In our Member Lens series, we’re spotlighting a cross-section of current Film Independent Members to see how they got where they are now, what they hope to do next and what being a part of Film Independent means to them. This profile originally ran in May 2022.
May is for Members! This week only: 50% off Filmmaker Lover or Filmmaker Pro. This month, we’re celebrating our Membership experience for filmmakers and film lovers all over the globe. All month-long you can enjoy an array of special discounts on Membership.
Melissa Haizlip isn’t someone who had to go searching for culture. The New York-based director, producer and actor grew up immersed in a world of creators, her uncle Ellis—host of the landmark PBS variety show Soul! (1968-1973) and subject of Haizlip’s Peabody-award nominated 2018 documentary Mr. Soul!—acting as the catalyst bringing of the 20th century’s most important...
May is for Members! This week only: 50% off Filmmaker Lover or Filmmaker Pro. This month, we’re celebrating our Membership experience for filmmakers and film lovers all over the globe. All month-long you can enjoy an array of special discounts on Membership.
Melissa Haizlip isn’t someone who had to go searching for culture. The New York-based director, producer and actor grew up immersed in a world of creators, her uncle Ellis—host of the landmark PBS variety show Soul! (1968-1973) and subject of Haizlip’s Peabody-award nominated 2018 documentary Mr. Soul!—acting as the catalyst bringing of the 20th century’s most important...
- 5/22/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Minimum local expenditure has risen to A20m for film; A1.5m per hour for TV.
Australia’s location offset, the financial incentive to attract international film and TV production, has been increased to 30%, in a surprise move by the Australian government.
Films spending at least A$20 million, up from A$15 million, in Australia on Australian goods and services can now claim back 30% of that on completion. The minimum threshold for television has increased from A$1m to A$1.5m per hour.
Producers will have to meet training obligations and use at least one Australian provider of post or visual effects.
Australia’s location offset, the financial incentive to attract international film and TV production, has been increased to 30%, in a surprise move by the Australian government.
Films spending at least A$20 million, up from A$15 million, in Australia on Australian goods and services can now claim back 30% of that on completion. The minimum threshold for television has increased from A$1m to A$1.5m per hour.
Producers will have to meet training obligations and use at least one Australian provider of post or visual effects.
- 5/10/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Australia, already one of the world’s biggest hubs for international film and TV production, has increased and streamlined the ‘Location Offset’ scheme that is at the heart of its ability to attract runaway productions.
The Location Offset will be increased from its current 16.5% rebate of Australian qualifying production spend, to 30%. At the same time a discretionary 13.5% grant scheme will be merged into the offset system. Both changes are effective from July 1.
The moves were announced on Wednesday as part of the 2023-24 national budget by federal treasurer Jim Chalmers. His decision involves the injection of an additional A$112 million ($76.2 million) into the system over the next four years.
(Separately, A$286 million [$195 million] over five years will go to Creative Australia and on to four new arts bodies: a First Nations led body, Music Australia, Writers Australia and Creative Workplaces. A further A$535 million [$364 million] will go to nine museums and art...
The Location Offset will be increased from its current 16.5% rebate of Australian qualifying production spend, to 30%. At the same time a discretionary 13.5% grant scheme will be merged into the offset system. Both changes are effective from July 1.
The moves were announced on Wednesday as part of the 2023-24 national budget by federal treasurer Jim Chalmers. His decision involves the injection of an additional A$112 million ($76.2 million) into the system over the next four years.
(Separately, A$286 million [$195 million] over five years will go to Creative Australia and on to four new arts bodies: a First Nations led body, Music Australia, Writers Australia and Creative Workplaces. A further A$535 million [$364 million] will go to nine museums and art...
- 5/9/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Baz Luhrmann says it would be “an amazing historical moment” if Elvis cinematographer Mandy Walker were to triumph at Sunday’s Academy Awards. To quote Lizzo, “It’s been too long,” the filmmaker tells me last night at the Australian Oscar nominees soirée held in the Chateau Marmont’s penthouse suite.
The Elvis director reasons that a woman hasn’t won an Oscar for best cinematographer thus far because “the camera unit is just the last bastion of blokeyness and probably comes down to who do you want to have a beer with.”
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That’s grossly unfair, he says. ”It can be a bit laddish and a bit cowboy.
The Elvis director reasons that a woman hasn’t won an Oscar for best cinematographer thus far because “the camera unit is just the last bastion of blokeyness and probably comes down to who do you want to have a beer with.”
Related Story The 2023 Oscars Parties & Events Photo Gallery: Red Carpet Rollout, Governors Ball, Vanity Fair & More Related Story Oscar Ad Inventory Sells Out On ABC, At Slightly Lower Rates Than 2022 Related Story Peter Bart: Mel Brooks' Outrageous 'History' Lessons Help Distract From Oscar Week
That’s grossly unfair, he says. ”It can be a bit laddish and a bit cowboy.
- 3/10/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Australia’s film and television incentives contributed a total of 11.4Bn (A16.5Bn) to the country’s economic output for the four years to the 20201/22 financial year, according to a study by UK-based consultancy Olsberg Spi.
The report also found that Australia’s offset programs underpin its standing as a major production hub. In 20201/22, total production expenditure in Australia grew to more than 1.5Bn (A2.2Bn), an increase of 91 over the four years studied.
Major productions to shoot in Australia over the past four years include Disney’s Thor: Love And Thunder, Universal’s Ticket To Paradise, Woody Woodpecker and Metropolis, Legendary Entertainment’s Godzilla vs Kong 2 and Netflix shows Heartbreak High, Pieces Of Her and God’s Favorite Idiot.
Drilling down into the various incentives, the report found that Australia’s 16.5 Location Offset, geared towards offshore film and TV productions, resulted in a 4 (A5.89) return for every A1 invested through the program.
The report also found that Australia’s offset programs underpin its standing as a major production hub. In 20201/22, total production expenditure in Australia grew to more than 1.5Bn (A2.2Bn), an increase of 91 over the four years studied.
Major productions to shoot in Australia over the past four years include Disney’s Thor: Love And Thunder, Universal’s Ticket To Paradise, Woody Woodpecker and Metropolis, Legendary Entertainment’s Godzilla vs Kong 2 and Netflix shows Heartbreak High, Pieces Of Her and God’s Favorite Idiot.
Drilling down into the various incentives, the report found that Australia’s 16.5 Location Offset, geared towards offshore film and TV productions, resulted in a 4 (A5.89) return for every A1 invested through the program.
- 2/13/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Moving Bangladesh wins $20,000 Sloan Fast Track Grant.
Projects from the UK, Bangladesh, Greece and Trinidad & Tobago were among 15 selected for Film Independent’s 19th Fast Track Film Finance Market that took place online from November 15-18, the organisation said on Friday.
The four-day programme connected participating filmmakers with financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals from, among others, A24, Decal, Maven Screen Media, Searchlight Pictures, Venice Film Festival, and Hollywood agencies.
Recent Fast Track projects completed include Bing Liu’s 2019 Oscar-nominated documentary Minding The Gap; Hikari’s 2019 Berlinale jury prize and audience award-winning debut 37 Seconds; Kirill Mikhanovsky...
Projects from the UK, Bangladesh, Greece and Trinidad & Tobago were among 15 selected for Film Independent’s 19th Fast Track Film Finance Market that took place online from November 15-18, the organisation said on Friday.
