On Tuesday November 26 2024, Vice broadcasts Black Comedy in America!
Our Roots Season 1 Episode 7 Episode Summary
The upcoming episode of “Black Comedy in America,” titled “Our Roots,” promises to take a deep dive into the rich history of Black comedy. Scheduled to air on Vice, this episode explores the origins of Black humor, tracing its journey from the painful realities of slavery to the vibrant performances on the chitlin circuit.
The episode will highlight how the traditions established during slavery laid the groundwork for future generations of comedians. It will examine how humor became a coping mechanism for many, allowing individuals to express their struggles and resist oppression through laughter. By showcasing these historical roots, “Our Roots” aims to shed light on the resilience and creativity that emerged from challenging circumstances.
Viewers can expect to learn about the chitlin circuit, a network of venues where Black performers showcased their talents during segregation.
Our Roots Season 1 Episode 7 Episode Summary
The upcoming episode of “Black Comedy in America,” titled “Our Roots,” promises to take a deep dive into the rich history of Black comedy. Scheduled to air on Vice, this episode explores the origins of Black humor, tracing its journey from the painful realities of slavery to the vibrant performances on the chitlin circuit.
The episode will highlight how the traditions established during slavery laid the groundwork for future generations of comedians. It will examine how humor became a coping mechanism for many, allowing individuals to express their struggles and resist oppression through laughter. By showcasing these historical roots, “Our Roots” aims to shed light on the resilience and creativity that emerged from challenging circumstances.
Viewers can expect to learn about the chitlin circuit, a network of venues where Black performers showcased their talents during segregation.
- 11/26/2024
- by US Posts
- TV Regular
When Anthony Anderson was looking for someone to play his onscreen dad in his sitcom All About the Andersons, he knew exactly who he wanted: TV legend John Amos. The Emmy-nominated actor (who died in August 2024) was well known for roles such as Kunta Kinte in Roots and Good Times dad James Evans Sr. But for Anderson, the desire to cast Amos came from a more personal place, he says in the Oct. 29 episode of Black Comedy in America.
John Amos reminded Anthony Anderson of his dad
“John Amos reminded me of my dad,” he says in a clip from the Vice TV docuseries, which explores the Black comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene. “And that’s why I cast John Amos as my father in my first show that I created, All About the Andersons.”
All About the Andersons premiered in 2003 and aired for one season on The WB.
John Amos reminded Anthony Anderson of his dad
“John Amos reminded me of my dad,” he says in a clip from the Vice TV docuseries, which explores the Black comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene. “And that’s why I cast John Amos as my father in my first show that I created, All About the Andersons.”
All About the Andersons premiered in 2003 and aired for one season on The WB.
- 10/29/2024
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A lot of comedians tell stories about family members in their act. Joan Rivers always joked about her husband, Edgar. John Mulaney called out his cold-blooded father for not buying French fries for his children at McDonald’s. And Bernie Mac’s jokes about being a dad and taking care of his sister’s kids turned into the basis of his popular sitcom. But family members don’t always appreciate having their lives turned into punchlines.
Mac’s daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, talked to Tiffany Haddish about being stand-up fodder in the Vice docuseries Black Comedy in America. In a clip shared by People, McCullough explained that her feelings about being part of the comedy act changed as she was growing up. “When I was younger, I enjoyed it,” said McCullough, now 46. “It was like, ‘Oh, look, my daddy’s onstage, yay! Go daddy!’”
But what about the bit about her fight with a boyfriend?...
Mac’s daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, talked to Tiffany Haddish about being stand-up fodder in the Vice docuseries Black Comedy in America. In a clip shared by People, McCullough explained that her feelings about being part of the comedy act changed as she was growing up. “When I was younger, I enjoyed it,” said McCullough, now 46. “It was like, ‘Oh, look, my daddy’s onstage, yay! Go daddy!’”
But what about the bit about her fight with a boyfriend?...
- 10/16/2024
- Cracked
A new study published Friday by Screen Australia shows that the country’s on-screen television diversity has increased significantly in the past six years, but there remains more to be done.
“Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama” examined the diversity of the main characters in 361 scripted Australian TV and online dramas broadcast between 2016 and 2021. It compared that data with the Australian population and a previous report “Seeing Ourselves” published in 2016.
The new report shows that there is higher representation for First Nations people, disabled people (6.6% from 3.6%), Lgbtqi+ people (7.4% from 4.5%), and non-European people (16% from 6.9%).
“However, a number of Australia’s communities remain under-represented on-screen compared to population benchmarks and in particular disability representation remains critically low,” the report said.
The report looked at First Nations people, cultural background of non-First Nations people, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation, age and occupational status, and diversity in children’s drama.
“Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama” examined the diversity of the main characters in 361 scripted Australian TV and online dramas broadcast between 2016 and 2021. It compared that data with the Australian population and a previous report “Seeing Ourselves” published in 2016.
The new report shows that there is higher representation for First Nations people, disabled people (6.6% from 3.6%), Lgbtqi+ people (7.4% from 4.5%), and non-European people (16% from 6.9%).
“However, a number of Australia’s communities remain under-represented on-screen compared to population benchmarks and in particular disability representation remains critically low,” the report said.
The report looked at First Nations people, cultural background of non-First Nations people, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation, age and occupational status, and diversity in children’s drama.
- 4/14/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Australian TV drama has improved levels of diversity, especially representation of the country’s First Nations population, but several communities remain under-represented on local screens, according to a study issued today by government agency Screen Australia.
The report shows that representation of First Nations people has increased from 4.8% to 7.2% since 2016, compared to the population benchmark of 3.8%. Australian scripted series including Mystery Road and Total Control, along with comedy sketch show Black Comedy, were noted for contributing to the positive result.
“This result shows good progress and it’s not by accident – it represents years of advocacy and consistent hard work to ensure our practitioners feel supported and are afforded opportunities in an industry that hasn’t always been accessible,” said Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations, Angela Bates.
The study, ‘Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama’, looked at the diversity of main characters in...
The report shows that representation of First Nations people has increased from 4.8% to 7.2% since 2016, compared to the population benchmark of 3.8%. Australian scripted series including Mystery Road and Total Control, along with comedy sketch show Black Comedy, were noted for contributing to the positive result.
“This result shows good progress and it’s not by accident – it represents years of advocacy and consistent hard work to ensure our practitioners feel supported and are afforded opportunities in an industry that hasn’t always been accessible,” said Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations, Angela Bates.
The study, ‘Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama’, looked at the diversity of main characters in...
- 4/13/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Australian Emmy winner Craig Anderson is to showrun the first season of Charles Jazz Terrier’s Melbourne fitness comedy WTFitness.
Anderson has been signed up as a packaged principal director and showrunner of Red Empire’s show, which isn’t yet attached to a network.
Starring Kat Stewart (Five Bedrooms), Christopher Kirby (Iron Sky), Jonny Brugh (What We Do In The Shadows), Trevor Jamieson (Rabbit-Proof Fence) and Terrier (Legacies), the eight-part comedy is set in an inner-city Melbourne fitness center, following a mismatched cast as they confront the everyday Dodgeball-esque trials and tribulations of running an unpopular gym and facing off against rival Punch Fitness.
Anderson has won Australian Emmys for Double the Fist and Black Comedy and recently finished producing a behind-the-scenes documentary for ABC’s Indigenous Department.
“Apart from other people’s sweat, the gym is full of deeply awkward interactions, cringeworthy employees and desperate clientele...
Anderson has been signed up as a packaged principal director and showrunner of Red Empire’s show, which isn’t yet attached to a network.
Starring Kat Stewart (Five Bedrooms), Christopher Kirby (Iron Sky), Jonny Brugh (What We Do In The Shadows), Trevor Jamieson (Rabbit-Proof Fence) and Terrier (Legacies), the eight-part comedy is set in an inner-city Melbourne fitness center, following a mismatched cast as they confront the everyday Dodgeball-esque trials and tribulations of running an unpopular gym and facing off against rival Punch Fitness.
