Hannah Carroll Chapman

Judges' comments

Hannah Carroll Chapman is an emerging screenwriter and UCLA graduate who won the 2022 AACTA award for best screenplay in television for her work on Heartbreak High. While the original series was more about the dynamics between high schoolers in the many stages of romance, Carroll Chapman shifted the focus to the heartbreak that can come with navigating life as an awkward teenager who’s trying not to lose a friend. 

Caroll Chapman’s work on Heartbreak High is a funny and heartfelt exploration of diverse stories surrounding teenage drama, sexuality and body positivity. This new version provides nostalgia for older audiences and sets the standard for how young people can be better represented in Australian television. We look forward to seeing what Carroll Chapman has put together for the second season of Heartbreak High.