Screen Australia has announced the 11 creatives selected to travel to New York in April as part of the Talent USA: New York. The delegation will attend the Australian International Screen Forum (13-16 April) where they take part in professional development and networking opportunities.
The Talent USA program was first run in 2017 in Los Angeles and proved so beneficial it returned in 2018, was expanded to Talent USA: NYC in 2018 and 2019, with a dedicated Indigenous delegation in 2018. The program presents a unique opportunity for Australian creators to learn and network on the ground in the US, offering participants a chance to forge connections with both Australian and American creators.
Screen Australia CEO, Graeme Mason said, “To achieve success in this global industry it is imperative we help Australian talent establish and foster creative and business relationships in the US—the largest English speaking market for screen content. This group was chosen because they are at the point in their careers where they can really take advantage of the opportunity and leverage these connections for their upcoming projects.”
Australian International Screen Forum Co-founder and Executive Director Michael Kelleher said, “We are excited to showcase the 2020 Talent USA delegation to a New York industry audience. As the demand for screen content continues to grow, these talented Australian creatives are in a prime position.”
The delegation will attend the third annual Australian International Screen Forum at Lincoln Centre in New York where they take part in professional development and networking opportunities. The forum brings together outstanding actors, filmmakers, producers and industry legends to guide the next generation of outstanding Australian talent. The forum’s ambassadors are Deborra-Lee Furness, Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.
Among the delegates are:
Writer and director Belinda Chayko, showrunner and lead writer for the International Emmy Award-winning SBS mini-series Safe Harbour which screened on Hulu and BBC.
Award-winning writer and director Vanessa Gazy, whose short films Foal, Highway and Shiloh have screened at over 30 film festivals internationally.
Writer and director Erin Good, who created the hit Australian fantasy digital series Jade of Death which has amassed over 3.5 million views online.
Screenwriter Mithila Gupta, who has written on iconic Australian television series including Five Bedrooms, Doctor Doctor, The Heights and more.
Award-winning writer and director Alison James, who wrote and directed Judas Collar.
Writer and director Ben Lawrence, whose recent credits include Ghosthunter, which won Sydney Film Festival’s award for Best Australian Documentary, and feature film Hearts and Bones starring Hugo Weaving—which had its international premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
Filmmaker Josephine Mackerras whose first feature film Alice is currently being distributed and doing the festival circuit.
AACTA Award-winning producer Meg O’Connell who is behind the critically acclaimed online series Robbie Hood from Since1788 Productions and Ludo Studio.
Acclaimed writer Stuart Page who co-created, script produced and was head writer for Blackfella Films’ hit ABC drama series Total Control, which won the 2019 AACTA Award for Best TV Drama.
Producer Claire Tonkin, who spent a decade as Drama Executive for Australian broadcaster Network Ten working across all scripted projects, including Offspring, Rush, Puberty Blues and Bikie Wars: Brothers In Arms.
Writer/director Rodd Rathjen whose feature debut, Buoyancy, premiered at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival in Panorama, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize.
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