What’s On

Breaking In: Three Writers, Three Journeys into the Writers’ Room 



🗓 July 24
🕜 6:00 - 8:30pm
📍 Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne
🎫 Tickets - $20: https://www.trybooking.com/DCRJF

What does it really take to get your foot in the door of a writers’ room? In this engaging panel, three dynamic screenwriters at different stages in their careers share their distinct journeys into the industry — from early opportunities and pivotal turning points, to navigating identity, genre, and creative voice. 

 

Marisa Nanakhorn Brown, an AWGIE-nominated writer and creative producer of Thai-New Zealand heritage, began her screenwriting path behind the scenes in the script departments of Clickbait (Netflix) and Fires (ABC), before stepping into development at Tony Ayres Productions. Now an established voice in the Australian screen landscape, her credits include Spooky Files (ABC/CBBC), and her work has been recognised by the Monte Miller and John Hinde Awards. 

 

Marisa Nathar, also AWGIE-nominated, transitioned into writing after years working as a location manager. A Malaysian-Australian storyteller passionate about representation and genre storytelling, her credits include Mustangs FC and Rock Island Mysteries. With experience across a wide spectrum of brainstorming and writers’ rooms, Marisa brings valuable insight into sustaining a screenwriting career in a rapidly evolving industry. 

 

Rounding out the panel is emerging writer/director Jeremy Teh. A VCA graduate and AFTRS Talent Camp alum, Jeremy’s work spans short films and TV, with recent success landing a VicScreen Writers' Attachment on ABC’s Happy House. From festival circuits to his recent transition into television, Jeremy offers a fresh perspective on breaking through as a new voice with a unique cultural lens. 

 

Together, the panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities that shaped their careers — the rooms they’ve entered, the doors they’ve knocked on, and the resilience and craft it takes to stay in the game. Ideal for early-career writers and creatives curious about breaking into TV, this conversation will be both practical and inspiring.