Anderson has won Australian Emmys for Double the Fist and Black Comedy and recently finished producing a behind-the-scenes documentary for ABC’s Indigenous Department.
“Apart from other people’s sweat, the gym is full of deeply awkward interactions, cringeworthy employees and desperate clientele...
- 11/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Haute cuisine — the worst, right? Minuscule portions, inscrutable foams, and spheres scattered across gigantic plates festooned with equally baffling smears and powders, prices not to be looked upon by those with documented cardiac conditions. Worst of all is the pomposity, the highfalutin puffing-up of dinner from a source of sustenance and joy into a dense text meant to be pondered, analyzed, and described more than savored. Molecular gastronomy uses science to remove the humanity from food.
Continue reading ‘The Menu’ Review: Foodie Black Comedy’s Condescending Class Critiques Don’t Cut The Mustard [TIFF] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Menu’ Review: Foodie Black Comedy’s Condescending Class Critiques Don’t Cut The Mustard [TIFF] at The Playlist.
- 9/13/2022
- by Charles Bramesco
- The Playlist
Elaine Crombie delivered the second annual Naidoc Week Lecture at Nida this week, drawing attention to training programs and her own experience as a First Nations creative.
Crombie, a Pitjantjatjara, Warrigmal, South Sea and German-descended actor, singer, songwriter and writer from South Australia, discussed the importance of First Nations people standing together in the arts.
A self-described “older woman in this game”, Crombie has noticed upcoming comedic talent “blitzing past”. But she emphasised there is nothing helpful about looking at newcomers with “side eyes and head tilts”.
“Being black and in the arts, we can’t do that. We have to always lead with love and celebrate each other,” she said.
“I purposely love everybody, and champion everybody.”
Crombie acknowledged the work Nida is doing as an educational institution, but also questioned if there is enough Indigenous-controlled spaces to nurture new talent. She particularly highlighted the effect Naisda Dance College...
Crombie, a Pitjantjatjara, Warrigmal, South Sea and German-descended actor, singer, songwriter and writer from South Australia, discussed the importance of First Nations people standing together in the arts.
A self-described “older woman in this game”, Crombie has noticed upcoming comedic talent “blitzing past”. But she emphasised there is nothing helpful about looking at newcomers with “side eyes and head tilts”.
“Being black and in the arts, we can’t do that. We have to always lead with love and celebrate each other,” she said.
“I purposely love everybody, and champion everybody.”
Crombie acknowledged the work Nida is doing as an educational institution, but also questioned if there is enough Indigenous-controlled spaces to nurture new talent. She particularly highlighted the effect Naisda Dance College...
- 7/9/2021
- by Matthew Kappos
- IF.com.au
Australian indie producer Aquarius Films is to develop and produce a comedy drama series adapted from the acclaimed feminist manifesto book “Fight Like A Girl.”
The book, a memoir and expose of how unequal the world continues to be for women, was published in 2016 by feminist writer and online sensation Clementine Ford. It earned Ford the Matt Richell Award for new writer of the year, a prize given by Australian Book Industry Awards.
The story charts the political awakening of 15-year-old future feminist icon on the suburban grounds of her 1990s high school as she attempts to rally those around her to the cause. She soon discovers that her message will be met with opposition every step of the way, and she must choose between fitting in or fighting for a future world she wants to live in.
Aquarius is planning a six-part TV series adaptation with episodes of 30 minutes each,...
The book, a memoir and expose of how unequal the world continues to be for women, was published in 2016 by feminist writer and online sensation Clementine Ford. It earned Ford the Matt Richell Award for new writer of the year, a prize given by Australian Book Industry Awards.
The story charts the political awakening of 15-year-old future feminist icon on the suburban grounds of her 1990s high school as she attempts to rally those around her to the cause. She soon discovers that her message will be met with opposition every step of the way, and she must choose between fitting in or fighting for a future world she wants to live in.
Aquarius is planning a six-part TV series adaptation with episodes of 30 minutes each,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
ABC’s Kelrick Martin and Sbs’s Michelle Cheng will co-chair the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network (Sdin) for 2021-22, succeeding Benjamin Law and Jo Dillon.
The ABC’s head of Indigenous, Martin is a Ngarluma man from Broome Wa. His commissions at the pubcaster include Cleverman S2, Kiki and Kitty, Black Comedy S3 and S4, Maralinga Tjarutja and Total Control.
Martin was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at Aftrs, and in 2007 returned to Wa to become Nitv’s commissioning editor. He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010, with credits including Prison Songs. Prior to joining the ABC in 2016, he was the Indigenous manager for Screenwest.
Cheng is the Sbs content industry diversity manager for TV and online. Her role sees her work to improve career pathways for diverse TV creatives and investigate international best practice for screen diversity.
The ABC’s head of Indigenous, Martin is a Ngarluma man from Broome Wa. His commissions at the pubcaster include Cleverman S2, Kiki and Kitty, Black Comedy S3 and S4, Maralinga Tjarutja and Total Control.
Martin was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at Aftrs, and in 2007 returned to Wa to become Nitv’s commissioning editor. He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010, with credits including Prison Songs. Prior to joining the ABC in 2016, he was the Indigenous manager for Screenwest.
Cheng is the Sbs content industry diversity manager for TV and online. Her role sees her work to improve career pathways for diverse TV creatives and investigate international best practice for screen diversity.
- 5/18/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Production in and around Sydney, Australia has started on “Preppers,” a comedy series about the end of the world.
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
- 5/6/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The casting directors behind Babyteeth, Measure for Measure, Paper Champions and The True History of the Kelly Gang will square off in the feature film category at the upcoming Casting Guild of Australia (Cga) Awards.
Bert and Amanda LABONTé will host the virtual ceremony on Facebook November 28, recognising casting across all mediums including film, TV, advertising, theatre and online.
In TV drama, the casting directors behind Mystery Road (season 2), The Heights (season 2), Neighbours and Wentworth (Season 8) have each been recognised with nods, while in the running for the TV Miniseries & Telemovie category are those who worked on Deadhouse Dark, Halifax: Retribution, Operation Buffalo and The Secrets She Keeps.
In contention in the TV comedy race are Black Comedy (season 4), How to Stay Married (season 2), The Other Guy (season 2) and Upright.
Leading the nominees overall are Nathan Lloyd and Natalie Jane Harvie with four nods each, while Kirsty McGregor, Stevie Ray,...
Bert and Amanda LABONTé will host the virtual ceremony on Facebook November 28, recognising casting across all mediums including film, TV, advertising, theatre and online.
In TV drama, the casting directors behind Mystery Road (season 2), The Heights (season 2), Neighbours and Wentworth (Season 8) have each been recognised with nods, while in the running for the TV Miniseries & Telemovie category are those who worked on Deadhouse Dark, Halifax: Retribution, Operation Buffalo and The Secrets She Keeps.
In contention in the TV comedy race are Black Comedy (season 4), How to Stay Married (season 2), The Other Guy (season 2) and Upright.
Leading the nominees overall are Nathan Lloyd and Natalie Jane Harvie with four nods each, while Kirsty McGregor, Stevie Ray,...
- 11/11/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Shannon Murphy’s feature debut Babyteeth leads the early Aacta Awards race, scoring nods in 12 out of 13 film categories, while Mystery Road and Stateless are ahead in television.
The Australian Academy revealed the first round of nominees for the annual awards over the weekend, to be presented across two ‘reimagined’ events later this month.
Television and documentary craft nominations, visual effects and animation, casting, hair and make-up and subscription television presenter categories are yet to be announced, expected on November 12.
