‘Backtrack Boys’ director Catherine Scott is among those who spearheaded the campaign.
More than 250 filmmakers have co-signed an open letter calling for a “radical overhaul” of government policy in order to sustainably support the independent documentary sector now and into the future.
The letter, from the newly formed Australian Independent Documentary (Aid) group, argues that recent policy changes have undermined the viability of the independent documentary sector and its ability to produce distinct and original Australian content for both local and international audiences.
It calls variously for Screen Australia to work with the public broadcasters to create a dedicated strand on Australian public broadcast television for original Australian documentary, and for the federal agency to stop allocating funds to foreign majority owned companies at development and production stage; to increase funding support for original Australian formats; recognise cinema-on-demand as a legitimate form of cinema distribution, and to establish a dedicated fund for international co-production.
More than 250 filmmakers have co-signed an open letter calling for a “radical overhaul” of government policy in order to sustainably support the independent documentary sector now and into the future.
The letter, from the newly formed Australian Independent Documentary (Aid) group, argues that recent policy changes have undermined the viability of the independent documentary sector and its ability to produce distinct and original Australian content for both local and international audiences.
It calls variously for Screen Australia to work with the public broadcasters to create a dedicated strand on Australian public broadcast television for original Australian documentary, and for the federal agency to stop allocating funds to foreign majority owned companies at development and production stage; to increase funding support for original Australian formats; recognise cinema-on-demand as a legitimate form of cinema distribution, and to establish a dedicated fund for international co-production.
- 3/5/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Erica Glynn..
Indigenous writer-director Erica Glynn was today named the recipient of this year's David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship. .
Glynn, whose latest film.In My Own Words.is.screening at the Sydney Film Festival, played a central role in the development of Indigenous filmmakers and their work through the Indigenous Unit of Screen Australia.
The fellowship is bestowed by former News Limited, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia CEO Kim Williams in honour of his parents, and is worth $50,000.
Inaugurated in 2010 through the Australian International Documentary Conference, management of the fellowship was transferred to the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2015, when it became biennial. .
The recipient is selected by a panel comprising Bob Connolly, Victoria Treole and Julia Overton, supported by Daf CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman.
The fellowship is intended to give an independent filmmaker enough money and time to reflect and prepare for his or her next work or to undertake relevant study and research.
Indigenous writer-director Erica Glynn was today named the recipient of this year's David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship. .
Glynn, whose latest film.In My Own Words.is.screening at the Sydney Film Festival, played a central role in the development of Indigenous filmmakers and their work through the Indigenous Unit of Screen Australia.
The fellowship is bestowed by former News Limited, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia CEO Kim Williams in honour of his parents, and is worth $50,000.
Inaugurated in 2010 through the Australian International Documentary Conference, management of the fellowship was transferred to the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2015, when it became biennial. .
The recipient is selected by a panel comprising Bob Connolly, Victoria Treole and Julia Overton, supported by Daf CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman.
The fellowship is intended to give an independent filmmaker enough money and time to reflect and prepare for his or her next work or to undertake relevant study and research.
- 6/8/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Stanley Hawes.
The Australian International Documentary Conference's 30th anniversary edition will take place in Melbourne from March 5-8 next year.
Aidc will again be held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Acmi) in Melbourne, with the full program to be unveiled November 8..
Entries are now open for The Documentary Australia Foundation (Daf) Impact Strategy Hack and The Stanley Hawes Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Documentary Sector.
The Daf Impact Strategy Hack is the centrepiece of Aidc 2017.s Impact Day, devoted to documentary media with a change and advocacy agenda. Now in its second year, the event brings together international advisors with a focus on providing documentary teams with a pathway to a solid impact campaign strategy..
Filmmakers keen to participate are invited to submit their films for consideration. Entries close November 11.
Aidc is also seeking nominations for the 2017 Stanley Hawes Award, presented annually in recognition of an...
The Australian International Documentary Conference's 30th anniversary edition will take place in Melbourne from March 5-8 next year.
Aidc will again be held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Acmi) in Melbourne, with the full program to be unveiled November 8..
Entries are now open for The Documentary Australia Foundation (Daf) Impact Strategy Hack and The Stanley Hawes Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Documentary Sector.
The Daf Impact Strategy Hack is the centrepiece of Aidc 2017.s Impact Day, devoted to documentary media with a change and advocacy agenda. Now in its second year, the event brings together international advisors with a focus on providing documentary teams with a pathway to a solid impact campaign strategy..
Filmmakers keen to participate are invited to submit their films for consideration. Entries close November 11.
Aidc is also seeking nominations for the 2017 Stanley Hawes Award, presented annually in recognition of an...
- 10/16/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Australian actress Claudia Karvan is set to receive the 2016 Chauvel Award as part of the 14th annual Gold Coast Film Festival..
The Chauvel Award, named in honour of Charles Chauvel, commenced in 1993 and acknowledges an individual who has made significant contribution to Australian cinema.
On April 9, the Gold Coast Film Festival will welcome audiences to David Stratton In Conversation With Claudia Karvan..
The night will be an intimate look at Karvan.s career, accompanied by footage from her films and moderated by film critic and previous Chauvel Award recipient, David Stratton..
Stratton said he was looking forward to the event.
.I have known Claudia since she started acting and even appeared in a film with her once — something I.m certain will be referred to in our informal chat," he said. .
"Her career has gone from strength to strength, and she is unquestionably one of our finest actors..
Karvan.Karvan...
The Chauvel Award, named in honour of Charles Chauvel, commenced in 1993 and acknowledges an individual who has made significant contribution to Australian cinema.
On April 9, the Gold Coast Film Festival will welcome audiences to David Stratton In Conversation With Claudia Karvan..
The night will be an intimate look at Karvan.s career, accompanied by footage from her films and moderated by film critic and previous Chauvel Award recipient, David Stratton..
Stratton said he was looking forward to the event.
.I have known Claudia since she started acting and even appeared in a film with her once — something I.m certain will be referred to in our informal chat," he said. .
"Her career has gone from strength to strength, and she is unquestionably one of our finest actors..
Karvan.Karvan...
- 2/29/2016
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
The Gold Coast Film Festival has secured Jan Chapman, Melanie Coombs and Alan Finney to be part of its 2016 Chauvel Award committee.
Chapman, producer of the AFI Best Film winner, Lantana and Academy Award winner The Piano, and 2002 Chauvel Award recipient, will join the committee this year alongside Coombs, producer of the Academy Award winner Harvie Krumpet and Finney, a film industry veteran actor and producer..
Film critic David Stratton, Screen Queensland chief executive, Tracey Vieira and Bond University.s Professor Bruce Molloy have also been announced as 2016 Chauvel Committee members.
The Chauvel Award, named in honour of Charles Chauvel, acknowledges an individual who has made significant contribution to Australian cinema..
The award was previously part of the Brisbane International Film Festival and past recipients of the Award have included producer Anthony Buckley, directors George Miller and Rolf de Heer, actors Bryan Brown and Geoffrey Rush, cinematographer John Seale and...
Chapman, producer of the AFI Best Film winner, Lantana and Academy Award winner The Piano, and 2002 Chauvel Award recipient, will join the committee this year alongside Coombs, producer of the Academy Award winner Harvie Krumpet and Finney, a film industry veteran actor and producer..
Film critic David Stratton, Screen Queensland chief executive, Tracey Vieira and Bond University.s Professor Bruce Molloy have also been announced as 2016 Chauvel Committee members.
The Chauvel Award, named in honour of Charles Chauvel, acknowledges an individual who has made significant contribution to Australian cinema..
The award was previously part of the Brisbane International Film Festival and past recipients of the Award have included producer Anthony Buckley, directors George Miller and Rolf de Heer, actors Bryan Brown and Geoffrey Rush, cinematographer John Seale and...
- 12/17/2015
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Jazz musician Alan Hicks has directed just one feature documentary, Keep On Keepin' On, but he.s just won a $50,000 prize.
Hicks has been awarded the David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship, intended to reward creative ambition, intellectual rigour and innovation in documentary cinema.
.Alan, whose debut film attracted international critical and commercial attention, is on the threshold of what promises to be a bold and exciting career,. said Bob Connolly, speaking on behalf of the selection committee.