The four-day programme connected participating filmmakers with financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals from, among others, A24, Decal, Maven Screen Media, Searchlight Pictures, Venice Film Festival, and Hollywood agencies.
Recent Fast Track projects completed include Bing Liu’s 2019 Oscar-nominated documentary Minding The Gap; Hikari’s 2019 Berlinale jury prize and audience award-winning debut 37 Seconds; Kirill Mikhanovsky...
- 11/19/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ausfilm will convene a working group to address below-the-line workforce capacity with the Office of the Arts, Screen Australia, the state screen agencies, Aftrs and Nida, with aims to ultimately develop a national framework to support growth.
The organisation has also hired Susan Danta to the newly-created role of workforce capacity strategy executive in order to drive associated initiatives.
The move comes after Ausfilm commissioned an audit into Australian production infrastructure and capacity from Olsberg Spi.
Ordered after the Federal Government added an additional $400 million to the Location Incentive Program last July, the Olsberg report found Australia is facing capacity constraints in key roles such as line producers, 1st assistant directors, unit production managers and location managers, as well as positions across post-production, visual effects and animation, particularly VFX producers and supervisors, animators and technicians.
There are also shortages in specialist roles such as special effects supervisors and in special...
The organisation has also hired Susan Danta to the newly-created role of workforce capacity strategy executive in order to drive associated initiatives.
The move comes after Ausfilm commissioned an audit into Australian production infrastructure and capacity from Olsberg Spi.
Ordered after the Federal Government added an additional $400 million to the Location Incentive Program last July, the Olsberg report found Australia is facing capacity constraints in key roles such as line producers, 1st assistant directors, unit production managers and location managers, as well as positions across post-production, visual effects and animation, particularly VFX producers and supervisors, animators and technicians.
There are also shortages in specialist roles such as special effects supervisors and in special...
- 11/16/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Animal Logic group head of legal and business affairs Emma Drummond and Kojo Studios managing director Dale Roberts have been announced as new members of the Ausfilm board.
It comes following the departure of deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian, CEO of Animal Logic, after nine years of service, and Tony Clark, Rising Sun Pictures managing director, who was on the board for 12 years.
Drummond has experience across a variety of different sectors in Australia and the UK, including international film and TV financing, animation and visual effects, intellectual property, media and technology, banking and finance, and commercial law.
She said she was honoured to have the opportunity to use her knowledge and experience in supporting the work of Ausfilm and its members.
“Ausfilm’s work is culturally and economically important to the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s creative industries in a competitive global marketplace,” she said.
Roberts has been a director...
It comes following the departure of deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian, CEO of Animal Logic, after nine years of service, and Tony Clark, Rising Sun Pictures managing director, who was on the board for 12 years.
Drummond has experience across a variety of different sectors in Australia and the UK, including international film and TV financing, animation and visual effects, intellectual property, media and technology, banking and finance, and commercial law.
She said she was honoured to have the opportunity to use her knowledge and experience in supporting the work of Ausfilm and its members.
“Ausfilm’s work is culturally and economically important to the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s creative industries in a competitive global marketplace,” she said.
Roberts has been a director...
- 9/8/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government’s impending media reforms have come under fresh scrutiny from the post-production sector, which is calling for a reassessment of the proposed changes to the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) Offset.
While the government backtracked on its initial plan to reduce the Producer Offset for feature films to 30 per cent last month at the behest of industry, there are still plans to double the minimum qualifying expenditure threshold to $1 million, both for that rebate and the 30 per cent Pdv Offset.
In the case of the latter, the move may alter the scope of work available.
Animal Logic CEO and Ausfilm deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian told If raising the minimum Pdv spend could be the difference between winning a project that was a “good stepping stone” for a growing business and “never getting past first base”.
“It is really short-sighted if we want to leverage the opportunity...
While the government backtracked on its initial plan to reduce the Producer Offset for feature films to 30 per cent last month at the behest of industry, there are still plans to double the minimum qualifying expenditure threshold to $1 million, both for that rebate and the 30 per cent Pdv Offset.
In the case of the latter, the move may alter the scope of work available.
Animal Logic CEO and Ausfilm deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian told If raising the minimum Pdv spend could be the difference between winning a project that was a “good stepping stone” for a growing business and “never getting past first base”.
“It is really short-sighted if we want to leverage the opportunity...
- 5/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
International production may have a larger share of the limelight in Australia at the moment but its relationship with the local sector remains one of mutual benefit, according to a panel of screen agencies.
The impact of the country’s current popularity as a filming destination was dissected at the Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum last week as part of a session entitled ‘The Regional Renaissance – Going Global, Staying Local’.
A panel comprising Screen Nsw head Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Queensland chief creative officer Jo Dillon, Screen Territory director Jennie Hughes, Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks, and moderator and Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch discussed the health of the industry in relation to the opportunities available across their respective jurisdictions.
When it came to the inbound productions stemming from Australia’s relative handling of Covid-19, Brunsdon was quick to dispel the suggestion that local growth was suffering as a result.
“No local...
The impact of the country’s current popularity as a filming destination was dissected at the Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum last week as part of a session entitled ‘The Regional Renaissance – Going Global, Staying Local’.
A panel comprising Screen Nsw head Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Queensland chief creative officer Jo Dillon, Screen Territory director Jennie Hughes, Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks, and moderator and Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch discussed the health of the industry in relation to the opportunities available across their respective jurisdictions.
When it came to the inbound productions stemming from Australia’s relative handling of Covid-19, Brunsdon was quick to dispel the suggestion that local growth was suffering as a result.
“No local...
- 3/28/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
As Hollywood continues to grapple with the far-reaching and damaging effects of Covid-19, on the other side of the world Australia and New Zealand are bucking the downward trend.
The countries are no stranger to major international productions — in part thanks to lucrative tax incentives — but they are currently benefitting from a production boom unlike anywhere else thanks to their governments’ swift and stringent response to the virus (in addition to geographic and demographic factors). Equally as encouraging, their distribution sectors are showing some glorious glimmers of hope that demonstrate that audiences are keen to return to theaters when it’s safe to do so.
“Go Hard, Go Early”
Much like the rest of the world, Australia and New Zealand were crippled by the onslaught of Covid-19 nearly a year ago. Productions shut down (a total of 119 in Oz), cinemas closed, swathes of people lost work and businesses struggled – a...
The countries are no stranger to major international productions — in part thanks to lucrative tax incentives — but they are currently benefitting from a production boom unlike anywhere else thanks to their governments’ swift and stringent response to the virus (in addition to geographic and demographic factors). Equally as encouraging, their distribution sectors are showing some glorious glimmers of hope that demonstrate that audiences are keen to return to theaters when it’s safe to do so.
“Go Hard, Go Early”
Much like the rest of the world, Australia and New Zealand were crippled by the onslaught of Covid-19 nearly a year ago. Productions shut down (a total of 119 in Oz), cinemas closed, swathes of people lost work and businesses struggled – a...
- 2/16/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
When local newspapers complain about traffic jams caused by Nicole Kidman filming (in New South Wales’ picturesque Byron Bay) and Natalie Portman stopping Sydney traffic by wearing revealing shorts, there is a sense that normality has returned to everyday life in Australia. The film industry is back in production high gear.