Despite the disrupted year for film, some 19 narrative features are nominated so far.
However, six dominate alongside the aforementioned Babyteeth: Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang, with 10 nominations, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness with nine, Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man and Unjoo Moon’s I Am Woman close behind with eight and seven nominations respectively, and Natalie Erika James’ Relic with five. Each will...
The Australian Academy revealed the first round of nominees for the annual awards over the weekend, to be presented across two ‘reimagined’ events later this month.
Television and documentary craft nominations, visual effects and animation, casting, hair and make-up and subscription television presenter categories are yet to be announced, expected on November 12.
Despite the disrupted year for film, some 19 narrative features are nominated so far.
However, six dominate alongside the aforementioned Babyteeth: Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang, with 10 nominations, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness with nine, Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man and Unjoo Moon’s I Am Woman close behind with eight and seven nominations respectively, and Natalie Erika James’ Relic with five. Each will...
- 11/2/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
David Anderson.
Over the next five years the ABC aims to become more culturally diverse in its staff and programming, more local and to make its services more personalised.
ABC MD David Anderson made that commitment today in a speech to the National Press Club as he also emphasized the ways in which the broadcaster is providing practical support to help Australians during the pandemic.
Referring to the fragmentation in the media landscape, he observed: “The big global streaming platforms are looking to grow stronger, while smaller players aim to snatch slices of the market.
“The danger is that our Australian stories get lost in the mix, or don’t get told at all, and that our sense of shared national identity is thereby diminished.
“Meanwhile across the world there are more extreme voices, and more cries of ‘fake’ news. There has been a worrying decline in public confidence in democratic institutions,...
Over the next five years the ABC aims to become more culturally diverse in its staff and programming, more local and to make its services more personalised.
ABC MD David Anderson made that commitment today in a speech to the National Press Club as he also emphasized the ways in which the broadcaster is providing practical support to help Australians during the pandemic.
Referring to the fragmentation in the media landscape, he observed: “The big global streaming platforms are looking to grow stronger, while smaller players aim to snatch slices of the market.
“The danger is that our Australian stories get lost in the mix, or don’t get told at all, and that our sense of shared national identity is thereby diminished.
“Meanwhile across the world there are more extreme voices, and more cries of ‘fake’ news. There has been a worrying decline in public confidence in democratic institutions,...
- 7/8/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Miranda Tapsell and Nakkiah Lui in ‘Get Krack!n’ (Photo credit: ABC).
The nine creative teams comprising 13 individuals who will take part in the inaugural Bunya Talent Indigenous Hub in Los Angeles in March were announced today.
Presented in association with Netflix Australia and Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, the five-day talent incubator is aimed at mid-career Indigenous writers, showrunners, directors and producers.
The 13 will develop and pitch their projects and attend meetings and presentations by executives from Netflix and other industry practitioners.
The feature film and TV series ideas encompass comedy, drama and the supernatural. The event will take place at Charlie’s, Australians in Film’s hub for business, project development and networking for the Australian screen community in La.
At the end of the incubator, one participant’s work will be selected to proceed to further development with Bunya Productions as producers, receiving up to $20,000 in further development...
The nine creative teams comprising 13 individuals who will take part in the inaugural Bunya Talent Indigenous Hub in Los Angeles in March were announced today.
Presented in association with Netflix Australia and Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, the five-day talent incubator is aimed at mid-career Indigenous writers, showrunners, directors and producers.
The 13 will develop and pitch their projects and attend meetings and presentations by executives from Netflix and other industry practitioners.
The feature film and TV series ideas encompass comedy, drama and the supernatural. The event will take place at Charlie’s, Australians in Film’s hub for business, project development and networking for the Australian screen community in La.
At the end of the incubator, one participant’s work will be selected to proceed to further development with Bunya Productions as producers, receiving up to $20,000 in further development...
- 1/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Rarriwuy Hick in Wentworth (Photo credit: Xinger Xanger).
In her seven year screen career Wentworth star Rarriwuy Hick has been nominated for several awards and has won one: but what a prize.
The Arnhem Land-raised Hick was named female actor of the year at the 2019 National Dreamtime Awards last month; Rob Collins was declared male actor of the year.
Nova Peris received the lifetime achievement award and Ashleigh Barty had the dual accolades of person of the year and female sportsperson.
The other nominees for female actor were Miranda Tapsell, Ursula Yovich and Madeleine Madden. “Just to be nominated with those girls was awesome,” Rarriwuy tells If. “It was totally unexpected; I am not used to winning.”
Founded three years ago, the awards celebrate the success and achievements of Australia’s First Nations people. Nominations were submitted by the public and the winners chosen by an expert panel.
Arguably Hick...
In her seven year screen career Wentworth star Rarriwuy Hick has been nominated for several awards and has won one: but what a prize.
The Arnhem Land-raised Hick was named female actor of the year at the 2019 National Dreamtime Awards last month; Rob Collins was declared male actor of the year.
Nova Peris received the lifetime achievement award and Ashleigh Barty had the dual accolades of person of the year and female sportsperson.
The other nominees for female actor were Miranda Tapsell, Ursula Yovich and Madeleine Madden. “Just to be nominated with those girls was awesome,” Rarriwuy tells If. “It was totally unexpected; I am not used to winning.”
Founded three years ago, the awards celebrate the success and achievements of Australia’s First Nations people. Nominations were submitted by the public and the winners chosen by an expert panel.
Arguably Hick...
- 12/8/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Behind the scenes of ‘Deadly Family Portraits: Sainsbury Sisters’ with director Pearl Berry.
The South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) and Screen Territory have partnered to launch ‘Centralised’, an initiative to support Indigenous filmmakers across South Australian and the Northern Territory through new funding, support and development opportunities.
The initiative, which also has the support of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, Documentary Australia Foundation (Daf), Aftrs Indigenous, ABC and Nitv, will involve mentoring, workshops, attachments and internships. Existing Aboriginal-led media organisations in Sa and the Nt will also be involved in the program.
Centralised aims to “remove the state-territory border for the screen industry, linking creative communities and fostering collaborations to develop and uncover the stories, locations and new and existing talent through the very heart of Australia”.
Emerging producers, writers and directors will be supported to develop and produce screen content for possible broadcast on the ABC or Nitv.
The...
The South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) and Screen Territory have partnered to launch ‘Centralised’, an initiative to support Indigenous filmmakers across South Australian and the Northern Territory through new funding, support and development opportunities.
The initiative, which also has the support of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, Documentary Australia Foundation (Daf), Aftrs Indigenous, ABC and Nitv, will involve mentoring, workshops, attachments and internships. Existing Aboriginal-led media organisations in Sa and the Nt will also be involved in the program.
Centralised aims to “remove the state-territory border for the screen industry, linking creative communities and fostering collaborations to develop and uncover the stories, locations and new and existing talent through the very heart of Australia”.
Emerging producers, writers and directors will be supported to develop and produce screen content for possible broadcast on the ABC or Nitv.
The...
- 8/13/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Nice Shorts.’
Nick Boshier and Jazz Twemlow are leading the team of comedy writers/performers who will create Nice Shorts for Bunya Entertainment.
The online sketch comedy of 16 episodes, ranging from 3-10 minutes, will tap into national and international conversations to create videos for weekly release via social platforms.
Apart from Boshier and Twemlow the team includes Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown), Greta Lee Jackson (Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am), Penny Greenhalgh (The Lost Tapes) and Bjorn Stewart.
The Bunya Group is not looking to monetize the low-budget online series, instead using it as the first opportunity to work with comedy creatives and as the first foray into comedy for the new banner Bunya Entertainment.
“Like the dramas we’re best known for, the quality of writing in Nice Shorts will be the hallmark of this show,” says Bunya Group CEO Sophia Zachariou.
Bunya Entertainment is developing seven narrative comedies including one with Adam Zwar.