Keep On Keepin' On is based on the life of jazz legend Clark Terry (Quincy Jones's first teacher) and his relationship with 23-year-old blind pianist prodigy, Justin Kauflin whom Terry first taught at William Patterson University and with whom he continued to work despite his failing health.
The doc premiered to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014, where it won the Audience Award and the Best New Documentary Director Award.
Hicks has been awarded the David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship, intended to reward creative ambition, intellectual rigour and innovation in documentary cinema.
.Alan, whose debut film attracted international critical and commercial attention, is on the threshold of what promises to be a bold and exciting career,. said Bob Connolly, speaking on behalf of the selection committee.
Keep On Keepin' On is based on the life of jazz legend Clark Terry (Quincy Jones's first teacher) and his relationship with 23-year-old blind pianist prodigy, Justin Kauflin whom Terry first taught at William Patterson University and with whom he continued to work despite his failing health.
The doc premiered to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014, where it won the Audience Award and the Best New Documentary Director Award.
- 5/31/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Thanks to the kindness of strangers, Richard Todd.s feature documentary which investigates the impact of the coal seam gas industry on residents' health and food and water resources will get a long and wide exposure around Australia.
Frackman was one of the recipients of the first Good Pitch Australia event in Sydney on Wednesday, which raised more than $2 million in donations for seven docs.
To be released in cinemas by eOne, the film follows Queensland landowner and pig shooter Dayne .The Frackman. Pratzky, who joins a broad coalition of conservative landowners, radical activists and city folk who oppose coal seam gas mining.
.While some of the money raised at Good Pitch goes to production, the majority will be spent on outreach . building audience interest and excitement ahead of the roll out early next year as it starts an innovative campaign across rural Australia in cinemas and community halls and...
Frackman was one of the recipients of the first Good Pitch Australia event in Sydney on Wednesday, which raised more than $2 million in donations for seven docs.
To be released in cinemas by eOne, the film follows Queensland landowner and pig shooter Dayne .The Frackman. Pratzky, who joins a broad coalition of conservative landowners, radical activists and city folk who oppose coal seam gas mining.
.While some of the money raised at Good Pitch goes to production, the majority will be spent on outreach . building audience interest and excitement ahead of the roll out early next year as it starts an innovative campaign across rural Australia in cinemas and community halls and...
- 10/9/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The instigator of a petition calling on the National Film and Sound Archive to be more transparent in the restructure of the Archive and the resulting job losses is disappointed with the response from Nfsa chair Gabrielle Trainor.
Former Melbourne Film Festival director Geoff Gardner says there is little in the letter he got from Trainor to suggest the issues raised in the petition are being addressed.
Signed by 140 directors, producers, writers, actors, academics and journalists, the petition called on the Nfsa to release a business review carried out by CEO Michael Loebenstein and to hold a series of open forums before final decisions are made on terminations and personnel restructures.
The signatories include Acs president Ron Johanson, Adg president Ray Argall, producers Tony Buckley, Richard Brennan and Sue Milliken, actor Jack Thompson, former Nfsa development manager Dominic Case, writer Frank Moorhouse, documentary makers Bob Connolly, Sharon Connolly, David Bradbury,...
Former Melbourne Film Festival director Geoff Gardner says there is little in the letter he got from Trainor to suggest the issues raised in the petition are being addressed.
Signed by 140 directors, producers, writers, actors, academics and journalists, the petition called on the Nfsa to release a business review carried out by CEO Michael Loebenstein and to hold a series of open forums before final decisions are made on terminations and personnel restructures.
The signatories include Acs president Ron Johanson, Adg president Ray Argall, producers Tony Buckley, Richard Brennan and Sue Milliken, actor Jack Thompson, former Nfsa development manager Dominic Case, writer Frank Moorhouse, documentary makers Bob Connolly, Sharon Connolly, David Bradbury,...
- 5/21/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The instigator of a petition calling on the National Film and Sound Archive to be more transparent in the restructure of the Archive and the resulting job losses is disappointed with the response from Nfsa chair Gabrielle Trainor.
Former Melbourne Film Festival director Geoff Gardner says there is little in the letter he got from Trainor to suggest the issues raised in the petition are being addressed.
Signed by 140 directors, producers, writers, actors, academics and journalists, the petition called on the Nfsa to release a business review carried out by CEO Michael Loebenstein and to hold a series of open forums before final decisions are made on terminations, sackings and personnel restructures.
The signatories include Acs president Ron Johanson, Adg president Ray Argall, producers Tony Buckley, Richard Brennan and Sue Milliken, actor Jack Thomson, former Nfsa development manager Dominic Case, writer Frank Moorhouse, documentary makers Bob Connolly, Sharon Connolly, David Bradbury,...
Former Melbourne Film Festival director Geoff Gardner says there is little in the letter he got from Trainor to suggest the issues raised in the petition are being addressed.
Signed by 140 directors, producers, writers, actors, academics and journalists, the petition called on the Nfsa to release a business review carried out by CEO Michael Loebenstein and to hold a series of open forums before final decisions are made on terminations, sackings and personnel restructures.
The signatories include Acs president Ron Johanson, Adg president Ray Argall, producers Tony Buckley, Richard Brennan and Sue Milliken, actor Jack Thomson, former Nfsa development manager Dominic Case, writer Frank Moorhouse, documentary makers Bob Connolly, Sharon Connolly, David Bradbury,...
- 5/21/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The National Film and Sound Archive and the Australian Film Television and Radio School have not escaped unscathed from the federal Budget cuts.
Meanwhile, the lack of transparency in a pending restructure of the Nfsa has been criticised by producers, directors, writers, actors, academics and journalists.
The Nfsa received $27.07 million from the government in the current financial year. That falls to $25.9 million for each of the next two fiscal years. The allocations beyond that are $25.74 million and $26.01 million.
It is not clear how the government.s announcement that $2.4 million will be saved over four years by consolidating the back office functions of a number of Canberra-based collection agencies including the Nfsa, National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia and Old Parliament House will affect the Archive.
In April, Nfsa CEO Michael Loebenstein announced a restructuring entailing shedding jobs and reducing its touring program and the number of events at its Arc cinema in Canberra,...
Meanwhile, the lack of transparency in a pending restructure of the Nfsa has been criticised by producers, directors, writers, actors, academics and journalists.
The Nfsa received $27.07 million from the government in the current financial year. That falls to $25.9 million for each of the next two fiscal years. The allocations beyond that are $25.74 million and $26.01 million.
It is not clear how the government.s announcement that $2.4 million will be saved over four years by consolidating the back office functions of a number of Canberra-based collection agencies including the Nfsa, National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia and Old Parliament House will affect the Archive.
In April, Nfsa CEO Michael Loebenstein announced a restructuring entailing shedding jobs and reducing its touring program and the number of events at its Arc cinema in Canberra,...
- 5/14/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The chorus of voices calling for an end to the traditional, rigid release windows in Australia keeps getting louder.
Distribution consultant Thomas Mai today described the 120-day gap between theatrical and home entertainment as .obnoxious,. observing, it .doesn.t work anymore..
Mai was speaking at a panel entitled The Director as Distributor at the Australian Directors Guild conference, where the virtues of self-distribution were extolled. The panel was moderated by researcher/writer Laura Carroll Harris, whose essay Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem, has just been published by Currency Press.
Launching the essay on Thursday night, entertainment lawyer Ian Robertson backed Harris. argument that Australians must find new ways of reaching audiences. .The current system of distributing Australian-financed feature films is substantially broken, and I know that savvy and experienced Australian film makers are aware of this and are preparing for the new world ahead,...
Distribution consultant Thomas Mai today described the 120-day gap between theatrical and home entertainment as .obnoxious,. observing, it .doesn.t work anymore..
Mai was speaking at a panel entitled The Director as Distributor at the Australian Directors Guild conference, where the virtues of self-distribution were extolled. The panel was moderated by researcher/writer Laura Carroll Harris, whose essay Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem, has just been published by Currency Press.
Launching the essay on Thursday night, entertainment lawyer Ian Robertson backed Harris. argument that Australians must find new ways of reaching audiences. .The current system of distributing Australian-financed feature films is substantially broken, and I know that savvy and experienced Australian film makers are aware of this and are preparing for the new world ahead,...