Indeed, films starring Zac Efron (“Gold”), Chris Hemsworth (“Escape From Spiderhead”), Joel Edgerton and Tom Hanks, are all currently lensing in different parts of Australia. Portman is preparing to shoot Marvel’s “Thor: Love and Thunder” while Kidman and Melissa McCarthy were recently shooting Hulu miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers.” George Miller is shooting his “Furiosa,” a “Mad Max” spinoff, for Warner Bros.
Neighbor and sometime rival New Zealand is equally busy. Disney’s “Avatar” movie franchise and Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” TV series are
both moving again after a coronavirus hiatus. A slew of local movies is also now shooting.
Indeed, films starring Zac Efron (“Gold”), Chris Hemsworth (“Escape From Spiderhead”), Joel Edgerton and Tom Hanks, are all currently lensing in different parts of Australia. Portman is preparing to shoot Marvel’s “Thor: Love and Thunder” while Kidman and Melissa McCarthy were recently shooting Hulu miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers.” George Miller is shooting his “Furiosa,” a “Mad Max” spinoff, for Warner Bros.
Neighbor and sometime rival New Zealand is equally busy. Disney’s “Avatar” movie franchise and Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” TV series are
both moving again after a coronavirus hiatus. A slew of local movies is also now shooting.
- 12/9/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Five screenwriters have been given $35,000 prizes as winners of the 2020 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, the Academy announced on Wednesday. The five winners are James Acker for the screenplay “SadBoi,” Beth Curry for “Lemon,” Vanar Jaddou for “Goodbye, Iraq,” Kate Marks for “The Cow of Queens” and Jane Therese for “Sins of My Father.” They were chosen by the Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee from the 7,831 scripts submitted to the Academy. The Nicholl Fellowships have been presented by the Academy since 1986 to aspiring screenwriters. Past winners include Nikole Beckwith, Alfred Botello (“Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Michael Werwie (“Lost Girls”) and Terri Miller and Andrew Marlowe (“The Equalizer”). Also Read: Oscars Set New Inclusion and Diversity Standards for Best Picture Eligibility In addition to the $35,000 cash prizes, which are intended to allow the recipients to complete a feature-length screenplay during their fellowship year, scenes from the winning scripts will be read...
- 9/30/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday revealed the five winners of its 2020 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition. This year’s five scribes, culled from 7,831 submissions and 10 finalists, will receive a $35,000 prize and be a part of an awards ceremony and virtual table read of their work on December 3.
As in past years, recipients are expected to complete a feature-length screenplay during their fellowship year.
The 2020 winners (listed alphabetically):
James Acker, SadBoi
Beth Curry, Lemon
Vanar Jaddou, Goodbye, Iraq
Kate Marks, The Cow of Queens
Jane Therese, Sins of My Father
The 2020 finalists (listed alphabetically):
Kris A. Holmes, The Seeds of Truth
Fred Martenson, Demons in America
Robin Rose Singer, The Lions of Mesopotamia
David Harrison Turner, Safe Haven
Andrew Wankier, Three Heavens
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee is chaired by Academy Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor Jennifer Yuh Nelson. The members...
As in past years, recipients are expected to complete a feature-length screenplay during their fellowship year.
The 2020 winners (listed alphabetically):
James Acker, SadBoi
Beth Curry, Lemon
Vanar Jaddou, Goodbye, Iraq
Kate Marks, The Cow of Queens
Jane Therese, Sins of My Father
The 2020 finalists (listed alphabetically):
Kris A. Holmes, The Seeds of Truth
Fred Martenson, Demons in America
Robin Rose Singer, The Lions of Mesopotamia
David Harrison Turner, Safe Haven
Andrew Wankier, Three Heavens
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee is chaired by Academy Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor Jennifer Yuh Nelson. The members...
- 9/30/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee has selected the five winning fellows of the 2020 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition, who were winnowed from ten finalists out of 7,831 scripts submitted for this year’s competition. Each winner takes home a $35,000 prize. Their scripts will be highlighted at the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards and Virtual Table Read by an ensemble of actors on Thursday, December 3.
The 2020 winners are (listed alphabetically by author):
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
The 2020 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):
Kris A. Holmes, “The Seeds of Truth”
Fred Martenson, “Demons in America”
Robin Rose Singer, “The Lions of Mesopotamia”
David Harrison Turner, “Safe Haven”
Andrew Wankier, “Three Heavens”
The fellowships support each writer’s completion of a feature-length screenplay within the year. (The Academy neither acquires rights...
The 2020 winners are (listed alphabetically by author):
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
The 2020 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):
Kris A. Holmes, “The Seeds of Truth”
Fred Martenson, “Demons in America”
Robin Rose Singer, “The Lions of Mesopotamia”
David Harrison Turner, “Safe Haven”
Andrew Wankier, “Three Heavens”
The fellowships support each writer’s completion of a feature-length screenplay within the year. (The Academy neither acquires rights...
- 9/30/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee has selected the five winning fellows of the 2020 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition, who were winnowed from ten finalists out of 7,831 scripts submitted for this year’s competition. Each winner takes home a $35,000 prize. Their scripts will be highlighted at the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards and Virtual Table Read by an ensemble of actors on Thursday, December 3.
The 2020 winners are (listed alphabetically by author):
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
The 2020 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):
Kris A. Holmes, “The Seeds of Truth”
Fred Martenson, “Demons in America”
Robin Rose Singer, “The Lions of Mesopotamia”
David Harrison Turner, “Safe Haven”
Andrew Wankier, “Three Heavens”
The fellowships support each writer’s completion of a feature-length screenplay within the year. (The Academy neither acquires rights...
The 2020 winners are (listed alphabetically by author):
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
The 2020 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):
Kris A. Holmes, “The Seeds of Truth”
Fred Martenson, “Demons in America”
Robin Rose Singer, “The Lions of Mesopotamia”
David Harrison Turner, “Safe Haven”
Andrew Wankier, “Three Heavens”
The fellowships support each writer’s completion of a feature-length screenplay within the year. (The Academy neither acquires rights...
- 9/30/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The five winners of the 2020 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition were announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday. Each fellow will receive $35,000 and be highlighted at the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards and virtual table read, scheduled to take place on Dec. 3. At the awards, an ensemble of actors will read selected scenes from the winning scripts.
The 2020 winners are:
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
There have been 166 fellowships awarded since 1986. Past fellows include Michael Werwie (screenwriter of Netflix’s “Lost Girls”), Alfred Botello (co-writing the upcoming “Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Matt Harris and Melissa Iqbal (currently adapting “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August”).
A total of 7,831 scripts were submitted for this year’s competition. The Academy selected 10 individual screenwriters as finalists before being judged by the fellowships committee.
The 2020 winners are:
James Acker, “SadBoi”
Beth Curry, “Lemon”
Vanar Jaddou, “Goodbye, Iraq”
Kate Marks, “The Cow of Queens”
Jane Therese, “Sins of My Father”
There have been 166 fellowships awarded since 1986. Past fellows include Michael Werwie (screenwriter of Netflix’s “Lost Girls”), Alfred Botello (co-writing the upcoming “Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Matt Harris and Melissa Iqbal (currently adapting “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August”).
A total of 7,831 scripts were submitted for this year’s competition. The Academy selected 10 individual screenwriters as finalists before being judged by the fellowships committee.
- 9/30/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Browne.
Ausfilm has a new director of US production in Amanda Browne, to be based in the organisation’s Los Angeles office.
Browne, who starts in the role this week initially based in Sydney, succeeds Michelle Sandoval, who left Ausfilm in December after almost 11 years to join Technicolor’s VFX brands.