Nick Boshier and Jazz Twemlow are leading the team of comedy writers/performers who will create Nice Shorts for Bunya Entertainment.
The online sketch comedy of 16 episodes, ranging from 3-10 minutes, will tap into national and international conversations to create videos for weekly release via social platforms.
Apart from Boshier and Twemlow the team includes Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown), Greta Lee Jackson (Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am), Penny Greenhalgh (The Lost Tapes) and Bjorn Stewart.
The Bunya Group is not looking to monetize the low-budget online series, instead using it as the first opportunity to work with comedy creatives and as the first foray into comedy for the new banner Bunya Entertainment.
“Like the dramas we’re best known for, the quality of writing in Nice Shorts will be the hallmark of this show,” says Bunya Group CEO Sophia Zachariou.
Bunya Entertainment is developing seven narrative comedies including one with Adam Zwar.
- 8/1/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Beck Cole with Tessa Rose on the set of ‘Grace Beside Me’ (Photo credit: Magpie Picture/Julian Panetta).
As a proud woman from Warramungu/Luritja nations filmmaker Beck Cole has worked on numerous Indigenous-themed TV series and documentaries including First Australians, Redfern Now, Grace Beside Me and Black Comedy.
Two years ago she decided to embark on a wider range of projects, a strategy that’s paid off as she has directed two episodes of Fremantle/Foxtel’s Wentworth and is preparing to direct two episodes of Seven Studios’ drama Between Two Worlds.
Later this year she will resume her role as voice director on the third season of Ned Lander Media’s animated series Little J & Big Cuz for Sbs.
Cole and emerging writer/director Samuel Paynter are among eight Indigenous teams from Australia and New Zealand who are making the anthology feature Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply.
As a proud woman from Warramungu/Luritja nations filmmaker Beck Cole has worked on numerous Indigenous-themed TV series and documentaries including First Australians, Redfern Now, Grace Beside Me and Black Comedy.
Two years ago she decided to embark on a wider range of projects, a strategy that’s paid off as she has directed two episodes of Fremantle/Foxtel’s Wentworth and is preparing to direct two episodes of Seven Studios’ drama Between Two Worlds.
Later this year she will resume her role as voice director on the third season of Ned Lander Media’s animated series Little J & Big Cuz for Sbs.
Cole and emerging writer/director Samuel Paynter are among eight Indigenous teams from Australia and New Zealand who are making the anthology feature Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply.
- 5/21/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply’ filmmakers and producers.
Screen Australia and the New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) have today announced eight Indigenous teams from Australia and New Zealand who will work on a joint anthology feature, Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply, which will be titled Ngā Pouwhenua in Nz.
Each team will create a short chapter for the feature film, providing an Indigenous perspective on the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s maiden voyage to the Pacific.
Mitchell Stanley (Servant or Slave) from Australia, and Bailey Mackey and Mia Henry-Teirney (Baby Mama’s Club) from New Zealand have been chosen as co-producers. All will attend a residential lab at Shark Island Institute in Kangaroo Valley to develop the film.
Screen Australia head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe said: “This is a rare opportunity for creative collaboration between Indigenous cultures, from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. I’m inspired...
Screen Australia and the New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) have today announced eight Indigenous teams from Australia and New Zealand who will work on a joint anthology feature, Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply, which will be titled Ngā Pouwhenua in Nz.
Each team will create a short chapter for the feature film, providing an Indigenous perspective on the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s maiden voyage to the Pacific.
Mitchell Stanley (Servant or Slave) from Australia, and Bailey Mackey and Mia Henry-Teirney (Baby Mama’s Club) from New Zealand have been chosen as co-producers. All will attend a residential lab at Shark Island Institute in Kangaroo Valley to develop the film.
Screen Australia head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe said: “This is a rare opportunity for creative collaboration between Indigenous cultures, from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. I’m inspired...
- 5/13/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Diary of an Uber Driver.’
Sally Riley is bemused when people use this line when they are pitching projects to her: “This is definitely an ABC show.”
The ABC’s head of scripted production, Riley usually replies: “What is that? What is an ABC show?”
Interviewed in her Ultimo office for a two-part story, she tells If: “If it’s a great show, we’ll do it. I don’t think it must fit in the parameters of what is supposed to be an ABC show.
“We want to not only hold our audiences but also bring in new and younger audiences and we have a broad slate to try to meet both. We will definitely take a calculated risk when we believe in a show.”
As an example of a program which she thinks most people would not expect to see on the public broadcaster, she points to Les Norton,...
Sally Riley is bemused when people use this line when they are pitching projects to her: “This is definitely an ABC show.”
The ABC’s head of scripted production, Riley usually replies: “What is that? What is an ABC show?”
Interviewed in her Ultimo office for a two-part story, she tells If: “If it’s a great show, we’ll do it. I don’t think it must fit in the parameters of what is supposed to be an ABC show.
“We want to not only hold our audiences but also bring in new and younger audiences and we have a broad slate to try to meet both. We will definitely take a calculated risk when we believe in a show.”
As an example of a program which she thinks most people would not expect to see on the public broadcaster, she points to Les Norton,...
- 5/7/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Kgb’.
The ABC has green lit comedy web series Kgb, from brothers Luke and Dan Riches – a project borne out of Screenwest’s Indigenous online initiative, Originate.
Set in Perth’s notorious Kgb, the series – described as a cross between Black Comedy and Hot Fuzz – follows two rookie detectives, tough guy Jack and gentle giant Nigel, as they deal with the chaos of their new jobs, no-nonsense boss, work rivals, drug dealers and culprits who consistently turn out to be family members. Despite battling their own insecurities at every turn, and the fact that Jack bullied Nigel in high school, these two might just turn out to be Kgb’s finest detectives.
The cast include Clarence Ryan, Bjorn Stewart, Genevieve Morris, Mark Coles Smith, Aaron McGrath, Jesse Phillips, Lynette Narkle and Amy Smith.
Originate is a Screenwest and ABC Indigenous narrative web series development and production initiative for emerging Wa Indigenous screen practitioners.
The ABC has green lit comedy web series Kgb, from brothers Luke and Dan Riches – a project borne out of Screenwest’s Indigenous online initiative, Originate.
Set in Perth’s notorious Kgb, the series – described as a cross between Black Comedy and Hot Fuzz – follows two rookie detectives, tough guy Jack and gentle giant Nigel, as they deal with the chaos of their new jobs, no-nonsense boss, work rivals, drug dealers and culprits who consistently turn out to be family members. Despite battling their own insecurities at every turn, and the fact that Jack bullied Nigel in high school, these two might just turn out to be Kgb’s finest detectives.
The cast include Clarence Ryan, Bjorn Stewart, Genevieve Morris, Mark Coles Smith, Aaron McGrath, Jesse Phillips, Lynette Narkle and Amy Smith.
Originate is a Screenwest and ABC Indigenous narrative web series development and production initiative for emerging Wa Indigenous screen practitioners.
- 3/18/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Shari Sebbens, Calen Tassone, Siria Kickett and Marcus Graham in ‘The Heights’ (Photo: Ben King)
When Shari Sebbens graduated from Nida and Waapa she expected her fair complexion would mean she would be cast mostly as white characters in shows about Indigenous people.
Happily she was wrong. After making her screen debut in Wayne Blair’s 2012 hit The Sapphires she starred in a bunch of series including Redfern Now, The Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio and Black Comedy, all true to her cultural identity.
“I think The Sapphires confused the hell out of everybody as they thought, ‘She looks white but she says she’s Aboriginal,’ she tells If. “It’s something our community has known since colonisation: our people come in very different shades. I call it the Fifty Shades of Black.”
The actress will next be seen in the Matchbox Pictures/For Pete’s Sake Productions 30-episode drama serial The Heights,...