- 11/8/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The chorus of voices calling for an end to the traditional, rigid release windows in Australia keeps getting louder.
Distribution consultant Thomas Mai today described the 120-day gap between theatrical and home entertainment as .obnoxious,. observing, it .doesn.t work anymore..
Mai was speaking at a panel entitled The Director as Distributor at the Australian Directors Guild conference, where the virtues of self-distribution were extolled. The panel was moderated by researcher/writer Laura Carroll Harris, whose essay Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem, has just been published by Currency Press.
Launching the essay on Thursday night, entertainment lawyer Ian Robertson backed Harris. argument that Australians must find new ways of reaching audiences. .The current system of distributing Australian-financed feature films is substantially broken, and I know that savvy and experienced Australian film makers are aware of this and are preparing for the new world ahead,...
Distribution consultant Thomas Mai today described the 120-day gap between theatrical and home entertainment as .obnoxious,. observing, it .doesn.t work anymore..
Mai was speaking at a panel entitled The Director as Distributor at the Australian Directors Guild conference, where the virtues of self-distribution were extolled. The panel was moderated by researcher/writer Laura Carroll Harris, whose essay Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem, has just been published by Currency Press.
Launching the essay on Thursday night, entertainment lawyer Ian Robertson backed Harris. argument that Australians must find new ways of reaching audiences. .The current system of distributing Australian-financed feature films is substantially broken, and I know that savvy and experienced Australian film makers are aware of this and are preparing for the new world ahead,...
- 11/8/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The public broadcasters have been accused of neglecting single documentaries, resulting in a lack of diversity in stories.
And the ABC.s so-called .lock out. policy which deters some filmmakers from applying for Screen Australia funding was deemed unfair.
.There are no permanent slots for Australian documentary programs, either series or one-offs, on either of our public broadcasters,. writer/producer/director Trevor Graham told a seminar at the Australia Directors Guild conference on Thursday.
.The ABC takes the view that Screen Australia investment funds are for ABC Factual prime time, not for programs commissioned by ABC Arts or by Religion and Ethics,. said Graham, who co-founded Yarra Bank Films in 1983.
.The ABC has instituted what many producers call the Lock Out. Producers making projects for TV Arts and Religion and Ethics are told they will only be given a presale on the condition they do not approach Screen Australia for funding,...
And the ABC.s so-called .lock out. policy which deters some filmmakers from applying for Screen Australia funding was deemed unfair.
.There are no permanent slots for Australian documentary programs, either series or one-offs, on either of our public broadcasters,. writer/producer/director Trevor Graham told a seminar at the Australia Directors Guild conference on Thursday.
.The ABC takes the view that Screen Australia investment funds are for ABC Factual prime time, not for programs commissioned by ABC Arts or by Religion and Ethics,. said Graham, who co-founded Yarra Bank Films in 1983.
.The ABC has instituted what many producers call the Lock Out. Producers making projects for TV Arts and Religion and Ethics are told they will only be given a presale on the condition they do not approach Screen Australia for funding,...
- 11/7/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Australian documentary makers today launched a campaign to boost the ailing numbers of single docs commissioned by the ABC and Sbs and for more investment from Screen Australia.
Indiedoco is campaigning for five key changes to the current distribution of Australia's public documentary subsidies, calling for:
- The ABC and Sbs to follow the example of BBC2 by reinstating single documentary strands that 'will allow the very best filmmakers to find and tell stories that will illuminate, provoke and reveal modern Australia in all its staggering variety.'
- Screen Australia to remove the requirement for a broadcaster pre-sale for the National Documentary Program and to set up a new panel to select projects for Ndp funding based on creative, cultural and artistic criteria.
- Screen Australia to reinstate a slate development program for documentary filmmakers similar to the General Development Investment Program that was offered by the Australian Film Commission.
Indiedoco is campaigning for five key changes to the current distribution of Australia's public documentary subsidies, calling for:
- The ABC and Sbs to follow the example of BBC2 by reinstating single documentary strands that 'will allow the very best filmmakers to find and tell stories that will illuminate, provoke and reveal modern Australia in all its staggering variety.'
- Screen Australia to remove the requirement for a broadcaster pre-sale for the National Documentary Program and to set up a new panel to select projects for Ndp funding based on creative, cultural and artistic criteria.
- Screen Australia to reinstate a slate development program for documentary filmmakers similar to the General Development Investment Program that was offered by the Australian Film Commission.
- 11/6/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The single documentary is an endangered species in Australia but there are a number of solutions to address the crisis in the documentary industry.
That.s according to documentary filmmaker Jennifer Crone, who aims to use a session at next week.s Australian Directors Guild conference to explore new paths to financing docus.
Bob Connolly will moderate the November 7 session entitled Tell Us the Truth: The Demise of the One-Off Documentary with a panel comprising Crone, Tom Zubrycki, Trevor Graham and Genevieve Bailey.
Crone quotes a new study by Sharon Connolly which shows just 21% of TV documentaries funded by Screen Australia in 2012-2013 were single docs, versus 79% for series. Since 2008 when Screen Australia launched, the average number of hours of single docs funded by the agency has fallen by 22%.
.Documentary filmmakers are in an absolute state of crisis,. Crone tells If. .It.s really very dire. Very few people are making a living any more.
That.s according to documentary filmmaker Jennifer Crone, who aims to use a session at next week.s Australian Directors Guild conference to explore new paths to financing docus.
Bob Connolly will moderate the November 7 session entitled Tell Us the Truth: The Demise of the One-Off Documentary with a panel comprising Crone, Tom Zubrycki, Trevor Graham and Genevieve Bailey.
Crone quotes a new study by Sharon Connolly which shows just 21% of TV documentaries funded by Screen Australia in 2012-2013 were single docs, versus 79% for series. Since 2008 when Screen Australia launched, the average number of hours of single docs funded by the agency has fallen by 22%.
.Documentary filmmakers are in an absolute state of crisis,. Crone tells If. .It.s really very dire. Very few people are making a living any more.
- 10/29/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
There is nothing inherently wrong with Australian films but for many, conventional theatrical release isn.t the answer, according to a new study of the film industry.
Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem makes a compelling case for the traditional structures to be abandoned. In its place, it proposes Australian films would be released in a variety of ways including, on occasions, simultaneously in cinemas and on DVD and Video-on-Demand, plus self-organised screenings outside the multiplex/art-house circuits.
The essay.s author Laura Carroll Harris argues that instead of requiring local films to have an Australian theatrical distributor as a pre-requisite for the producer offset, the definition of market attachment should be expanded to include DVD, Video-on-Demand and non-theatrical, alternative distribution. By this means, she says, .the distribution of small-budget releases would be diversified in circuits to which viewers are gravitating..
Most of these ideas...
Not at a Cinema Near You: Australia.s film distribution problem makes a compelling case for the traditional structures to be abandoned. In its place, it proposes Australian films would be released in a variety of ways including, on occasions, simultaneously in cinemas and on DVD and Video-on-Demand, plus self-organised screenings outside the multiplex/art-house circuits.
The essay.s author Laura Carroll Harris argues that instead of requiring local films to have an Australian theatrical distributor as a pre-requisite for the producer offset, the definition of market attachment should be expanded to include DVD, Video-on-Demand and non-theatrical, alternative distribution. By this means, she says, .the distribution of small-budget releases would be diversified in circuits to which viewers are gravitating..
Most of these ideas...
- 10/23/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Australian TV drama is being widely hailed for its excellence but many directors are being treated badly by networks and production companies, according to Australian Directors Guild executive director Kingston Anderson.
The perceived lack of respect for TV directors is one of the key issues to be addressed at the Adg.s conference Directing in the Digital Age next month. Among other topics to be canvassed are the demise of the one-off documentary, the Adg.s fight to ensure directors get a share of the copyright, and the need to train new directors in how to work with actors.
Anderson will moderate a plenary session with the provocative title Do We Really Need Directors? with producer Brian Rosen, director Michael Thornhill and transmedia director Michaela Ledwidge of Mod Productions.
.In the past two years we.ve seen a lack of respect for directors, particularly TV drama directors,. Anderson tells If.