Reporting to Ausfilm executive vice president international production Erin Stam, Browne will work with both U.S. and local screen production clients, Ausfilm members and Aussie talent in order to positively influence the attraction of film, television and post, sound, music and visual effects production to Australia.
She will also deliver international production leads to Ausfilm members and coordinate with state agencies on location pitches for international clients.
Originally from Sydney, Browne has been working in Los Angeles for 10 years. Prior to her appointment, Browne was production executive for Air Bud Entertainment, working on projects such as the...
Ausfilm has a new director of US production in Amanda Browne, to be based in the organisation’s Los Angeles office.
Browne, who starts in the role this week initially based in Sydney, succeeds Michelle Sandoval, who left Ausfilm in December after almost 11 years to join Technicolor’s VFX brands.
Reporting to Ausfilm executive vice president international production Erin Stam, Browne will work with both U.S. and local screen production clients, Ausfilm members and Aussie talent in order to positively influence the attraction of film, television and post, sound, music and visual effects production to Australia.
She will also deliver international production leads to Ausfilm members and coordinate with state agencies on location pitches for international clients.
Originally from Sydney, Browne has been working in Los Angeles for 10 years. Prior to her appointment, Browne was production executive for Air Bud Entertainment, working on projects such as the...
- 9/24/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
The expected flood of applications from overseas producers for the Federal Government’s seven-year, $400 million extension of the Location Incentive Program (Lip) could prove to be a challenging exercise for the authorities.
Given the strong demand, the Department of Communications and the government could decide either to start shoveling out large amounts for projects over the next 12 months to help revive the ailing production sector and post houses – or take a more measured approach to spread out the funding year-by-year until 2026-27.
Recall that the initial $140 million Lip, which has supported 10 projects worth $1 billion, was almost fully committed and due to run until June 30 2023.
Before last week’s announcement of the funding boost, Ausfilm estimated it had received $1.2 billion worth of production inquiries from US-backed feature film and TV series looking to film in Australia.
Since then the government/industry agency has received 13 inquiries from Hollywood studios,...
The expected flood of applications from overseas producers for the Federal Government’s seven-year, $400 million extension of the Location Incentive Program (Lip) could prove to be a challenging exercise for the authorities.
Given the strong demand, the Department of Communications and the government could decide either to start shoveling out large amounts for projects over the next 12 months to help revive the ailing production sector and post houses – or take a more measured approach to spread out the funding year-by-year until 2026-27.
Recall that the initial $140 million Lip, which has supported 10 projects worth $1 billion, was almost fully committed and due to run until June 30 2023.
Before last week’s announcement of the funding boost, Ausfilm estimated it had received $1.2 billion worth of production inquiries from US-backed feature film and TV series looking to film in Australia.
Since then the government/industry agency has received 13 inquiries from Hollywood studios,...
- 7/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Federal Government has announced a seven-year, $400 million incentive to attract film and television productions to Australia.
The government says the extension of the current $140 million Location Incentive Program (Lip) will generate an estimated $3 billion in foreign spending and create up to 8,000 jobs.
While the initiative will be welcomed by Ausfilm, studios, Pdv facilities and crew, the timing is odd given the government is yet to respond to the options paper review.
Virtually all the submissions from key stakeholders to the review called for the Location Offset to be raised from the non-competitive 16.5 per cent to 30 per cent.
Free TV Australia expressed frustration at the timing of the announcement amid the ongoing review into local content, quotas and support for the domestic industry.
“It’s difficult to understand why the government has made a one-off decision now about a single element of the mix right in the middle of this process,...
The government says the extension of the current $140 million Location Incentive Program (Lip) will generate an estimated $3 billion in foreign spending and create up to 8,000 jobs.
While the initiative will be welcomed by Ausfilm, studios, Pdv facilities and crew, the timing is odd given the government is yet to respond to the options paper review.
Virtually all the submissions from key stakeholders to the review called for the Location Offset to be raised from the non-competitive 16.5 per cent to 30 per cent.
Free TV Australia expressed frustration at the timing of the announcement amid the ongoing review into local content, quotas and support for the domestic industry.
“It’s difficult to understand why the government has made a one-off decision now about a single element of the mix right in the middle of this process,...
- 7/16/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Erin Stam.
Ausfilm has appointed former Film Victoria and Screenwest development executive Erin Stam as Los Angeles-based executive vice president of international production.
Stam will take up the post on January 9, taking over from Kate Marks who was named CEO following the departure of Debra Richards, who joined Netflix.
The Boston-born Stam has been an entertainment consultant and content producer since leaving Film Victoria where she spent two years as senior development executive.
Before that she was a development exec at Screenwest for a year. Earlier she served as senior VP of production at Participant Media and Spyglass Entertainment.
In the new role she will lead Ausfilm’s La team with a focus on continuing to attract international production to Australia, marketing Australia’s production tax incentives, promoting the country as a screen destination and matching Australian creative teams with Us executives through Ausfilm’s B2B Connect program.
Marks...
Ausfilm has appointed former Film Victoria and Screenwest development executive Erin Stam as Los Angeles-based executive vice president of international production.
Stam will take up the post on January 9, taking over from Kate Marks who was named CEO following the departure of Debra Richards, who joined Netflix.
The Boston-born Stam has been an entertainment consultant and content producer since leaving Film Victoria where she spent two years as senior development executive.
Before that she was a development exec at Screenwest for a year. Earlier she served as senior VP of production at Participant Media and Spyglass Entertainment.
In the new role she will lead Ausfilm’s La team with a focus on continuing to attract international production to Australia, marketing Australia’s production tax incentives, promoting the country as a screen destination and matching Australian creative teams with Us executives through Ausfilm’s B2B Connect program.
Marks...
- 12/18/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ausfilm has advertised the position of Los Angeles-based executive vice president, international production, succeeding Kate Marks after her elevation to CEO.
The film and TV industry services organisation is seeking a “highly experienced, collaborative and dynamic leader” who will build and maintain client relationships; source new business and production sales leads; and promote Australia as a leading film, TV and post, digital and visual effects location.
The role is open to the candidate who best meets the following selection criteria regardless of nationality or location:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the international film and television industry is essential. Briefly describe the knowledge you have in this field. How did you acquire this knowledge and understanding?
2. What do you consider to be the key opportunities for Australian film production and services businesses with the international film and content community, in particular with North America? What potential future opportunities do you think are important?...
The film and TV industry services organisation is seeking a “highly experienced, collaborative and dynamic leader” who will build and maintain client relationships; source new business and production sales leads; and promote Australia as a leading film, TV and post, digital and visual effects location.
The role is open to the candidate who best meets the following selection criteria regardless of nationality or location:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the international film and television industry is essential. Briefly describe the knowledge you have in this field. How did you acquire this knowledge and understanding?
2. What do you consider to be the key opportunities for Australian film production and services businesses with the international film and content community, in particular with North America? What potential future opportunities do you think are important?...
- 11/5/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Thor’
The Federal Government is keen to stress that applications for the $140 million Location Incentive Program are still being accepted – although only $18 million remains to be allocated.
That figure was revealed by Dr Stephen Arnott, First Assistant Secretary, Arts, at a Senate estimates hearing, raising concerns among facilities houses and other stakeholders who benefit from international productions that shoot here.
The fund runs until June 30 2023 and unless there is a government top-up there are fears the Hollywood studios and other international producers will look elsewhere and the flow of offshore production will slow to a trickle.
Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks welcomed Screen Australia’s annual Drama Report which showed the foreign production spend in Australia in 2018/19 was $411 million, three times bigger than the previous year and the second highest on record.
Marks said: “Whilst the Location Incentive has been delivering significant work for Australia’s film and TV industry, it is not a long-term solution.
The Federal Government is keen to stress that applications for the $140 million Location Incentive Program are still being accepted – although only $18 million remains to be allocated.
That figure was revealed by Dr Stephen Arnott, First Assistant Secretary, Arts, at a Senate estimates hearing, raising concerns among facilities houses and other stakeholders who benefit from international productions that shoot here.
The fund runs until June 30 2023 and unless there is a government top-up there are fears the Hollywood studios and other international producers will look elsewhere and the flow of offshore production will slow to a trickle.
Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks welcomed Screen Australia’s annual Drama Report which showed the foreign production spend in Australia in 2018/19 was $411 million, three times bigger than the previous year and the second highest on record.
Marks said: “Whilst the Location Incentive has been delivering significant work for Australia’s film and TV industry, it is not a long-term solution.
- 11/3/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Artist sketch of Dockland Studios’ new sound stage.
In a dual boost for the Victorian screen industry, Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will shoot two big budgeted movies at Docklands Studios as the facility unveiled plans to build a sixth sound stage costing $46 million.
The production company founded by the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios will set up its Australian base at the lot, headed by Melbourne-born Kate McLean.
A former vice president, office of the CEO to Bob Iger and senior director of the business development group at the Walt Disney Company, McLean will oversee creative content, production, business strategy and operational plans for Dcs Australia. She will start recruiting full-time staff early next year with the aim to build towards 25 personnel.
In Melbourne for the announcement with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for the Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts, Cook said Dcs Australia is...
In a dual boost for the Victorian screen industry, Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will shoot two big budgeted movies at Docklands Studios as the facility unveiled plans to build a sixth sound stage costing $46 million.
The production company founded by the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios will set up its Australian base at the lot, headed by Melbourne-born Kate McLean.
A former vice president, office of the CEO to Bob Iger and senior director of the business development group at the Walt Disney Company, McLean will oversee creative content, production, business strategy and operational plans for Dcs Australia. She will start recruiting full-time staff early next year with the aim to build towards 25 personnel.
In Melbourne for the announcement with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for the Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts, Cook said Dcs Australia is...
- 10/20/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
In today’s film news roundup, Kerry Washington gets a musical role, Marvel’s production chief and Naomi Watts are honored and an app offers a Spanish-language version of “The Addams Family.”
Casting
Kerry Washington has joined the star-studded cast for the upcoming Netflix movie “The Prom,” an adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical.
The cast includes Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Awkwafina, James Corden, Ariana Grande, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Rannells. The musical “The Prom,” an original concept by Jack Viertel, received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for best musical
“The Prom” follows a lesbian student in the fictional conservative town of Edgewater, Ind., who wants to bring her girlfriend to her school’s dance. When the two are banned from attending, a cast of Broadway luminaries band together to fight against the injustice. It’s the first movie project announced under Ryan Murphy’s Netflix deal.
Washington previously...
Casting
Kerry Washington has joined the star-studded cast for the upcoming Netflix movie “The Prom,” an adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical.
The cast includes Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Awkwafina, James Corden, Ariana Grande, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Rannells. The musical “The Prom,” an original concept by Jack Viertel, received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for best musical
“The Prom” follows a lesbian student in the fictional conservative town of Edgewater, Ind., who wants to bring her girlfriend to her school’s dance. When the two are banned from attending, a cast of Broadway luminaries band together to fight against the injustice. It’s the first movie project announced under Ryan Murphy’s Netflix deal.
Washington previously...
- 10/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Naomi Watts.
Australians in Film (AiF) will present Naomi Watts the 2019 Orry-Kelly Award at the organisation’s annual gala awards evening later this month in Los Angeles.
The Orry-Kelly Award is given to an Australian whose body of work has provided inspiration globally in film and television and who continues to give back to the Australian industry.
Watts is a two-time Academy Award nominee, most recently seen in Showtime series The Loudest Voice alongside Russell Crowe and Sienna Miller. Watts also produced and stars in Penguin Bloom, which has just finished shooting in Sydney, directed by Glendyn Ivin.
Her other credits include Luce, Ophelia, Mulholland Drive, The Impossible, 21 Grams, I Heart Huckabees, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), St. Vincent, The Ring, King Kong, Eastern Promises, Fair Game, J. Edgar, The International and The Painted Veil.
Watts joins previously announced AiF honourees Ruby Rose, Sarah Snook, Dacre Montgomery,...
Australians in Film (AiF) will present Naomi Watts the 2019 Orry-Kelly Award at the organisation’s annual gala awards evening later this month in Los Angeles.
The Orry-Kelly Award is given to an Australian whose body of work has provided inspiration globally in film and television and who continues to give back to the Australian industry.
Watts is a two-time Academy Award nominee, most recently seen in Showtime series The Loudest Voice alongside Russell Crowe and Sienna Miller. Watts also produced and stars in Penguin Bloom, which has just finished shooting in Sydney, directed by Glendyn Ivin.
Her other credits include Luce, Ophelia, Mulholland Drive, The Impossible, 21 Grams, I Heart Huckabees, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), St. Vincent, The Ring, King Kong, Eastern Promises, Fair Game, J. Edgar, The International and The Painted Veil.
Watts joins previously announced AiF honourees Ruby Rose, Sarah Snook, Dacre Montgomery,...
- 10/10/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Kate Marks
Ausfilm has named Kate Marks as CEO after she has been acting in the post since the departure of Debra Richards at the end of August.
Marks will continue in her role as the organisation’s Los Angeles-based vice president, international production, until she returns early next year to lead the team of seven at Ausfilm’s Sydney headquarters at Fox Studios Australia.
“Ausfilm is a very effective organisation that represents both government and industry; with this successful and supportive partnership, it has achieved a great deal for its membership and the screen sector and this is due to the strong, knowledgable and expert team driving it,” said Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn.
“Kate’s appointment follows a strategic succession plan developed by the Ausfilm board that has facilitated a smooth transition from her role in the La market back into Australia, following the departure of Debra Richards.”
Richards has joined Netflix as director,...
Ausfilm has named Kate Marks as CEO after she has been acting in the post since the departure of Debra Richards at the end of August.
Marks will continue in her role as the organisation’s Los Angeles-based vice president, international production, until she returns early next year to lead the team of seven at Ausfilm’s Sydney headquarters at Fox Studios Australia.
“Ausfilm is a very effective organisation that represents both government and industry; with this successful and supportive partnership, it has achieved a great deal for its membership and the screen sector and this is due to the strong, knowledgable and expert team driving it,” said Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn.
“Kate’s appointment follows a strategic succession plan developed by the Ausfilm board that has facilitated a smooth transition from her role in the La market back into Australia, following the departure of Debra Richards.”
Richards has joined Netflix as director,...
- 10/10/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australians in Film (AiF) today announced the inaugural State of Escape Creative Creatures lunch dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Australian women in television.
The event will be held at Curtis Stone’s restaurant Gwen on Thursday September 19 in the lead up to this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards.
The new partnership between AiF and tote designers State of Escape will bring together high-profile female writers, production designers, costume designers, casting agents, producers, directors and actors working in TV.
