(L-R) BBC Studios ANZ director of production Kylie Washington and Max Bourke. (Photo: Daniel Aulsebrook)
Max Bourke will undertake a six month placement with BBC Studios’ documentary department in the UK, thanks to a partnership between BBC Studios Australia, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) and Create NSW.
Bourke is a writer, director and producer who has over 30 hours of Australian documentary credits, including Man Up, Go Back To Where You Came From Live and I Can Change Your Mind About Climate, and will receive $50,000 to support his placement in the UK.
Bourke was one of five shortlisted NSW-based documentary makers, who each submitted one in-development documentary project with international appeal as part of their application. The judging process for the position took place at AIDC, with each of the shortlisted going before a panel of representatives from BBC Studios Australia, BBC Studios UK, AIDC and Create NSW.
BBC Studios ANZ director of production Kylie Washington, said: ‘We were blown away by the level of documentary talent in NSW, but in the end Max’s project proposal and passion for his craft had the edge. We’re excited that Max will be joining our factual team in the UK and BBC Studios looks forward to an ongoing relationship with the vibrant documentaries industry in Australia.’
AIDC CEO & conference director Alice Burgin, said: ‘The Unscripted International Producer Placement is an extraordinary opportunity by BBC Studios and Create NSW, and we are absolutely thrilled that AIDC was able to play a part in its delivery.’
Max Bourke said: ‘I’m incredibly honoured to be selected for the inaugural Unscripted International Producer Placement initiative and want to thank BBC Studios, Create NSW and AIDC for this amazing opportunity. Working with Lisa Opie and her team at BBC Studios offers a unique chance to broaden my producing experience with one of the world’s leading production companies. Ultimately I intend to bring the exposure to international markets and producing connections back home with me, not only to fuel the next stage of my documentary career, but to enrich the Australian documentary industry.’