The perceived lack of respect for TV directors is one of the key issues to be addressed at the Adg.s conference Directing in the Digital Age next month. Among other topics to be canvassed are the demise of the one-off documentary, the Adg.s fight to ensure directors get a share of the copyright, and the need to train new directors in how to work with actors.
Anderson will moderate a plenary session with the provocative title Do We Really Need Directors? with producer Brian Rosen, director Michael Thornhill and transmedia director Michaela Ledwidge of Mod Productions.
.In the past two years we.ve seen a lack of respect for directors, particularly TV drama directors,. Anderson tells If.
- 10/22/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Some of the leading lights of the film and TV production industry and TV network commissioning editors will take part in Meet the Producers sessions at the upcoming Australian Directors Guild conference.
Themed Directing in the Digital Age, the conference will be held in Sydney from November 6-8 at the Sebel Pier One.
In Meet the Producers, Adg members will have the chance to spend 15 minutes with reps from Goalpost Pictures, Matchbox, Essential, Porchlight, Hopscotch Films, ABC, Sbs, Playmaker Media and others. There will be a maximum of two meetings per delegate.
The line-up of speakers includes Us-based Australian Ben Lewin, who wrote and directed The Sessions, Gillian Armstrong, Fred Schepisi, Jonathan Teplitzy, Stephen Wallace, Ray Argall, Kim Mordaunt, Bob Connolly, Kimble Rendall and Peter Andrikidis.
Among the topics to be addressed in sessions are The Rise of the Genre Film in Australia, The Demise of the One-Off Documentary, Film is Dead,...
Themed Directing in the Digital Age, the conference will be held in Sydney from November 6-8 at the Sebel Pier One.
In Meet the Producers, Adg members will have the chance to spend 15 minutes with reps from Goalpost Pictures, Matchbox, Essential, Porchlight, Hopscotch Films, ABC, Sbs, Playmaker Media and others. There will be a maximum of two meetings per delegate.
The line-up of speakers includes Us-based Australian Ben Lewin, who wrote and directed The Sessions, Gillian Armstrong, Fred Schepisi, Jonathan Teplitzy, Stephen Wallace, Ray Argall, Kim Mordaunt, Bob Connolly, Kimble Rendall and Peter Andrikidis.
Among the topics to be addressed in sessions are The Rise of the Genre Film in Australia, The Demise of the One-Off Documentary, Film is Dead,...
- 9/24/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The Hive Lab has announced its film-makers to collaborate with artists, theatre actors, choreographers, animators and writers over 11-14 October. The list of film-makers include Sophie Raymond, co-director of Mrs Carey’s Concert and Natasha Pincus, director of music video Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye with artists such as Eddie Perfect and Bill Henson.The announcement:
A roll call of some of Australia’s most extraordinary artists, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, choreographers, animators and writers have signed up for the Hive Lab, taking place during the Melbourne Festival from 11-14 October. The four-day Hive Lab brings seventeen filmmakers and artists together in a creative clash of cultures, nurturing new ideas that cut across artistic boundaries.
The second Hive Lab was originally conceived by Adelaide Film Festival and is co-presented with Australia Council, ABC TV, Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation.
The 2012 Hive Lab participants are arts and performance practitioners Bill Henson,...
A roll call of some of Australia’s most extraordinary artists, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, choreographers, animators and writers have signed up for the Hive Lab, taking place during the Melbourne Festival from 11-14 October. The four-day Hive Lab brings seventeen filmmakers and artists together in a creative clash of cultures, nurturing new ideas that cut across artistic boundaries.
The second Hive Lab was originally conceived by Adelaide Film Festival and is co-presented with Australia Council, ABC TV, Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation.
The 2012 Hive Lab participants are arts and performance practitioners Bill Henson,...
- 9/13/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Cockatoo Island plays host to Sydney Harbour’s new International Film Festival in October. And adding a bit of spice to the mix they’re introducing a sailing event, inviting film lovers to climb aboard with the stars a month before the festival kicks off.
The announcement:
Australia’s newest and most novel international film festival is adding a spectacular celebrity-studded sailing event to its program.
The Cockatoo Island Classic will bring down the curtain on the inaugural five-day Cockatoo Island Film Festival, with participants finishing off the southernmost point of the Island on the afternoon of October 28.
There’s a photo call and announcement this Wednesday to outline the event:
When:
Wednesday, September 12 at 10.30am
Who:
Classic 13-metre boat Antara, built in 1951
Logie and AFI Award winning actor Gyton Grantley
Muriel’s Wedding, Rake and Paper Giants star Matt Day
Rats In The Ranks and Mrs Carey’s Concert...
The announcement:
Australia’s newest and most novel international film festival is adding a spectacular celebrity-studded sailing event to its program.
The Cockatoo Island Classic will bring down the curtain on the inaugural five-day Cockatoo Island Film Festival, with participants finishing off the southernmost point of the Island on the afternoon of October 28.
There’s a photo call and announcement this Wednesday to outline the event:
When:
Wednesday, September 12 at 10.30am
Who:
Classic 13-metre boat Antara, built in 1951
Logie and AFI Award winning actor Gyton Grantley
Muriel’s Wedding, Rake and Paper Giants star Matt Day
Rats In The Ranks and Mrs Carey’s Concert...
- 9/10/2012
- by Zoe Ferguson
- Encore Magazine
The Sydney Film School will host its festival with The Sapphires director Wayne Blair as keynote speaker for the event. Previous speakers at the event include Bruce Beresford, George Miller and Phillip Noyce.
The announcement:
Sydney Film School announces that the 16th Sydney Film School Festival will take place 11 and 12 July with Wayne Blair, director of ‘The Sapphires’, featuring as the keynote speaker for the event. Blair will speak at the Awards Screening Night taking place on Thursday July 12th (7pm start) at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington.
Wayne Blair’s debut feature film ‘The Sapphires’ recently had its world premiere at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival receiving a lengthy standing ovation. The Sapphires (screening nationally from August 9th) is about an all-girl Aboriginal singing group who tour Vietnam during the war as Australia’s answer to The Supremes.
Blair is also known for his work on the other side of...
The announcement:
Sydney Film School announces that the 16th Sydney Film School Festival will take place 11 and 12 July with Wayne Blair, director of ‘The Sapphires’, featuring as the keynote speaker for the event. Blair will speak at the Awards Screening Night taking place on Thursday July 12th (7pm start) at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington.
Wayne Blair’s debut feature film ‘The Sapphires’ recently had its world premiere at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival receiving a lengthy standing ovation. The Sapphires (screening nationally from August 9th) is about an all-girl Aboriginal singing group who tour Vietnam during the war as Australia’s answer to The Supremes.
Blair is also known for his work on the other side of...
- 6/26/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Matt Saville, Tony Krawitz and Jeffrey Walker won two awards each at the Australian Directors Guild Awards on Friday evening.
Saville won for the episode of The Slap that focused on Harry and for Cloudstreet in the drama series and mini-series categories respectively; Krawitz.s The Tall Man was voted best film in the feature documentary category and he was also chosen as the Finders Award recipient; and Jeffrey Walker was presented with both the inaugural Esben Storm Award for children.s TV for series three of H2O: Just Add Water and the award for TV comedy for Angry Boys.
Mrs Carey.s Concert, directed by Bob Connolly and Sophie Raymond, was the joint winner of the documentary feature category, and Walker shared his comedy award with Stuart MacDonald and the show.s on-screen star, Chris Lilley.
One of the most touching moments of the night was when the audience...
Saville won for the episode of The Slap that focused on Harry and for Cloudstreet in the drama series and mini-series categories respectively; Krawitz.s The Tall Man was voted best film in the feature documentary category and he was also chosen as the Finders Award recipient; and Jeffrey Walker was presented with both the inaugural Esben Storm Award for children.s TV for series three of H2O: Just Add Water and the award for TV comedy for Angry Boys.
Mrs Carey.s Concert, directed by Bob Connolly and Sophie Raymond, was the joint winner of the documentary feature category, and Walker shared his comedy award with Stuart MacDonald and the show.s on-screen star, Chris Lilley.
One of the most touching moments of the night was when the audience...
- 5/14/2012
- by Sandy George
- IF.com.au
Sleeping Beauty: won best direction in a feature
This evening’s Australian Directors’ Guild Awards saw Julia Leigh claim the best direction in a feature film gong for Sleeping Beauty.