A State of Escape Creative Creatures Award will be presented to an emerging female talent currently working in the Australian television industry to help further her career globally.
Selected by AiF and State of Escape, the recipient will receive a return airfare from Australia to La, seven nights’ accommodation at the Standard Hotel Hollywood, a hot desk at Charlie’s, AiF’s screen industry incubator and the opportunity to meet with industry insiders at the lunch.
The event will be held at Curtis Stone’s restaurant Gwen on Thursday September 19 in the lead up to this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards.
The new partnership between AiF and tote designers State of Escape will bring together high-profile female writers, production designers, costume designers, casting agents, producers, directors and actors working in TV.
A State of Escape Creative Creatures Award will be presented to an emerging female talent currently working in the Australian television industry to help further her career globally.
Selected by AiF and State of Escape, the recipient will receive a return airfare from Australia to La, seven nights’ accommodation at the Standard Hotel Hollywood, a hot desk at Charlie’s, AiF’s screen industry incubator and the opportunity to meet with industry insiders at the lunch.
- 8/27/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Debra Richards.
Debra Richards is leaving Ausfilm at the end of August after nine years as CEO to join Netflix, covering production policy in the Asia Pacific.
Richards’ appointment is good news for Australian producers as she has told industry colleagues that part of her remit is to encourage more Netflix commissions in Australia and regionally.
The Ausfilm board has appointed Kate Marks, Ausfilm executive VP of international production based in Los Angeles, as interim CEO from August 31 while it undertakes the process to appoint a new CEO.
Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn said: “Debra leaves an extraordinary legacy in transforming the organisation, advocating for and delivering key policy reforms that have benefited our members and the broader industry in attracting major production, VFX and post-production, developing and leading a highly skilled and well-respected team supporting Ausfilm’s membership and clients here and overseas, and nurturing invaluable relationships with government and industry across the spectrum.
Debra Richards is leaving Ausfilm at the end of August after nine years as CEO to join Netflix, covering production policy in the Asia Pacific.
Richards’ appointment is good news for Australian producers as she has told industry colleagues that part of her remit is to encourage more Netflix commissions in Australia and regionally.
The Ausfilm board has appointed Kate Marks, Ausfilm executive VP of international production based in Los Angeles, as interim CEO from August 31 while it undertakes the process to appoint a new CEO.
Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn said: “Debra leaves an extraordinary legacy in transforming the organisation, advocating for and delivering key policy reforms that have benefited our members and the broader industry in attracting major production, VFX and post-production, developing and leading a highly skilled and well-respected team supporting Ausfilm’s membership and clients here and overseas, and nurturing invaluable relationships with government and industry across the spectrum.
- 7/24/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Sleena Wilson.
Sydney producer Sleena Wilson has begun three months’ work experience in Los Angeles as the recipient of this year’s Village Roadshow Animal Logic Entertainment internship.
Wilson is working with the creative teams on the development slates at the Village Roadshow Entertainment Group and Animal Logic Entertainment in the initiative organised by Australians in Film.
“Exposure to the Us industry will no doubt be invaluable in shaping my career and slate of projects and I look forward to returning to Australia with this international perspective,” she said.
Previous recipients of the internship are David Edwardz (The Third Floor), Melanie Jayne (HBO), Lauren Brown (Ludo Studios) and Petra Lovrencic (Animal Logic).
After getting a Create Nsw producer’s attachment on Aquarius Films’ ABC/Netflix series The Unlisted, Sleena became an assistant to Aquarius producers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
Last year she also served as assistant to producer Matt Reeder...
Sydney producer Sleena Wilson has begun three months’ work experience in Los Angeles as the recipient of this year’s Village Roadshow Animal Logic Entertainment internship.
Wilson is working with the creative teams on the development slates at the Village Roadshow Entertainment Group and Animal Logic Entertainment in the initiative organised by Australians in Film.
“Exposure to the Us industry will no doubt be invaluable in shaping my career and slate of projects and I look forward to returning to Australia with this international perspective,” she said.
Previous recipients of the internship are David Edwardz (The Third Floor), Melanie Jayne (HBO), Lauren Brown (Ludo Studios) and Petra Lovrencic (Animal Logic).
After getting a Create Nsw producer’s attachment on Aquarius Films’ ABC/Netflix series The Unlisted, Sleena became an assistant to Aquarius producers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
Last year she also served as assistant to producer Matt Reeder...
- 5/14/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Lucy Campbell.
Writer, director and producer Lucy Campbell is inaugural recipient of The Bird in Hand Nest Residency, an eight-week professional development program based in La and supported by Australians in Film (AiF), the South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) and Sa winery Bird in Hand.
Campbell wrote and directed online series The Big Nothing, co-produced short film Konya starring Ningali Lawford and Natasha Wanganeen, and has worked as a script editor and script co-ordinator on a wide range of productions including Wolf Creek, Upright, Pine Gap, The Hunting and Wanted.
Currently she is developing a feature film script with a Us production company, supported by the Safc, as well as a TV adaptation of The Big Nothing.
AiF and the Safc will curate a custom-made, eight-week residency program for Campbell in La, based at AiF’s Charlie’s, which will incorporate tailored mentoring, industry networking opportunities and access to AiF’s industry program.
Writer, director and producer Lucy Campbell is inaugural recipient of The Bird in Hand Nest Residency, an eight-week professional development program based in La and supported by Australians in Film (AiF), the South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) and Sa winery Bird in Hand.
Campbell wrote and directed online series The Big Nothing, co-produced short film Konya starring Ningali Lawford and Natasha Wanganeen, and has worked as a script editor and script co-ordinator on a wide range of productions including Wolf Creek, Upright, Pine Gap, The Hunting and Wanted.
Currently she is developing a feature film script with a Us production company, supported by the Safc, as well as a TV adaptation of The Big Nothing.
AiF and the Safc will curate a custom-made, eight-week residency program for Campbell in La, based at AiF’s Charlie’s, which will incorporate tailored mentoring, industry networking opportunities and access to AiF’s industry program.
- 5/7/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Leah Purcell and Warwick Thornton.
Warwick Thornton, Leah Purcell, Ivan Sen, Steven McGregor, Erica Glynn, Danielle Maclean and Bain Stewart will travel to Los Angeles next month for high-level networking.
The visit by the delegation, which includes David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin and Charlotte Seymour, is an extension of Screen Australia’s Talent USA initiative and coincides with the agency celebrating 25 years of Indigenous screen stories.
The November 5-10 program will focus on setting up business connections for the delegates with Us film and TV industry stakeholders and providing opportunities to learn from established La-based creators and decision-makers.
Participants were selected based on their international success and/or having established interest in the Us.
“It is fantastic to be able to offer this incredible opportunity to luminaries of our industry, which will assist in opening new doors to expand their already successful careers in the Us market,” said Penny Smallacombe, Screen Australia...
Warwick Thornton, Leah Purcell, Ivan Sen, Steven McGregor, Erica Glynn, Danielle Maclean and Bain Stewart will travel to Los Angeles next month for high-level networking.
The visit by the delegation, which includes David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin and Charlotte Seymour, is an extension of Screen Australia’s Talent USA initiative and coincides with the agency celebrating 25 years of Indigenous screen stories.
The November 5-10 program will focus on setting up business connections for the delegates with Us film and TV industry stakeholders and providing opportunities to learn from established La-based creators and decision-makers.