When Shari Sebbens graduated from Nida and Waapa she expected her fair complexion would mean she would be cast mostly as white characters in shows about Indigenous people.
Happily she was wrong. After making her screen debut in Wayne Blair’s 2012 hit The Sapphires she starred in a bunch of series including Redfern Now, The Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio and Black Comedy, all true to her cultural identity.
“I think The Sapphires confused the hell out of everybody as they thought, ‘She looks white but she says she’s Aboriginal,’ she tells If. “It’s something our community has known since colonisation: our people come in very different shades. I call it the Fifty Shades of Black.”
The actress will next be seen in the Matchbox Pictures/For Pete’s Sake Productions 30-episode drama serial The Heights,...
- 2/13/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Antonia Murphy, Joseph Wijangco and Anousha Zarkesh (Photo credit: Marlo Media)
Nikki Barrett and Anousha Zarkesh won multiple prizes at the Casting Guild of Australia Awards presented last Friday in Melbourne.
Barrett received the awards for her work in See Pictures/Gran Via Productions/Windalong Productions’ Breath (best casting in a feature film), Easy Tiger’s Jack Irish series 2 (TV drama) and Fremantle Australia’s Picnic at Hanging Rock (TV miniseries and telemovie).
Zarkesh took home the awards for Princess Pictures’ Wrong Kind of Black (best achievement in casting) and Scarlett Pictures’ Black Comedy series 3 (TV comedy).
“We had a lucky year in that all three of these projects were very collaborative casting processes with the filmmakers actively engaged in trying to find something true to the world they were creating. It’s always the best kind of casting to be involved in and shows on screen,” Barrett tells If.
Nikki Barrett and Anousha Zarkesh won multiple prizes at the Casting Guild of Australia Awards presented last Friday in Melbourne.
Barrett received the awards for her work in See Pictures/Gran Via Productions/Windalong Productions’ Breath (best casting in a feature film), Easy Tiger’s Jack Irish series 2 (TV drama) and Fremantle Australia’s Picnic at Hanging Rock (TV miniseries and telemovie).
Zarkesh took home the awards for Princess Pictures’ Wrong Kind of Black (best achievement in casting) and Scarlett Pictures’ Black Comedy series 3 (TV comedy).
“We had a lucky year in that all three of these projects were very collaborative casting processes with the filmmakers actively engaged in trying to find something true to the world they were creating. It’s always the best kind of casting to be involved in and shows on screen,” Barrett tells If.
- 12/2/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The male cast of ‘Fighting Season’ (Photo: Mark Rogers).
The casting directors of 1%, Breath, Sweet Country and The Merger are the finalists in the feature film category of the Casting Guild of Australia Awards.
The Cga has also announced the 10 winners of this year’s Rising Stars awards, who are nominated by Cga members and chosen by a committee comprising Kirsty McGregor, Nikki Barrett, Anousha Zarkesh, Tom McSweeney, Faith Martin and Nathan Lloyd.
The recipients are George Pullar (Fighting Season), Michael Sheasby (The Nightingale), Harry Greenwood (True History of the Kelly Gang), Tess Haubrich (Bad Mothers), Markella Kavenagh (The Cry), George Zhao (The Family Law), Milly Alcock (Upright), Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Bureau of Magical Things), Harvey Zielinski and Alexandra Jensen.
McSweeney tells If: “I’ve watched Kimie grow as a performer over the past decade from a kid with a fantastic singing voice to an actress of conviction, dedication and positivity.
The casting directors of 1%, Breath, Sweet Country and The Merger are the finalists in the feature film category of the Casting Guild of Australia Awards.
The Cga has also announced the 10 winners of this year’s Rising Stars awards, who are nominated by Cga members and chosen by a committee comprising Kirsty McGregor, Nikki Barrett, Anousha Zarkesh, Tom McSweeney, Faith Martin and Nathan Lloyd.
The recipients are George Pullar (Fighting Season), Michael Sheasby (The Nightingale), Harry Greenwood (True History of the Kelly Gang), Tess Haubrich (Bad Mothers), Markella Kavenagh (The Cry), George Zhao (The Family Law), Milly Alcock (Upright), Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Bureau of Magical Things), Harvey Zielinski and Alexandra Jensen.
McSweeney tells If: “I’ve watched Kimie grow as a performer over the past decade from a kid with a fantastic singing voice to an actress of conviction, dedication and positivity.
- 11/8/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Nicole Kidman and Joel Edgerton on the set of ‘Boy Erased.’
Joel Edgerton and Simon Baker have scored nominations in the feature film direction and acting categories for Boy Erased and Breath, the first time that’s happened in the same year in AFI | Aacta history.
Edgerton and Baker will compete for four prizes at this year’s awards which will be handed out at an industry luncheon on December 3 and at the ceremony on December 5. Both titles have been nominated for best film and Edgerton and Baker are also in the running for best supporting actor and adapted screenplay.
In total 19 features received nominations, with five vying for best film: Boy Erased, Breath, Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s Cargo, Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black and Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country.
The five titles competing for the new category of best indie film budgeted under $2 million are the Jacobson brothers’ Sibling Rivalry,...
Joel Edgerton and Simon Baker have scored nominations in the feature film direction and acting categories for Boy Erased and Breath, the first time that’s happened in the same year in AFI | Aacta history.
Edgerton and Baker will compete for four prizes at this year’s awards which will be handed out at an industry luncheon on December 3 and at the ceremony on December 5. Both titles have been nominated for best film and Edgerton and Baker are also in the running for best supporting actor and adapted screenplay.
In total 19 features received nominations, with five vying for best film: Boy Erased, Breath, Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s Cargo, Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black and Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country.
The five titles competing for the new category of best indie film budgeted under $2 million are the Jacobson brothers’ Sibling Rivalry,...
- 10/29/2018
- by The IF Team
- 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
Kiara Milera on the set of Warwick Thornton's 'Sweet Country' in 2016, with Michael Fairbairn, Dylan Rivers and Drew English. (Photo credit: Tanith Glynn-Maloney).
The South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) has selected four indigenous filmmakers for a writing residency at Adelaide Studios. new Pirrku Kuu Hub..
The Pirrku Kuu Hub, a dedicated story room for Aboriginal screen makers, is a key initiative of Safc.s Aboriginal Screen Strategy.
As well as access to the space, the four.—.Kiara Milera, Joel Brown and brothers Edoardo and Michael Crismani.—.will participate in Safc-led professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Edoardo Crismani's documentary The Panther Within premiered on Nitv in March, and his short drama 440 was selected for the Safc.s Aboriginal Short Film funding initiative in 2016.. . Michael Crismani wrote, directed and produced short film I Kept the Beat, which aired last year on Nitv and Sbs On Demand, for the Nitv/Safc Microdocs Initiative.
The South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) has selected four indigenous filmmakers for a writing residency at Adelaide Studios. new Pirrku Kuu Hub..
The Pirrku Kuu Hub, a dedicated story room for Aboriginal screen makers, is a key initiative of Safc.s Aboriginal Screen Strategy.
As well as access to the space, the four.—.Kiara Milera, Joel Brown and brothers Edoardo and Michael Crismani.—.will participate in Safc-led professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Edoardo Crismani's documentary The Panther Within premiered on Nitv in March, and his short drama 440 was selected for the Safc.s Aboriginal Short Film funding initiative in 2016.. . Michael Crismani wrote, directed and produced short film I Kept the Beat, which aired last year on Nitv and Sbs On Demand, for the Nitv/Safc Microdocs Initiative.
- 4/18/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Nakkiah Lui..
Shooting has kicked off in Sydney on Porchlight Films' comedy series.Kiki & Kitty.
The absurdist series is the brainchild of writer-actor Nakkiah Lui (Black Comedy), who is working with producers Liz Watts and Sylvia Warmer. .