Matthew Saville won two awards – for best direction in a TV mini series for Cloudstreet and best direction in a TV drama series for The Slap.
Sbs series Go Back To Where You Came From, which has just won international acclaim at the Rose d’Or Festival in Switzerland, took the best direction of a documentary series award for Ivan O’Mahoney.
Best direction of a TV ad went to Damien Toogood for Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.
The results in full:
Best Direction in a TV Drama Series: Matthew Saville for The Slap (Ep 3 – Harry) Best Direction in a TV Mini Series: Matthew Saville for Cloudstreet Best Direction in a Feature Film: Julia Leigh for Sleeping Beauty Best...
This evening’s Australian Directors’ Guild Awards saw Julia Leigh claim the best direction in a feature film gong for Sleeping Beauty.
Matthew Saville won two awards – for best direction in a TV mini series for Cloudstreet and best direction in a TV drama series for The Slap.
Sbs series Go Back To Where You Came From, which has just won international acclaim at the Rose d’Or Festival in Switzerland, took the best direction of a documentary series award for Ivan O’Mahoney.
Best direction of a TV ad went to Damien Toogood for Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.
The results in full:
Best Direction in a TV Drama Series: Matthew Saville for The Slap (Ep 3 – Harry) Best Direction in a TV Mini Series: Matthew Saville for Cloudstreet Best Direction in a Feature Film: Julia Leigh for Sleeping Beauty Best...
- 5/11/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Director’s Guild has announced its nominees for the 2012 Adg Awards
Across the various categories, the nominations include Justin Kurzel for Snowtown, Matthew Saville for The Slap, Tony Krawitz for The Tall Man, Paul Scott for documentary series Outback Fight Club and Bruce Hunt for Subaru Xv’s Carwash.
The ceremony will be held as part of the Adg’s 30th anniversary at the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney on May 11.
Kingston Anderson, general manager of the Adg said: “This will be the largest celebration and Awards ceremony the Adg has ever hosted and will be an opportunity to highlight the many achievements of Adg members over the past 30 years and the significant role they have played in the development of the Australian screen industry, as well as to honour the best directors of 2012.”
The nominations are:
Feature film
Brendan Fletcher - Mad Bastards
Justin Kurzel – Snowtown
Julia Leigh...
Across the various categories, the nominations include Justin Kurzel for Snowtown, Matthew Saville for The Slap, Tony Krawitz for The Tall Man, Paul Scott for documentary series Outback Fight Club and Bruce Hunt for Subaru Xv’s Carwash.
The ceremony will be held as part of the Adg’s 30th anniversary at the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney on May 11.
Kingston Anderson, general manager of the Adg said: “This will be the largest celebration and Awards ceremony the Adg has ever hosted and will be an opportunity to highlight the many achievements of Adg members over the past 30 years and the significant role they have played in the development of the Australian screen industry, as well as to honour the best directors of 2012.”
The nominations are:
Feature film
Brendan Fletcher - Mad Bastards
Justin Kurzel – Snowtown
Julia Leigh...
- 4/16/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The days of the individual filmmaker are over, according to a panel of documentary-makers at the Aidc earlier this week.
Veteran Bob Connolly, who directed last year's hit Mrs. Carey.s Concert, said he was in a state of despair over the fact that the art of documentary had been reduced to such a conversation.
"If anyone had told me 20 or 30 years ago that I'd find myself in a room participating in a serious discussion about whether or not a TV show about removing stains qualified as a documentary, I'd have come to the embarrassed conclusion that I caught the wrong plane, landed in Surfer's Paradise and blundered into one of those tax dodge conventions so fondly pursued by doctors and dentists, and no doubt the stain removal industry," he said.
"What must the rest of the film industry think of us? The politicians and bureaucrats that control the purse...
Veteran Bob Connolly, who directed last year's hit Mrs. Carey.s Concert, said he was in a state of despair over the fact that the art of documentary had been reduced to such a conversation.
"If anyone had told me 20 or 30 years ago that I'd find myself in a room participating in a serious discussion about whether or not a TV show about removing stains qualified as a documentary, I'd have come to the embarrassed conclusion that I caught the wrong plane, landed in Surfer's Paradise and blundered into one of those tax dodge conventions so fondly pursued by doctors and dentists, and no doubt the stain removal industry," he said.
"What must the rest of the film industry think of us? The politicians and bureaucrats that control the purse...
- 3/2/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
The days of the individual filmmaker are over, according to a panel of documentary-makers at the Aidc earlier this week. Veteran Bob Connolly, who directed last year's hit Mrs. Carey.s Concert, said he was in a state of despair over the fact that the art of documentary had been reduced to such a conversation. "If anyone had told me 20 or 30 years ago that I'd find myself in a room participating in a serious discussion about whether or not a TV show about removing stains qualified as a documentary, I'd have come to the embarrassed conclusion that I caught the wrong plane, landed in Surfer's Paradise and blundered into one of those tax dodge conventions so fondly pursued by doctors and dentists, and no doubt the stain removal industry," he said. "What...
- 3/2/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
All signs pointed to Monday being a good day for Julia Overton. Literally.
On the day the filmmaker was set to receive the 2012 Stanley Hawes award, she drove past a timely sign outside an Rsl that proclaimed "Julia wins, now for the Oscars". It was, of course, referrring to the Federal Labor party's decision to back prime minister Julia Gillard over rival Kevin Rudd.
In her opening night address at the Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc) in Adelaide, the other Julia . Overton . acknowledged her own peers.
"In this company, someone who's been known most recently as bureaucrat is a bit of an anomaly as the recipient of this award," she said. "I'm here because of the inspired artistry of all the people I've ever worked with.".
Previous winners of the Stanley Hawes award . which recognises independent documentary filmmakers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Australian industry . include Rachel Perkins and Bob Connolly.
On the day the filmmaker was set to receive the 2012 Stanley Hawes award, she drove past a timely sign outside an Rsl that proclaimed "Julia wins, now for the Oscars". It was, of course, referrring to the Federal Labor party's decision to back prime minister Julia Gillard over rival Kevin Rudd.
In her opening night address at the Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc) in Adelaide, the other Julia . Overton . acknowledged her own peers.
"In this company, someone who's been known most recently as bureaucrat is a bit of an anomaly as the recipient of this award," she said. "I'm here because of the inspired artistry of all the people I've ever worked with.".
Previous winners of the Stanley Hawes award . which recognises independent documentary filmmakers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Australian industry . include Rachel Perkins and Bob Connolly.
- 2/28/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
Filmmaker Julia Overton will receive the 2012 Aidc Stanley Hawes Award at this month's Australian International Documentary Conference in Adelaide.
The Aidc said Overton's long tenure at government funding agencies was characterised by humanity rather than bureaucracy, and she never viewed guidelines as rules.
"She will go to great lengths to assist individual filmmakers and promote the documentary genre as a whole, and has opened more doors for documentaries, both in Australia and to the rest of the world, then anyone in the business," the Aidc said in a statement.
The co-chair of the Aidc board, Mitzi Goldman, said Overton was a "powerhouse" and her "imprint on Australian documentary has been immeasurable".
Overton has worked for the Australian Film Commission, the Film Finance Corporation, and Screen Australia, and has also produced feature films (Cut, Spider and Rose, Fistful of Flies, Until the End of the World, Travelling North), TV dramas (Aftershocks,...
The Aidc said Overton's long tenure at government funding agencies was characterised by humanity rather than bureaucracy, and she never viewed guidelines as rules.
"She will go to great lengths to assist individual filmmakers and promote the documentary genre as a whole, and has opened more doors for documentaries, both in Australia and to the rest of the world, then anyone in the business," the Aidc said in a statement.
The co-chair of the Aidc board, Mitzi Goldman, said Overton was a "powerhouse" and her "imprint on Australian documentary has been immeasurable".
Overton has worked for the Australian Film Commission, the Film Finance Corporation, and Screen Australia, and has also produced feature films (Cut, Spider and Rose, Fistful of Flies, Until the End of the World, Travelling North), TV dramas (Aftershocks,...
