Australia’s established YouTube creators are being given a new potential pathway into the world of television development, with a familiar industry player opening the door.
BBC Studios is bringing its Creator Lab program down under, connecting selected creators with development expertise, established IP and opportunities to take their ideas further.
The move follows the original Creator Lab program in the UK, which launched in 2023 and was designed to help social and digital creators explore opportunities in television.
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Its arrival in Australia also comes as traditional broadcasters and studios increasingly look towards creators who have already demonstrated an ability to build communities and keep audiences coming back.
BBC Studios has a long history of bringing established international shows and formats to Australian audiences, with local versions including Mastermind Australia, The Great Australian Bake Off, The 1% Club Australia and Ghosts Australia, while Return to Paradise is an Australian spin-off of the Death in Paradise franchise.
Kylie Washington, EVP & Creative Director of BBC Studios Australia Productions, has welcomed the launch of Creator Lab Australia (image – supplied)
Kylie Washington (pictured above), EVP & Creative Director of BBC Studios Australia Productions, said the program is aimed at recognising the creative potential of creators who have already established strong connections with audiences.
“There is extraordinary creative power within Australia’s Creator Economy, with talented storytellers building loyal communities and shaping culture every day.”
According to the program’s casting material, Creator Lab will explore how an existing channel or idea could potentially grow into a larger series, format or content brand.
The program is supported by SBS and delivered with Changer Studios and BBC Studios TalentWorks, bringing together expertise across development, production, audience growth and platform strategy.
Participants will begin with a two-day Sprint masterclass in Sydney, covering audience development, content strategy, format creation and long-form storytelling, before selected creators move into an eight-week hybrid Accelerator.
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The program will also provide opportunities to work with selected IP from BBC Studios’ global catalogue, including titles from Werner Film Productions, part of BBC Studios, as well as SBS-owned IP.
BBC Studios says Creator Lab is intended to extend beyond the initial program, with plans to create an ongoing creator network and provide opportunities through its global creator partnerships, development and commissioning initiatives.
The move reflects a wider shift in the traditional television business, with broadcasters and studios increasingly looking to creators who have already built audiences on platforms such as YouTube.
Applications are open to Australian-based creators aged over 18 who have more than 50,000 YouTube followers or have produced at least two videos that have each reached more than 100,000 views, with applications closing on Sunday 6 September at 11.59pm AEST.
More info HERE.
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