Produced for ABC iview, the 6 x 10 minute series will be directed by Catriona McKenzie (Shadow Hunters, Satellite Boy, Redfern Now).
The series follows .the trials and tribulations of Kiki, the good black girl in a bad white world, who stumbles across her vagina in the personification of Kitty and realises there is a lot more to life than she thought..
Elaine Crombie (Black Comedy, Redfern Now) stars as Kitty, and comes to the series.from Lui.s recent Malthouse Theatre Company show Blaque Showgirls. Kiki & Kitty also stars Christine Anu, Tessa Rose, Lisa Flanagan, Ryan Johnson and Rob Carlton..
Kiki & Kitty has been commissioned by ABC Indigenous and financed through Screen Australia.s Multiplatform Fund.
Shooting has kicked off in Sydney on Porchlight Films' comedy series.Kiki & Kitty.
The absurdist series is the brainchild of writer-actor Nakkiah Lui (Black Comedy), who is working with producers Liz Watts and Sylvia Warmer. .
Produced for ABC iview, the 6 x 10 minute series will be directed by Catriona McKenzie (Shadow Hunters, Satellite Boy, Redfern Now).
The series follows .the trials and tribulations of Kiki, the good black girl in a bad white world, who stumbles across her vagina in the personification of Kitty and realises there is a lot more to life than she thought..
Elaine Crombie (Black Comedy, Redfern Now) stars as Kitty, and comes to the series.from Lui.s recent Malthouse Theatre Company show Blaque Showgirls. Kiki & Kitty also stars Christine Anu, Tessa Rose, Lisa Flanagan, Ryan Johnson and Rob Carlton..
Kiki & Kitty has been commissioned by ABC Indigenous and financed through Screen Australia.s Multiplatform Fund.
- 3/13/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Grace Beside Me..
Nitv has commissioned its first ever scripted live-action series, Grace Beside Me.
Adapted from the novel by Sue McPherson, the 13 x 26 series — pitched as .the story of an extraordinary girl trying to lead an ordinary life" — is produced by Magpie Pictures, with investment from Screen Australia.s Indigenous Department, Screen Queensland, the ABC, as well as assistance from Screen Nsw.
Aimed at 8-12 year olds, Grace Beside Me follows Fuzzy Mac, a 13-year-old who discovers she can see ghosts and spirits. However, all she wants to do is fit in, as it.s .hard enough navigating the highs and lows of becoming a teenager while living with your eccentric Nan and Pop, without also having to deal with needy ghosts, mischievous totems and cantankerous Ancestors..
Mac is said to have .one foot in the Indigenous realm of culture, Country — and spirits — and the other firmly planted in...
Nitv has commissioned its first ever scripted live-action series, Grace Beside Me.
Adapted from the novel by Sue McPherson, the 13 x 26 series — pitched as .the story of an extraordinary girl trying to lead an ordinary life" — is produced by Magpie Pictures, with investment from Screen Australia.s Indigenous Department, Screen Queensland, the ABC, as well as assistance from Screen Nsw.
Aimed at 8-12 year olds, Grace Beside Me follows Fuzzy Mac, a 13-year-old who discovers she can see ghosts and spirits. However, all she wants to do is fit in, as it.s .hard enough navigating the highs and lows of becoming a teenager while living with your eccentric Nan and Pop, without also having to deal with needy ghosts, mischievous totems and cantankerous Ancestors..
Mac is said to have .one foot in the Indigenous realm of culture, Country — and spirits — and the other firmly planted in...
- 1/17/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Claudia Karvan as Josephine Newton.
The ABC has revealed the first part of its 2017 slate, with more programs to be unveiled in February.
The schedule includes over 20 new Australian shows, in addition to new seasons for established titles such as You Can't Ask That, Cleverman, Janet King and The Doctor Blake Mysteries..
Cleverman is returning.—.with a season that ABC TV's Richard Finalyson calls "a little less dark than the first".—.as is Glitch. The second season of the Matchbox zombie drama will be co-produced by Netflix and the ABC.
Perhaps the highest-profile new program comes from the team behind Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox:.Newton's Law stars Claudia Karvan as Josephine Newton, "a suburban solicitor with an over-developed sense of responsibility who attempts to return to her briefly glorious stint at the Bar."
Finlayson describes the eight-episode show as "really broad and light and funny.
The ABC has revealed the first part of its 2017 slate, with more programs to be unveiled in February.
The schedule includes over 20 new Australian shows, in addition to new seasons for established titles such as You Can't Ask That, Cleverman, Janet King and The Doctor Blake Mysteries..
Cleverman is returning.—.with a season that ABC TV's Richard Finalyson calls "a little less dark than the first".—.as is Glitch. The second season of the Matchbox zombie drama will be co-produced by Netflix and the ABC.
Perhaps the highest-profile new program comes from the team behind Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox:.Newton's Law stars Claudia Karvan as Josephine Newton, "a suburban solicitor with an over-developed sense of responsibility who attempts to return to her briefly glorious stint at the Bar."
Finlayson describes the eight-episode show as "really broad and light and funny.
- 11/2/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
The Warriors.
Filming has started in Melbourne on The Warriors, an eight-part Indigenous comedy drama for the ABC.
Lisa McCune, John Howard and Vince Colosimo will star alongside a cast of emerging Indigenous actors.
The Warriors, which explores the world of Aussie Rules, is the brainchild of Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Barracuda).
The series has been exclusively written and directed by Indigenous Australians, including Jon Bell (Cleverman), Briggs and newcomer Tracey Rigney..
Directors include Adrian Russell Wills (Wentworth), Beck Cole (Black Comedy), Steven McGregor (Croker Island Exodus, Redfern Now), Catriona McKenzie (The Circuit, Redfern Now and The Gods of Wheat Street)..
Producers are Connolly, John Harvey and Liz Kearney, and Justin Monjo is story producer.
The Warriors follows two new Afl recruits - plucked from obscurity into fame and fortune - and two established players, who have been thrown together into a share house in Melbourne.
Filming has started in Melbourne on The Warriors, an eight-part Indigenous comedy drama for the ABC.
Lisa McCune, John Howard and Vince Colosimo will star alongside a cast of emerging Indigenous actors.
The Warriors, which explores the world of Aussie Rules, is the brainchild of Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Barracuda).
The series has been exclusively written and directed by Indigenous Australians, including Jon Bell (Cleverman), Briggs and newcomer Tracey Rigney..
Directors include Adrian Russell Wills (Wentworth), Beck Cole (Black Comedy), Steven McGregor (Croker Island Exodus, Redfern Now), Catriona McKenzie (The Circuit, Redfern Now and The Gods of Wheat Street)..
Producers are Connolly, John Harvey and Liz Kearney, and Justin Monjo is story producer.
The Warriors follows two new Afl recruits - plucked from obscurity into fame and fortune - and two established players, who have been thrown together into a share house in Melbourne.
- 10/11/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The Principal.
The Casting Guild of Australia (Cga) has announced the nominees for the second annual Cga awards, to be held November 18.
This year also sees a new award, Best Casting in a Short Film.
.It was a year to celebrate storytelling reflecting Australia.s cultural diversity, with projects such as The Principal (Casting: Anousha Zarkesh) and The Family Law (Casting: Tom McSweeney and David Newman). said Cga president Greg Apps.
Up for the most gongs is Anousha Zarkesh, with seven nominations across all drama categories.
.I.m totally honoured to be nominated for so many projects and in all categories.very chuffed and proud — I love what I do, so [it.s] nice to be honoured by my peers — thank you,. said Zarkesh. Cga Nominees 2016:
Nominees for Best Casting in a Feature Film The Daughter - Nikki Barrett The Dressmaker - Christine King Down Under - Stevie Ray & Kirsty McGregor...
The Casting Guild of Australia (Cga) has announced the nominees for the second annual Cga awards, to be held November 18.