- 2/20/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
It seems controversy leads to awards. The two big winners at last night.s inaugural Aacta Awards were thriller feature film Snowtown and TV drama series The Slap. Both renowned for their controversial nature, the film and TV series netted four and five gongs respectively.
Snowtown, about Australian serial killer John Bunting who befriends a 16-year-old, was honoured in the Best Direction (Justin Kurzel), Best Adapted Screenplay (Shaun Grant), Best Actor (Daniel Henshall) and Best Supporting Actress (Louise Harris) categories.
The last two awards were particularly impressive as neither actor had appeared in a feature film before. While Henshall had previously acted in such shows as Out of the Blue, it was Harris. first ever acting role.
The four gongs awarded last night at the Sydney Opera House brings the film.s tally to an impressive six Aacta Awards after receiving Best Editing (Veronika Jenet Ase) and Best Sound (Frank Lipson Mpse,...
Snowtown, about Australian serial killer John Bunting who befriends a 16-year-old, was honoured in the Best Direction (Justin Kurzel), Best Adapted Screenplay (Shaun Grant), Best Actor (Daniel Henshall) and Best Supporting Actress (Louise Harris) categories.
The last two awards were particularly impressive as neither actor had appeared in a feature film before. While Henshall had previously acted in such shows as Out of the Blue, it was Harris. first ever acting role.
The four gongs awarded last night at the Sydney Opera House brings the film.s tally to an impressive six Aacta Awards after receiving Best Editing (Veronika Jenet Ase) and Best Sound (Frank Lipson Mpse,...
- 1/31/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Australian films grossed just 3.9 per cent of the total takings at the 2011 box office, new statistics reveal.
The 3.9 per cent . $42.9 million . from 44 local titles is down on the previous year's figures of $50.6 million (4.5 per cent, 41 titles)..
Feel-good family film Red Dog was largely responsible for the result ($21.3 million) in a year that saw audiences hand over $1.09 billion at cinema complexes.
Distributor Roadshow opened Red Dog on 245 screens in early-August before word-of-mouth kicked in. It posted increasing box office receipts and eventually rose to a maximum of 271 screens five weeks later.
Other popular local films included Oranges and Sunshine and Sanctum (which, with a worldwide gross of more than $US100 million, is now in the top 10 Australian films in overseas territories list).
Screen Australia.s acting chief executive, Fiona Cameron, praised the local achievements . particularly Bob Connolly/Sophie Raymond's feature documentary Mrs. Carey.s Concert, which raked in more than...
The 3.9 per cent . $42.9 million . from 44 local titles is down on the previous year's figures of $50.6 million (4.5 per cent, 41 titles)..
Feel-good family film Red Dog was largely responsible for the result ($21.3 million) in a year that saw audiences hand over $1.09 billion at cinema complexes.
Distributor Roadshow opened Red Dog on 245 screens in early-August before word-of-mouth kicked in. It posted increasing box office receipts and eventually rose to a maximum of 271 screens five weeks later.
Other popular local films included Oranges and Sunshine and Sanctum (which, with a worldwide gross of more than $US100 million, is now in the top 10 Australian films in overseas territories list).
Screen Australia.s acting chief executive, Fiona Cameron, praised the local achievements . particularly Bob Connolly/Sophie Raymond's feature documentary Mrs. Carey.s Concert, which raked in more than...
- 1/23/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Australian cinematographer Don McAlpine (Acs/Asc) received two standing ovations after tributes from longtime colleagues Jack Thompson and Bruce Beresford at the inaugural Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (Aacta) awards yesteryday.
McAlpine was awarded the coveted Raymond Longford Award for a lifetime achievement in cinema. McAlpine’s career spans over 50 films including Moulin Rouge and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Breaker Morant and most recently Mental.
The ceremony, hosted by Sigrid Thornton, was the first for the newly formed academy. The ceremony also included the announcement of the Australian academy’s international awards to recognise excellence in film. The announcements were made during a live cross to actress Jackie Weaver at the G’Day USA Gala in Los Angeles.
Further awards for both Australian cinema and TV and the international awards will be presented on January 31 at the Opera House.
The Winners
Raymond Longford Award
Don McAlpine
Byron Kennedy Award...
McAlpine was awarded the coveted Raymond Longford Award for a lifetime achievement in cinema. McAlpine’s career spans over 50 films including Moulin Rouge and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Breaker Morant and most recently Mental.
The ceremony, hosted by Sigrid Thornton, was the first for the newly formed academy. The ceremony also included the announcement of the Australian academy’s international awards to recognise excellence in film. The announcements were made during a live cross to actress Jackie Weaver at the G’Day USA Gala in Los Angeles.
Further awards for both Australian cinema and TV and the international awards will be presented on January 31 at the Opera House.
The Winners
Raymond Longford Award
Don McAlpine
Byron Kennedy Award...
- 1/15/2012
- by Brooke Hemphill
- Encore Magazine
ABC’s Amanda Duthie has been announced as the incoming director and CEO of the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival.
Duthie replaces Katrina Sedgwick who will finish in the role at the end of 2011.
Duthie is currently the content head of arts and entertainment at the ABC.
Sandra Sdraulig, chair of Baff Board said: “Finding someone to fill the very large shoes of Katrina Sedgwick, the Festival’s founding director and creative dynamo who has evolved Baff into one of the world’s most exciting film events was a daunting task. I feel absolutely confident that Amanda Duthie is that person, an individual with extraordinary skills, energy, knowledge and networks who we are absolutely delighted will guide the Festival into the future.”
Of her position, Duthie said: “I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to join this dynamic and respected Festival, which I have attended many times as a film lover.
Duthie replaces Katrina Sedgwick who will finish in the role at the end of 2011.
Duthie is currently the content head of arts and entertainment at the ABC.
Sandra Sdraulig, chair of Baff Board said: “Finding someone to fill the very large shoes of Katrina Sedgwick, the Festival’s founding director and creative dynamo who has evolved Baff into one of the world’s most exciting film events was a daunting task. I feel absolutely confident that Amanda Duthie is that person, an individual with extraordinary skills, energy, knowledge and networks who we are absolutely delighted will guide the Festival into the future.”
Of her position, Duthie said: “I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to join this dynamic and respected Festival, which I have attended many times as a film lover.
- 12/7/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Hunter has lead the Aacta Awards with 14 nominations including best film.
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
- 11/30/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Six local documentaries will screen across five categories at Amsterdam’s Idfa (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) from 16-27 November.
Screen Australia’s documentary manager, Liz Stevens said in a statement: “The inclusion of Australian documentaries at Idfa, one of the world’s top-tier documentary events, is a strong vote of confidence in Australian documentary and a significant achievement for the filmmakers.”
“The quality and range of work chosen for Idfa reflects the strength of craft and creativity found in Australian documentaries which are engaging audiences both at home and abroad.”
Then the Wind Changed, written/directed by Celeste Geer and My Thai Bride, directed by David Tucker and written by Ashleigh Hooker will screen in competition for the mid-length documentary.
Screening in the Green Screen Documentary competition, for environmental films is Tom Zubrycki’s The Hungry Tide while Goa Hippy Tribe, written and directed by Darius Devas will screen in the DocLab section,...
Screen Australia’s documentary manager, Liz Stevens said in a statement: “The inclusion of Australian documentaries at Idfa, one of the world’s top-tier documentary events, is a strong vote of confidence in Australian documentary and a significant achievement for the filmmakers.”
“The quality and range of work chosen for Idfa reflects the strength of craft and creativity found in Australian documentaries which are engaging audiences both at home and abroad.”
Then the Wind Changed, written/directed by Celeste Geer and My Thai Bride, directed by David Tucker and written by Ashleigh Hooker will screen in competition for the mid-length documentary.
Screening in the Green Screen Documentary competition, for environmental films is Tom Zubrycki’s The Hungry Tide while Goa Hippy Tribe, written and directed by Darius Devas will screen in the DocLab section,...
- 10/17/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Red Dog, Oranges and Sunshine, Face to Face and The Eye of the Storm have received nominations for Best Feature Film at this year’s If Awards.
Red Dog won the most nominations, appearing in nine categories, with Oranges and Sunshine nominated in eight and Face to Face in six categories.
Nominated in the Best Direction category is Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Kriv Stenders for Red Dog and Justin Kurzel for Snowtown while Best Script nominees are Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Rona Munro for Oranges and Sunshine and Daniel Taplitz for Red Dog.
