The Indie-short-film, “Blame the Ovens” and has now been selected to “Made In The West Film Festival 2022” (https://www.madeinthewest.com.au/2022-festival)
News
Vale June Townsend
June Townsend passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday 30th August 2022. Beloved wife of Bruce. Dearly loved mother and mother in-law of Ross and Meagan, Donna and Mick, Jacqui and David. Cherished Nanna of all her grandchildren. June will be missed by her loving family and many dear friends. LINK
Off to London
It’s been a challenging year for all of us. Like so many, our business has faced uncertainty and has had to adjust just so it can survive.
In such crazy times “good news” is always welcome.
After a series of challenges Rhianne Evelyn-Ross turned 2020 on its head by gaining entry to the Master of Arts (Acting for Screen) at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Not only did she impress with her audition, she has also relocated and commenced her course.
If you’re in London and you see a “bright light” it’s our Rhianne.
Good luck Rhianne. YOU ARE AWESOME.
Vote for John Wood for AACTA Board
Congratulations Rhianne Evelyn-Ross and the team of “Deuce Cooper: The Bloomfield Case” – 2nd at Short & Sweet
Rhianne’s play, “Deuce Cooper: The Bloomfield Case” came 2nd overall (Judges choice) in Short n Sweet wildcards.
To put that into perspective, there was 80 wildcard plays across the season.
Joy Hruby dies aged 89
Joy was born in Dubbo and during the Second World War she was part of an all-girl singing troupe which entertained the troops from the local army camp. Those wartime experiences would form the basis of a hit novel called The Dubbo Dazzlers which she wrote in 2003.
After the war, Joy went on to train as an actress with the Whitehall Academy of Dramatic Art, and also studied at the Hector Crawford School of Radio. She soon found herself touring Australia after being signed up by the legendary J.C. Williamson company, although her career was temporarily put on hold after she fell for the Czechoslovakian born pianist Denny Hruby, the pair would marry and would enjoy many happy years of marriage until his death.
Joy enjoyed an extensive stage career. In 1973 she won the Theatre Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Half in Earnest, toured with A Little Night Music, and appeared in other sell out productions including The Lady’s Not for Burning, and The Crucible. She became a familiar face to television viewers appearing in programmes includingCertain Women, Patrol Boat, Waterloo Station, The Restless Years, Bellamy, Sons & Daughters, A Country Practice, Possession, A Fortunate Life, The Two Ronnies in Australia, The Outsiders, the telemovie No Room to Run, Brides of Christ, GP, Above the Law, All Saints, and Home & Away. On the big screen she appeared in movies including Caddie, Love Letters from Teralba Road, Winter of our Dreams, Kitty and the Bagman, and Rough Diamonds. (more…)
Visa options for Aussie writers looking to break into Hollywood – Alex Bloom
If you’re an aspiring screenwriter who lives in Australia, starting a career in Hollywood can sometimes feel like a pipe dream. We all know how hard it can be to start a career as a writer from Los Angeles, but from ten thousand miles away it can seem impossible. However, it needn’t: what you need is a strategy to help you get there.
The Visa Waiver Program
First up, let’s take a look at the easiest option — coming over without a visa. If you want to stay in Los Angeles for up to three months, you can do so without getting a visa at all, as Australia is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This can be a great way of checking out the scene, making contacts, taking meetings, etc. and then flying back home before the ninety days are up. (more…)
Lis Hayward Runner Up at the Hollyshorts Film Festival
Lis Hayward has just won the Runners Up prize for her screenplay titled “First Kill” at the 2016 Hollyshorts Film Festival.
From a field of 300 entrants Lis made it to the final two. Lis hopes to produce the short next year.
WELL DONE.
Screen Australia and ABC bankroll five new iview series to tune of $1.5 million
Screen Australia and ABC have announced the five successful projects to be funded through the $1.5 million Long Story Short initiative.
Each project will be funded to create and produce a short-form, digital-first scripted series for 18-35 year olds, to screen on ABC iview.
The five successful creative teams were chosen from more than 250 applications, and offer a mix of comedy and drama. Each will participate in a two-day workshop in July, led by ABC TV executives and multiplatform writer and script developer Mike Jones. (more…)
Casting Guild introduces policy to “reflect diversity”
Following extensive consultation with the Equity Diversity Committee, the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) has adopted a diversity policy that will now be included on their website, Facebook page and in CGA members’ casting briefs and email signatures.
Equity Diversity Committee co-chair Bali Padda said by adopting this diversity policy, the Casting Guild of Australia acknowledges the true diversity of our performing arts community and the society we represent on screens and stages.
“This active inclusion of diverse communities is a fantastic move forward. We keenly anticipate a future in which all facets of our industry take a similarly strong stand for diversity, creating opportunities that have previously been out of reach for diverse performers. The inclusion of a diversity statement on casting briefs will provide the trigger for agents to cast a wider net when considering which of their performers might be suitable for a role.”
The CGA has notified all members of their new policy.
For CGA Website & Facebook page:
“As members of the creative performing arts community, we all have a role in creating stories that reflect the diversity of the world in which we live. To that end, and in an effort to deliver more diversity in Australian film, TV and theatre, CGA members will, wherever possible, include and engage with diverse thinking and actions in all aspects of the casting process.”
For CGA Members’ Casting Briefs:
“As a member of the CGA, I am committed to diverse, inclusive casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, age, colour, national origin, ethnic origin or any other basis otherwise specifically indicated.”
For CGA Members’ Email Signatures:
“As a member of the CGA, I am committed to diverse, inclusive casting.”
Equity congratulates our Diversity Committee and the CGA’s Executive Committee on this major step forward for our industry.
Townsend Management 