This year also sees a new award, Best Casting in a Short Film.
.It was a year to celebrate storytelling reflecting Australia.s cultural diversity, with projects such as The Principal (Casting: Anousha Zarkesh) and The Family Law (Casting: Tom McSweeney and David Newman). said Cga president Greg Apps.
Up for the most gongs is Anousha Zarkesh, with seven nominations across all drama categories.
.I.m totally honoured to be nominated for so many projects and in all categories.very chuffed and proud — I love what I do, so [it.s] nice to be honoured by my peers — thank you,. said Zarkesh. Cga Nominees 2016:
Nominees for Best Casting in a Feature Film The Daughter - Nikki Barrett The Dressmaker - Christine King Down Under - Stevie Ray & Kirsty McGregor...
- 10/9/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The 58 recipients of Screen Australia's Gender Matters: Brilliant Stories and Brilliant Careers.funding, designed to address.the gender imbalance.in the screen industry, have been unveiled..
$3 million.will be shared.among 45 female-helmed film, TV and online projects and 13 career boosting initiatives. The announcement marked the largest cohort of projects funded in a single.day in Screen Australia's history. ..
Screen Australia started the Gender Matters program.late last year in response to the industry.s gender inequity.in key creative roles..In film, women make up around 32 per cent of producers, 23 per cent of writers and 16 per cent of directors. .
Screen Australia chief operating officer Fiona Cameron said Gender Matters was unashamedly providing .express lane. access to female business ideas and stories...
.The funding boost provided by Screen Australia has been a game-changer, providing the industry with an opportunity to get behind some very commercial and creative prospects. It.s now time for action,...
$3 million.will be shared.among 45 female-helmed film, TV and online projects and 13 career boosting initiatives. The announcement marked the largest cohort of projects funded in a single.day in Screen Australia's history. ..
Screen Australia started the Gender Matters program.late last year in response to the industry.s gender inequity.in key creative roles..In film, women make up around 32 per cent of producers, 23 per cent of writers and 16 per cent of directors. .
Screen Australia chief operating officer Fiona Cameron said Gender Matters was unashamedly providing .express lane. access to female business ideas and stories...
.The funding boost provided by Screen Australia has been a game-changer, providing the industry with an opportunity to get behind some very commercial and creative prospects. It.s now time for action,...
- 7/12/2016
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Blue Water Empire.
Filming will start this month on the ABC's.Blue Water Empire, a dramatised documentary series about the traditional culture and history of the Torres Strait Islands.
The three-part series will combine dramatic action with archival footage, digital effects and interviews to explore how Torres Strait Islanders have sustained their cultural heritage through the impact of 200 years of European settlement.
Producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey, the creative team behind Goldstone and Mystery Road, have teamed up with local producer and writer Aaron Fa.Aoso (The Straits, Black Comedy) to make the show. It will be filmed on location in the Torres Strait Islands with mostly local cast and crew.
Blue Water Empire will begin in traditional times and take viewers through to the arrival of the missionaries and the massive changes brought to the Islands by the pearling industry and WWII.
The series will also explore the...
Filming will start this month on the ABC's.Blue Water Empire, a dramatised documentary series about the traditional culture and history of the Torres Strait Islands.
The three-part series will combine dramatic action with archival footage, digital effects and interviews to explore how Torres Strait Islanders have sustained their cultural heritage through the impact of 200 years of European settlement.
Producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey, the creative team behind Goldstone and Mystery Road, have teamed up with local producer and writer Aaron Fa.Aoso (The Straits, Black Comedy) to make the show. It will be filmed on location in the Torres Strait Islands with mostly local cast and crew.
Blue Water Empire will begin in traditional times and take viewers through to the arrival of the missionaries and the massive changes brought to the Islands by the pearling industry and WWII.
The series will also explore the...
- 7/8/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Red Christmas.
Red Christmas is the feature debut of Aussie actor-director Craig Anderson, known for the likes of Double the Fist and Black Comedy.
The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on Saturday, with another screening this Friday night.
Anderson's reaction to his Sff berth was "unsure", he told If.
"I couldn't quite believe or understand it, only because horror in this country is usually not received well here until it's proven overseas."
Written by Anderson himself, Red Christmas stars E.T.'s Dee Wallace as a widow defending her daughters against a stranger with an axe.
"I liked the idea of picking the stupidest thing I could think of and trying to write a movie based on that.".
The director was inspired by Lake of Fire, a documentary made by American History X's Tony Kaye about abortion.
"It's a two and a half hour doco he made over fifteen years. He's a nutjob filmmaker who always gets into fights with studios in the Hollywood system, and you can see why when you see this doco. He features three abortions in it, and covers both sides really well.".
"I decided I'd try and use horror and in particular the slasher sub-genre as a way to deal with the abortion debate, because horror can often bring up shit that you would have trouble bringing up with a drama or a comedy."
"It took in total about two years to write, including lots of discussions with women about the abortion subject. I did a first draft that was kind of a ridiculous comedy-horror where something runs around killing the family that rejected it. But then I decided I needed to make it more serious, so it took another year to write that version.".
Anderson started the process of producing the film himself early last year.
"It's written in a house, and designed to be shot very cheaply. It was private investment, myself primarily. Plus everyone investing their time became shareholders in the film, which was great. I convinced thirty professionals I'd worked with before in television to do that."
The shoot lasted fifteen days, with the official budget just on a million..
"We shot on an Arri Alexa mini, which had just come out mid last year, and we used some awesome Zeiss lenses that were super fast, because we were shooting at night. We decided we'd spend big on the camera and lenses and less big on the lighting."
Anderson wanted to cast a scream queen from the 70's and 80's because "horror audiences are very loyal to the films from the past."
The first-time filmmaker approached Halloween's Jamie Lee Curtis and Blade Runner's Sean Young before connecting with Wallace.
"Dee got a hold of the script, and got it straightaway. And she was excited for the challenge, because all those women, once they're over sixty, they don't get exciting action roles anymore."
That coup also proved tricky: "Being such a famous actress, Dee had no frame of reference as to how low budget a film could be."
"She's done over 180 films or something, and she knows what low-budget is in America, but there was no way she could quite get what the hell we were doing. We looked like we were on a school camp. There were no vans, none of the things she's used to.".
"She's also 67 years old, and she's out at 3am, freezing, lying on asphalt. So she was only keen to do one or two takes. And she's a brilliant actor who only needs one take, but we had no money for a stand in or for 3rd ADs. So she's standing around, and then our Dp had to pray he got the focus right on the first try. In the edit, occassionally the focus goes in and out, and I guess that's what you get when you shoot so cheap."
The vagaries of indie film insurance was another source of stress.
"It was very scary because we don't have a grading system in Australia, so to speak. In America I did an ultra low-budget film as an actor, where they have an award wage that gets graded based on the total budget of the film, that works to make everything legitimate. So someone will come on for $100 a day as an actor, but they'll be insured, they'll be registered with the union, everything's above board and everyone feels safe.".
"Whereas in Australia you pay the full amount upfront, proper fees to everyone, but if you want to do a deferment or split deferred payment, it becomes a little tricky, because it was hard to get insurance. It was hard to do everything properly, and that makes it scary."
The director describes a feeling of "horrible tension" that something would go wrong..
"I'm in a house shooting all night, and if someone's Mum came out to help cook food for us, and she went to Woolworths and accidentally backed into a pram, which nearly happened, I would be the guy getting sued for that. So it's horrifying to think about. We don't have the processes here."
http://tix.sff.org.au/session_sff.asp?sn=Red+Christmas...
Red Christmas is the feature debut of Aussie actor-director Craig Anderson, known for the likes of Double the Fist and Black Comedy.
The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on Saturday, with another screening this Friday night.
Anderson's reaction to his Sff berth was "unsure", he told If.