Best Documentary nominees are Mrs Carey’s Concert directed by Bob Connolly, I Am Eleven directed by Genevieve Bailey and Orchids: My Intersex Adventure directed by Phoebe Hart.
With its strong ensemble cast the Face to Face actors are up against David Wenham for Oranges and Sunshine, Josh Lucas for Red Dog and...
Red Dog won the most nominations, appearing in nine categories, with Oranges and Sunshine nominated in eight and Face to Face in six categories.
Nominated in the Best Direction category is Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Kriv Stenders for Red Dog and Justin Kurzel for Snowtown while Best Script nominees are Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Rona Munro for Oranges and Sunshine and Daniel Taplitz for Red Dog.
Best Documentary nominees are Mrs Carey’s Concert directed by Bob Connolly, I Am Eleven directed by Genevieve Bailey and Orchids: My Intersex Adventure directed by Phoebe Hart.
With its strong ensemble cast the Face to Face actors are up against David Wenham for Oranges and Sunshine, Josh Lucas for Red Dog and...
- 10/11/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Film Institute (AFI) have launched a new festival to showcase the local films of the past year vying for an Aacta (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award).
The Festival will run from 6 October to 14 November in Sydney and 11 October to 14 November in Melbourne and showcase the 21 feature films, as well as 12 non feature nominees including best short fiction film, Best short animation and Best feature length documentary in lead up for the inaugural Aacta Awards held in January 2012.
“Through Aacta,” Damian Trewhella, AFI Aacta CEO said, “we not only celebrate Australia’s best screen practitioners, but also engage audiences with our great stories; the Samsung AFI І Aacta Festival of Film provides a perfect platform for this at an exciting time for our screen industry.”
The festival aims to showcase the films to generate greater audience reach and engagement. “Having increased awareness of our screen industry...
The Festival will run from 6 October to 14 November in Sydney and 11 October to 14 November in Melbourne and showcase the 21 feature films, as well as 12 non feature nominees including best short fiction film, Best short animation and Best feature length documentary in lead up for the inaugural Aacta Awards held in January 2012.
“Through Aacta,” Damian Trewhella, AFI Aacta CEO said, “we not only celebrate Australia’s best screen practitioners, but also engage audiences with our great stories; the Samsung AFI І Aacta Festival of Film provides a perfect platform for this at an exciting time for our screen industry.”
The festival aims to showcase the films to generate greater audience reach and engagement. “Having increased awareness of our screen industry...
- 9/21/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Tony Krawitz's The Tall Man The first batch of nominees for the first Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards, an upgraded version of the Australian Film Institute Awards, has been announced. The nominations are in the Best Documentary, Best Short Animation, and Best Short Fiction Film categories. Best Feature-Length Documentary: Life in Movement, Mrs. Carey's Concert, Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, and The Tall Man. Best Short Fiction Film: Adam's Tallit, Cropped, The Palace, and The Telegram Man. Best Short Animation: Forget Me Not, The Missing Key, The Moment, and Nullabor. Filmmaker Sophie Hyde has two movies in the running for Best Feature-Length Documentary: Life in Movement, which she co-directed with Bryan Mason, and Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, produced by Hyde and directed by Matthew Bate. Bob Connolly and Sophie Raymond's Mrs. Carey's Concert, about a dedicated (obsessed?) high-school teacher...
- 8/31/2011
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
The AFI (Australian Film Institute) and Aacta (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) have announced the first nominees for the inaugural Aacta Awards to be held in January 2012.
The nominations for best Feature Length Documentary, Best Animated Short Film, and Best Short Film accompany the announcement of 23 feature films at the Aacta launch.
Said Damian Trewhella, AFI Aacta CEO, “From the concert hall to the Outback, and spanning decades, countries and genres, nominees announced today demonstrate the breadth and depth of Australian filmmaking talent. We look forward to recognising Australia’s best and brightest screen practitioners at the inaugural Samsung Aacta Awards in January, building on the proud, 53-year-old tradition of celebrating screen excellence in Australia established by the AFI.”
The nominees for the Aacta for best Feature Length Documentary are:
Life In Movement – about dancer Tanja Liedtke, produced by Sophie Hyde, Bryan Mason Mrs Carey’s Concert – follows...
The nominations for best Feature Length Documentary, Best Animated Short Film, and Best Short Film accompany the announcement of 23 feature films at the Aacta launch.
Said Damian Trewhella, AFI Aacta CEO, “From the concert hall to the Outback, and spanning decades, countries and genres, nominees announced today demonstrate the breadth and depth of Australian filmmaking talent. We look forward to recognising Australia’s best and brightest screen practitioners at the inaugural Samsung Aacta Awards in January, building on the proud, 53-year-old tradition of celebrating screen excellence in Australia established by the AFI.”
The nominees for the Aacta for best Feature Length Documentary are:
Life In Movement – about dancer Tanja Liedtke, produced by Sophie Hyde, Bryan Mason Mrs Carey’s Concert – follows...
- 8/30/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Directors’ Guild (Adg) presents a masterclass with documentary filmmaker Bob Connolly (Mrs Carey’s Concert, Rats in the Ranks, Facing the Music and Black Harvest) on Saturday 6 August, 10am – 4pm (venue Tbc).
Connolly will explore his approach to long form documentary making, including the facing, and overcoming of ethical and logistical hurdles. Screening work by both himself and others, Connolly will explain how what has shaped and influenced his career.
Attendees are invited to submit a short synopsis of a documentary piece they are working on for critique and advice from Connolly and address problems faced in development.
To apply to attend, submit your CV and a short synopsis of your project (max 1 page/400words) to rsvp@adg.org.au. Applications must be received by Saturday 23 July and will be confirmed early the following week – Adg members will be given priority.
Adg member price: $150
Non member price: $300
to apply for,...
Connolly will explore his approach to long form documentary making, including the facing, and overcoming of ethical and logistical hurdles. Screening work by both himself and others, Connolly will explain how what has shaped and influenced his career.
Attendees are invited to submit a short synopsis of a documentary piece they are working on for critique and advice from Connolly and address problems faced in development.
To apply to attend, submit your CV and a short synopsis of your project (max 1 page/400words) to rsvp@adg.org.au. Applications must be received by Saturday 23 July and will be confirmed early the following week – Adg members will be given priority.
Adg member price: $150
Non member price: $300
to apply for,...
- 7/12/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Co-directors Bob Connolly (left) and Sophie Raymond (right) hit up the Sheffield Doc/Fest on opening night for the European premiere of the documentary, "Mrs. Carey's Concert." The film, already a hit in Australia where it's currently playing in 40 cinemas, follows music teacher, Karen Carey, as she prepares a new batch of girls at an all-girls school in Sydney, for a classical concert at the Sydney Opera House. Some of ...
- 6/8/2011
- Indiewire
Edinburgh International Film Festival and Sheffield Doc/Fest have announced a bold new collaboration that will allow select documentaries to receive double impact premieres.
Instead of documentary filmmakers having to choose one film festival to launch their film at, they will now be able to showcase their pieces at two festivals – giving the filmmakers greater access to industry and audiences, and their films a much bigger launchpad.
James Mullighan, director of the 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival, said of the unique collaboration:
“In these austere times, everyone in the creative industries needs to explore new collaborations, festivals included, and so I’m very pleased that we are announcing this major joint venture today. We’ve always been passionate about our commitment to British and International documentary, we’re delighted to welcome Sheffield to June, and to work with Sheffield to offer these filmmakers this double opportunity to showcase their work.
Instead of documentary filmmakers having to choose one film festival to launch their film at, they will now be able to showcase their pieces at two festivals – giving the filmmakers greater access to industry and audiences, and their films a much bigger launchpad.
James Mullighan, director of the 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival, said of the unique collaboration:
“In these austere times, everyone in the creative industries needs to explore new collaborations, festivals included, and so I’m very pleased that we are announcing this major joint venture today. We’ve always been passionate about our commitment to British and International documentary, we’re delighted to welcome Sheffield to June, and to work with Sheffield to offer these filmmakers this double opportunity to showcase their work.
- 5/7/2011
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
After a long absence, director Bob Connolly returns with Mrs. Carey’s Concert. Miguel Gonzalez spoke with him about his life in documentary.