Participants were selected based on their international success and/or having established interest in the Us.
“It is fantastic to be able to offer this incredible opportunity to luminaries of our industry, which will assist in opening new doors to expand their already successful careers in the Us market,” said Penny Smallacombe, Screen Australia...
- 10/18/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
2018 Vral recipient Petra Lovrencic has gone on to work for Animal Logic in Sydney.
The Village Roadshow Animal Logic Entertainment Internship, valued at $US20,000, is open for applications.
The internship, which will start early next year, covers a three-month work placement in the La offices of both Village Roadshow Pictures and Animal Logic Entertainment, and is designed to give the recipient first-hand experience in the world of financing, developing and marketing of major films.
Petra Lovrencic, last year’s recipient, has started a role as post-production assistant at Animal Logic in Sydney, while 2016 recipient Melanie Jayne is currently working at HBO Programming in Los Angeles.
Administered by Australians in Film (AiF), the internship covers flights, visas, accommodation and a living allowance, is open to any undergraduate or recent graduate who wishes to pursue a career as a producer or development executive in the screen industry. The selection panel is seeking...
The Village Roadshow Animal Logic Entertainment Internship, valued at $US20,000, is open for applications.
The internship, which will start early next year, covers a three-month work placement in the La offices of both Village Roadshow Pictures and Animal Logic Entertainment, and is designed to give the recipient first-hand experience in the world of financing, developing and marketing of major films.
Petra Lovrencic, last year’s recipient, has started a role as post-production assistant at Animal Logic in Sydney, while 2016 recipient Melanie Jayne is currently working at HBO Programming in Los Angeles.
Administered by Australians in Film (AiF), the internship covers flights, visas, accommodation and a living allowance, is open to any undergraduate or recent graduate who wishes to pursue a career as a producer or development executive in the screen industry. The selection panel is seeking...
- 10/2/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Jai Courtney.
Australians in Film (AiF) has announced it will honour actor Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Jack Reacher) and director Garth Davis (Top of the Lake, Lion) with Breakthrough Awards at the upcoming Aif Awards and Benefit Dinner in La.
The AiF Awards and Benefit Dinner is aimed at supporting the organisation.s goals of ushering Australian filmmakers into the international market and providing career development. This years. event, to be held October 19 at the NeueHouse Hollywood, will be hosted by Tim Minchin.
The Foxtel Breakthrough Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate rising Australian talent. Previous honourees include fellow Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Debicki, Jacki Weaver, Teresa Palmer, Joel Edgerton, James Wan and Ryan Kwanten. ..The AiF Awards began as the Breakthrough Awards in 2005. It was a very intimate affair in Beverly Hills where we honoured Melissa George and Robert Luketic. The...
Australians in Film (AiF) has announced it will honour actor Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Jack Reacher) and director Garth Davis (Top of the Lake, Lion) with Breakthrough Awards at the upcoming Aif Awards and Benefit Dinner in La.
The AiF Awards and Benefit Dinner is aimed at supporting the organisation.s goals of ushering Australian filmmakers into the international market and providing career development. This years. event, to be held October 19 at the NeueHouse Hollywood, will be hosted by Tim Minchin.
The Foxtel Breakthrough Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate rising Australian talent. Previous honourees include fellow Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Debicki, Jacki Weaver, Teresa Palmer, Joel Edgerton, James Wan and Ryan Kwanten. ..The AiF Awards began as the Breakthrough Awards in 2005. It was a very intimate affair in Beverly Hills where we honoured Melissa George and Robert Luketic. The...
- 9/21/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Mentor La Program 2016 from Australians in Film on Vimeo.
Up and coming talent Sarah Shaw, Josh Tanner, Felicity Abbott and Breanna Roe have been announced as the recipients of Australians in Film and Screen Australia.s one year MentorLA program.
The MentorLA program matches recipients with dedicated mentors who work in the Us, giving them the opportunity to gain international industry knowledge.
The program aims to acknowledge Australian talent and the potential it has to build a strong, commercially sustainable and internationally focused Australian screen industry. Producer Bruna Papandrea (Gone Girl, Wild) is set to mentor Shaw; while writer/director Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Collateral) will mentor Tanner.
Emmy award-winning production designer Deborah Riley.s (Game of Thrones) mentee is Abbott, and president, unscripted television at Endemol Shine USA Eden Gaha (Master Chef, The Biggest Loser) will work with Roe.
President of AiF...
Up and coming talent Sarah Shaw, Josh Tanner, Felicity Abbott and Breanna Roe have been announced as the recipients of Australians in Film and Screen Australia.s one year MentorLA program.
The MentorLA program matches recipients with dedicated mentors who work in the Us, giving them the opportunity to gain international industry knowledge.
The program aims to acknowledge Australian talent and the potential it has to build a strong, commercially sustainable and internationally focused Australian screen industry. Producer Bruna Papandrea (Gone Girl, Wild) is set to mentor Shaw; while writer/director Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Collateral) will mentor Tanner.
Emmy award-winning production designer Deborah Riley.s (Game of Thrones) mentee is Abbott, and president, unscripted television at Endemol Shine USA Eden Gaha (Master Chef, The Biggest Loser) will work with Roe.
President of AiF...
- 9/8/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Applications are now open for the 2017 Village Roadshow Entertainment Group and Animal Logic Entertainment Internship, established in 2014 by Australians in Film.
The internship is open to Australian film business undergraduate students and recent graduates, and involves working in the Los Angeles offices of Village Roadshow Pictures and Animal Logic "to gain first-hand experience in developing, acquiring, packaging and producing feature films for the international market".
Valued at $20,000, the three month internship will run from early 2017, with living and travel expenses covered.
President of Australians in Film Kate Marks called the internship "potentially a life changing, once in a lifetime opportunity for a recent business graduate or graduate to work with two of the industry's leading production companies..
CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group Greg Basser said Village was delighted to be participating again, and that they .look forward to reviewing this year.s applicants..
Last year's winner Melanie Jayne called...
The internship is open to Australian film business undergraduate students and recent graduates, and involves working in the Los Angeles offices of Village Roadshow Pictures and Animal Logic "to gain first-hand experience in developing, acquiring, packaging and producing feature films for the international market".
Valued at $20,000, the three month internship will run from early 2017, with living and travel expenses covered.
President of Australians in Film Kate Marks called the internship "potentially a life changing, once in a lifetime opportunity for a recent business graduate or graduate to work with two of the industry's leading production companies..
CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group Greg Basser said Village was delighted to be participating again, and that they .look forward to reviewing this year.s applicants..
Last year's winner Melanie Jayne called...
- 7/19/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Tomb Raider, the video game-based franchise re-boot to star Alicia Vikander (pictured), has been set for a March 16, 2018 release in the US.
Norway’s Roar Uthaug will direct the Warner Bros/MGM film, with Graham King producing for his GK Films.
Angelina Jolie starred in two previous Tomb Raider films for Paramount, the most recent of which, 2003’s Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, took $65.7m in North America and $90.9m internationally.
Warner has also set an April 21, 2017 release date for Katherine Heigl thriller Unforgettable.
• Kiefer Sutherland is reportedly close to signing to join Ellen Page, Diego Luna and Nina Dobrev in the cast of Sony’s remake of Flatliners, which starts shooting this week in Toronto with Niels Arden Oplev directing. Sutherland starred with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon in the original 1990 sci-fi horror outing, directed by [link...
