka Productions is also so very proud of Belinda Tyldsley, our most recent Production Intern for 2025, who has continued working with us on productions such as The Amazing Race Australia and Australian Idol since completing her internship earlier this year.”
John Godfrey, SBS Head of Commissioning, said: “SBS is incredibly proud to champion the next generation of Australian storytellers through our partnership with AFTRS. Programs like this are vital to keeping our screen industry fresh, diverse and full of new ideas. The SBS Commissioning Team is delighted to welcome Akaysha and provide hands-on opportunities to grow her creativity and ambition. Supporting emerging talent like this is essential to who we are as a national public broadcaster ensuring the stories of all Australians are told.”
Matt Nightingale, WildBear Entertainment Head of Production, said: “WildBear Entertainment is thrilled to continue its ongoing relationship with AFTRS and their Graduate Program. The calibre of the students we met was outstanding and we are honoured to have been given the opportunity to meet these amazing people. We’re really looking forward to having both Chris and Lara on the team in Canberra, and to help nurture their skills and develop the next generation of talented factual content makers. Many thanks to the AFTRS team for their continued hard work on this excellent program.”
Organisations interested in being part of AFTRS’ 2026 Graduate Program are encouraged to contact AFTRS at: internships@aftrs.edu.au