Connolly was not the type of child that dreamt of working on TV or film. When he dropped out of an Arts Law degree in 1964, he joined the ABC as a cadet journalist. He did “reasonably well” and ended up doing a stint in New York. When he returned in 1968, he joined a current affairs program, first as an assistant producer, and ultimately working as an on camera reporter.
“But I was hopeless at the studio, like a stunned mullet, terrified of live stuff. My brain used to go blank!” he admitted.
So Connolly was sent to work on the show’s “Sunday stories”, doing five-minute reports until, three years later, he was asked to do a half-hour story for the documentary series A Big Country. It was his first observational work,...
Connolly was not the type of child that dreamt of working on TV or film. When he dropped out of an Arts Law degree in 1964, he joined the ABC as a cadet journalist. He did “reasonably well” and ended up doing a stint in New York. When he returned in 1968, he joined a current affairs program, first as an assistant producer, and ultimately working as an on camera reporter.
“But I was hopeless at the studio, like a stunned mullet, terrified of live stuff. My brain used to go blank!” he admitted.
So Connolly was sent to work on the show’s “Sunday stories”, doing five-minute reports until, three years later, he was asked to do a half-hour story for the documentary series A Big Country. It was his first observational work,...
- 3/10/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Everyone’s going to Adelaide this week, to be at the country’s most risk-taking festival. Encore spoke with festival director Katrina Sedgwick and associate director Adele Hann about the secrets behind its success.
The first point of differenceis the festival’s Investment Fund, which has delivered some of Australia’s most acclaimed films of recent times, including 2009’s Samson & Delilah. The pressure to continue this high level of performance from its slate hasn’t seen the funded projects become safe, predictable choices. It’s been quite the opposite.
“The Investment Fund has meant that Australian cinema is put to the forefront. Over time the success of the slate has generated anticipation; it’s become the element of the program that people really look forward to, the one that sells out first and excites the industry. One of the great things festival director Katrina Sedgwick does with that money is...
The first point of differenceis the festival’s Investment Fund, which has delivered some of Australia’s most acclaimed films of recent times, including 2009’s Samson & Delilah. The pressure to continue this high level of performance from its slate hasn’t seen the funded projects become safe, predictable choices. It’s been quite the opposite.
“The Investment Fund has meant that Australian cinema is put to the forefront. Over time the success of the slate has generated anticipation; it’s become the element of the program that people really look forward to, the one that sells out first and excites the industry. One of the great things festival director Katrina Sedgwick does with that money is...
- 2/22/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
This year’s BigPond Adelaide Film Festival will present 20 world premieres of new Australian works, and a total of 48 local features and shorts.
The 12 films competing for the International Award for Best Feature Film have also been announced: Four Times (Italy, dir: Michelangelo Frammartino); Here I Am (Australia, dir: Beck Cole); Tuesday After Christmas (Romania, dir: Radu Muntean); Incendies (Canada,dir:: Denis Villeneuve); Meek’s Cutoff (USA, dir: Kelly Reichardt); Mysteries of Lisbon (Portugal, dir: Raoul Ruiz); Nostalgia For the Light (Chile, dir: Patricio Guzman); October (Peru, dir: Daniel Vega Vidal and Diego Vega Vidal); Piano in a Factory (China, dir: Zhang Meng); Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (Australia, dir: Matt Bate); Whisper with the Wind (Iraq, dir: Shahram Alidi); and Year Without a Summer (Malaysia, dir: Tan Chui Mui).
The films will be judged by Julietta Sichel (jury president/Karlovy Vary Film Festival), Pierre Rissient (Cannes), Hossein...
The 12 films competing for the International Award for Best Feature Film have also been announced: Four Times (Italy, dir: Michelangelo Frammartino); Here I Am (Australia, dir: Beck Cole); Tuesday After Christmas (Romania, dir: Radu Muntean); Incendies (Canada,dir:: Denis Villeneuve); Meek’s Cutoff (USA, dir: Kelly Reichardt); Mysteries of Lisbon (Portugal, dir: Raoul Ruiz); Nostalgia For the Light (Chile, dir: Patricio Guzman); October (Peru, dir: Daniel Vega Vidal and Diego Vega Vidal); Piano in a Factory (China, dir: Zhang Meng); Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (Australia, dir: Matt Bate); Whisper with the Wind (Iraq, dir: Shahram Alidi); and Year Without a Summer (Malaysia, dir: Tan Chui Mui).
The films will be judged by Julietta Sichel (jury president/Karlovy Vary Film Festival), Pierre Rissient (Cannes), Hossein...
- 1/28/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Mrs. Carey’s Concert, Bob Connolly’s first documentary since 2001′s Facing the Music, will open next month’s BigPond Adelaide Film Festival on February 24.
The biannual event will be closed by Brendan Fletcher’s Mad Bastards.
Mrs. Carey’s Concert (co-directed by Sophie Raymond) is one of the 14 projects supported by the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. The film chronicles the preparations for a classical music concert at a Sydney’s girl school; both directors will be in attendance, alongside the school’s music director Karen Carey and some of her students.
Other guests in attendance will include:
The International Award jury – Julietta Sichel, Pierre Rissient, Hossein Valamanesh, Trevor Groth, and Robin Gutch; The Hive participants (Richard Tognetti, Meryl Tankard, Garry Stewart, Gideon Obarzanek, Kate Champion, Michael Kantor, Rose Myers, Chris Drummond, Matthew Whittet, Lynette Wallworth, Susan Norrie, Tony Krawitz Glendyn Ivin, Anna Broinowski, Ashlee Page, Amy Gebhardt and...
The biannual event will be closed by Brendan Fletcher’s Mad Bastards.
Mrs. Carey’s Concert (co-directed by Sophie Raymond) is one of the 14 projects supported by the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. The film chronicles the preparations for a classical music concert at a Sydney’s girl school; both directors will be in attendance, alongside the school’s music director Karen Carey and some of her students.
Other guests in attendance will include:
The International Award jury – Julietta Sichel, Pierre Rissient, Hossein Valamanesh, Trevor Groth, and Robin Gutch; The Hive participants (Richard Tognetti, Meryl Tankard, Garry Stewart, Gideon Obarzanek, Kate Champion, Michael Kantor, Rose Myers, Chris Drummond, Matthew Whittet, Lynette Wallworth, Susan Norrie, Tony Krawitz Glendyn Ivin, Anna Broinowski, Ashlee Page, Amy Gebhardt and...
- 1/21/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
David Michod has won the Australian Directors Guild Award for Best Direction – Feature Film for Animal Kingdom – and shared the Best Stand Alone Documentary with Jennifer Peedom for Solo.
This is a summary of our live Twitter coverage of the event, which took place on Thursday night in Sydney:
Minister for the Arts Virginia Judge gives opening speech, talking about the state’s well known and publicised screen plans… such as AFI awards coming to Sydney, $25m extra funding, etc. Best Direction Tvc: Tim Bullock, Nothing Soft Gets In (Toyota). Best Original Online Program: Clayton Jacobson, Mordy Koots. Best Cross-Platform Interactive Project: Marcus Gillezeau, Storm. That’s a new category this year. Best Music Clip: Craig Melville, The Bedroom Philosopher – Northcote. So hungover. That was the title, not a statement! Highly Commended to the only other music clip nominee, The Glue Society, The Bumblebeez – Misfit. Best Student Film: Ariel Kleiman,...
This is a summary of our live Twitter coverage of the event, which took place on Thursday night in Sydney:
Minister for the Arts Virginia Judge gives opening speech, talking about the state’s well known and publicised screen plans… such as AFI awards coming to Sydney, $25m extra funding, etc. Best Direction Tvc: Tim Bullock, Nothing Soft Gets In (Toyota). Best Original Online Program: Clayton Jacobson, Mordy Koots. Best Cross-Platform Interactive Project: Marcus Gillezeau, Storm. That’s a new category this year. Best Music Clip: Craig Melville, The Bedroom Philosopher – Northcote. So hungover. That was the title, not a statement! Highly Commended to the only other music clip nominee, The Glue Society, The Bumblebeez – Misfit. Best Student Film: Ariel Kleiman,...
- 9/23/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
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