Norway’s Roar Uthaug will direct the Warner Bros/MGM film, with Graham King producing for his GK Films.
Angelina Jolie starred in two previous Tomb Raider films for Paramount, the most recent of which, 2003’s Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, took $65.7m in North America and $90.9m internationally.
Warner has also set an April 21, 2017 release date for Katherine Heigl thriller Unforgettable.
• Kiefer Sutherland is reportedly close to signing to join Ellen Page, Diego Luna and Nina Dobrev in the cast of Sony’s remake of Flatliners, which starts shooting this week in Toronto with Niels Arden Oplev directing. Sutherland starred with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon in the original 1990 sci-fi horror outing, directed by [link...
- 7/9/2016
- ScreenDaily
Three filmmakers have been selected to participate in the second annual HBOAccess Directing Fellowship, a program that provides a mentorship with an HBO creative executive and a $100,000 budget to shoot a short presentation for the premium network. The winners: Kate Marks, a Project Involve fellow at Film Independent; Pete Chatmon, whose debut feature Premium starred Dorian Missick, Zoe Saldana and Hill Harper; and Kevin Lau, a recent fellow of the Sony Pictures…...
- 7/8/2016
- Deadline TV
Megan Doneman (r) with the subject of her 2008 documentary, Kiran Bedi (l).
Queensland writer/producer Megan Doneman has been awarded the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship, established by Screen Queensland and Australians in Film.
The scholarship, launched in 2014 and worth $30,000, will see Doneman mentored by executive producer Shane Brennan, creator of CBS's.NCIS: Los Angeles, in the show's La writers room.
Doneman started her career as an assistant editor on films such as Dark City, Babe: Pig in the City and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
She also wrote, directed and produced the 2008 documentary Kiran Bedi: Yes Madam, Sir, which was narrated by Helen Mirren and premiered at Tiff in 2010.
"Megan is an outstanding talent, who combines powerful storytelling with a determined work ethic," Screen Queensland Chair Linda Apelt said. "The opportunity to learn from the best of the best in the United States - at the...
Queensland writer/producer Megan Doneman has been awarded the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship, established by Screen Queensland and Australians in Film.
The scholarship, launched in 2014 and worth $30,000, will see Doneman mentored by executive producer Shane Brennan, creator of CBS's.NCIS: Los Angeles, in the show's La writers room.
Doneman started her career as an assistant editor on films such as Dark City, Babe: Pig in the City and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
She also wrote, directed and produced the 2008 documentary Kiran Bedi: Yes Madam, Sir, which was narrated by Helen Mirren and premiered at Tiff in 2010.
"Megan is an outstanding talent, who combines powerful storytelling with a determined work ethic," Screen Queensland Chair Linda Apelt said. "The opportunity to learn from the best of the best in the United States - at the...
- 7/5/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Producers scouting international locations should establish local companies early to benefit from tax incentives, attendees at the Afci Locations Show 2015 heard on Thursday.
“If you think you want to do a production in the UK set up your Spv [special purpose vehicle] as soon as possible,” said British Film Commission evp of Us production Kattie Kotok.
Spv refers to a wholly owned company established specifically to produce a film. Kotok said doing so early would enable the producers to take office costs and apply them to local costs that would fall under the UK’s provisions.
Kate Marks, evp of international production at Ausfilm, made a similar point when she counselled audience members during the Production Incentives: The New World Order panel at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City.
“What you really want to do is partner with Australians in development for that project to be eligible for 40%,” said Marks.
“We have had Us partners like The Great Gatsby. It’s...
“If you think you want to do a production in the UK set up your Spv [special purpose vehicle] as soon as possible,” said British Film Commission evp of Us production Kattie Kotok.
Spv refers to a wholly owned company established specifically to produce a film. Kotok said doing so early would enable the producers to take office costs and apply them to local costs that would fall under the UK’s provisions.
Kate Marks, evp of international production at Ausfilm, made a similar point when she counselled audience members during the Production Incentives: The New World Order panel at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City.
“What you really want to do is partner with Australians in development for that project to be eligible for 40%,” said Marks.
“We have had Us partners like The Great Gatsby. It’s...
- 3/6/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Producers scouting international locations should establish local companies early to benefit from tax incentives, attendees at the Afci Locations Show 2015 heard on Thursday.
“If you think you want to do a production in the UK set up your Spv [special purpose vehicle] as soon as possible,” said British Film Commission evp of Us production Kattie Kotok.
Spv refers to a wholly owned company established specifically to produce a film. Kotok said doing so early would enable the producers to take office costs and apply them to local costs that would fall under the UK’s provisions.
Kate Marks, evp of international production at Ausfilm, made a similar point when she counselled audience members during the Production Incentives: The New World Order panel at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City.
“What you really want to do is partner with Australians in development for that project to be eligible for 40%,” said Marks.
“We have had Us partners like The Great Gatsby. It’s...
“If you think you want to do a production in the UK set up your Spv [special purpose vehicle] as soon as possible,” said British Film Commission evp of Us production Kattie Kotok.
Spv refers to a wholly owned company established specifically to produce a film. Kotok said doing so early would enable the producers to take office costs and apply them to local costs that would fall under the UK’s provisions.
Kate Marks, evp of international production at Ausfilm, made a similar point when she counselled audience members during the Production Incentives: The New World Order panel at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City.
“What you really want to do is partner with Australians in development for that project to be eligible for 40%,” said Marks.
“We have had Us partners like The Great Gatsby. It’s...
- 3/5/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Former Film Victoria executive Kate Marks will run Ausfilm.s office in Los Angeles. Starting in late September, Marks will serve as Ausfilm Executive Vice President, International Production, taking over from Tracey Vieira, who joined Screen Queensland as CEO in February. She was General Manager - Incentives, Locations & Production Services at Film Victoria for four years until last year,. and has worked in the Australian film industry for more than 10 years.
Marks was responsible for driving inward investments of more than $260 million to the State as well as advocating policy issues, fostering relationships and facilitating opportunities for screen practitioners, according to Ausfilm.
There were more than 70 applicants for the job from Australia and the Us, If understands.
Ausfilm CEO Debra Richards said, .We are delighted to have secured Kate to take on this pivotal role for the organisation. Kate has an excellent understanding of our industry, our competition and the...
Marks was responsible for driving inward investments of more than $260 million to the State as well as advocating policy issues, fostering relationships and facilitating opportunities for screen practitioners, according to Ausfilm.
There were more than 70 applicants for the job from Australia and the Us, If understands.
Ausfilm CEO Debra Richards said, .We are delighted to have secured Kate to take on this pivotal role for the organisation. Kate has an excellent understanding of our industry, our competition and the...
- 8/25/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Pearl (Miana Abramson) is one of those seven-year-old kids who makes those of us without children feel very damn lucky. You know the type -- those bratty little hellions who throw ear-splitting tantrums that make The Tasmanian Devil look like a cuddly little teddy bear. Of course, more often than not these "bad" kids are the bi-product of bad parenting; but more about that in a bit... Writer-director Kate Marks' Pearl Was Here takes place on a fateful day that Pearl and her mother (Sharon Eisman) visit a convenience store. While separated from her mother, Pearl discovers one of those claw machines filled with colorful stuffed animals; but Pearl does not want to just play the game, she wants to climb inside of it. Once inside the machine, Pearl is perfectly happy. This is heaven for her, surrounded by cheerful and friendly toys. There is no whining or screaming,...
- 1/20/2013
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
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