"I couldn't quite believe or understand it, only because horror in this country is usually not received well here until it's proven overseas."
Written by Anderson himself, Red Christmas stars E.T.'s Dee Wallace as a widow defending her daughters against a stranger with an axe.
"I liked the idea of picking the stupidest thing I could think of and trying to write a movie based on that.".
The director was inspired by Lake of Fire, a documentary made by American History X's Tony Kaye about abortion.
"It's a two and a half hour doco he made over fifteen years. He's a nutjob filmmaker who always gets into fights with studios in the Hollywood system, and you can see why when you see this doco. He features three abortions in it, and covers both sides really well.".
"I decided I'd try and use horror and in particular the slasher sub-genre as a way to deal with the abortion debate, because horror can often bring up shit that you would have trouble bringing up with a drama or a comedy."
"It took in total about two years to write, including lots of discussions with women about the abortion subject. I did a first draft that was kind of a ridiculous comedy-horror where something runs around killing the family that rejected it. But then I decided I needed to make it more serious, so it took another year to write that version.".
Anderson started the process of producing the film himself early last year.
"It's written in a house, and designed to be shot very cheaply. It was private investment, myself primarily. Plus everyone investing their time became shareholders in the film, which was great. I convinced thirty professionals I'd worked with before in television to do that."
The shoot lasted fifteen days, with the official budget just on a million..
"We shot on an Arri Alexa mini, which had just come out mid last year, and we used some awesome Zeiss lenses that were super fast, because we were shooting at night. We decided we'd spend big on the camera and lenses and less big on the lighting."
Anderson wanted to cast a scream queen from the 70's and 80's because "horror audiences are very loyal to the films from the past."
The first-time filmmaker approached Halloween's Jamie Lee Curtis and Blade Runner's Sean Young before connecting with Wallace.
"Dee got a hold of the script, and got it straightaway. And she was excited for the challenge, because all those women, once they're over sixty, they don't get exciting action roles anymore."
That coup also proved tricky: "Being such a famous actress, Dee had no frame of reference as to how low budget a film could be."
"She's done over 180 films or something, and she knows what low-budget is in America, but there was no way she could quite get what the hell we were doing. We looked like we were on a school camp. There were no vans, none of the things she's used to.".
"She's also 67 years old, and she's out at 3am, freezing, lying on asphalt. So she was only keen to do one or two takes. And she's a brilliant actor who only needs one take, but we had no money for a stand in or for 3rd ADs. So she's standing around, and then our Dp had to pray he got the focus right on the first try. In the edit, occassionally the focus goes in and out, and I guess that's what you get when you shoot so cheap."
The vagaries of indie film insurance was another source of stress.
"It was very scary because we don't have a grading system in Australia, so to speak. In America I did an ultra low-budget film as an actor, where they have an award wage that gets graded based on the total budget of the film, that works to make everything legitimate. So someone will come on for $100 a day as an actor, but they'll be insured, they'll be registered with the union, everything's above board and everyone feels safe.".
"Whereas in Australia you pay the full amount upfront, proper fees to everyone, but if you want to do a deferment or split deferred payment, it becomes a little tricky, because it was hard to get insurance. It was hard to do everything properly, and that makes it scary."
The director describes a feeling of "horrible tension" that something would go wrong..
"I'm in a house shooting all night, and if someone's Mum came out to help cook food for us, and she went to Woolworths and accidentally backed into a pram, which nearly happened, I would be the guy getting sued for that. So it's horrifying to think about. We don't have the processes here."
http://tix.sff.org.au/session_sff.asp?sn=Red+Christmas...
- 6/15/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Sally Riley.
Sally Riley, formerly ABC TV.s Head of Indigenous, has been apppointed to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production, responsible for running the Fiction, Comedy, Indigenous and Children's production teams.
Since joining ABC TV in 2010, Riley has worked on Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio, Redfern Now and Cleverman.
.Sally is an incredibly accomplished television executive, and over many years she has nurtured and developed the Indigenous production sector", Richard Finlayson said, "so that today it stands as one of the most innovative and vibrant parts of the industry in Australia."
.There has never been a more exciting or competitive time to be in scripted production and the ABC is well placed to take advantage of increasing demand for quality content. For that reason, it's very satisfying to be able to recognise outstanding talent within our own ranks at the ABC..
Riley...
Sally Riley, formerly ABC TV.s Head of Indigenous, has been apppointed to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production, responsible for running the Fiction, Comedy, Indigenous and Children's production teams.
Since joining ABC TV in 2010, Riley has worked on Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio, Redfern Now and Cleverman.
.Sally is an incredibly accomplished television executive, and over many years she has nurtured and developed the Indigenous production sector", Richard Finlayson said, "so that today it stands as one of the most innovative and vibrant parts of the industry in Australia."
.There has never been a more exciting or competitive time to be in scripted production and the ABC is well placed to take advantage of increasing demand for quality content. For that reason, it's very satisfying to be able to recognise outstanding talent within our own ranks at the ABC..
Riley...
- 5/25/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Sally Riley.
Sally Riley, formerly ABC TV.s Head of Indigenous, has been apppointed to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production, responsible for running the Fiction, Comedy, Indigenous and Children's production teams.
Since joining ABC TV in 2010, Riley has worked on Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio, Redfern Now and Cleverman.
.Sally is an incredibly accomplished television executive, and over many years she has nurtured and developed the Indigenous production sector", Richard Finlayson said, "so that today it stands as one of the most innovative and vibrant parts of the industry in Australia."
.There has never been a more exciting or competitive time to be in scripted production and the ABC is well placed to take advantage of increasing demand for quality content. For that reason, it's very satisfying to be able to recognise outstanding talent within our own ranks at the ABC..
Riley...
Sally Riley, formerly ABC TV.s Head of Indigenous, has been apppointed to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production, responsible for running the Fiction, Comedy, Indigenous and Children's production teams.
Since joining ABC TV in 2010, Riley has worked on Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio, Redfern Now and Cleverman.
.Sally is an incredibly accomplished television executive, and over many years she has nurtured and developed the Indigenous production sector", Richard Finlayson said, "so that today it stands as one of the most innovative and vibrant parts of the industry in Australia."
.There has never been a more exciting or competitive time to be in scripted production and the ABC is well placed to take advantage of increasing demand for quality content. For that reason, it's very satisfying to be able to recognise outstanding talent within our own ranks at the ABC..
Riley...
- 5/25/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Red Christmas star Dee Wallace played the mother in E.T more than 30 years ago.
.
Craig Anderson's Indie Aussie horror feature debut Red Christmas, starring Dee Wallace (E.T, Cujo) will have its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival.
Anderson is an award-winning director best known for television (Black Comedy, Double the Fist)..
His debut feature, Red Christmas, is a horror film about abortion and will receive its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival in June as part of the Freak Me Out program.
Red Christmas tells the story of a mother who must defend her family from a deranged killer on Christmas day..
Unbeknown to her, the killer is her son who survived an abortion twenty years earlier and was raised by an extremist who bombed the clinic..
American actress, Wallace, who most audiences will know as the mum in Steven Spielberg.s E.T, will also star in the film.
.
Craig Anderson's Indie Aussie horror feature debut Red Christmas, starring Dee Wallace (E.T, Cujo) will have its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival.
Anderson is an award-winning director best known for television (Black Comedy, Double the Fist)..
His debut feature, Red Christmas, is a horror film about abortion and will receive its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival in June as part of the Freak Me Out program.
Red Christmas tells the story of a mother who must defend her family from a deranged killer on Christmas day..
Unbeknown to her, the killer is her son who survived an abortion twenty years earlier and was raised by an extremist who bombed the clinic..
American actress, Wallace, who most audiences will know as the mum in Steven Spielberg.s E.T, will also star in the film.
- 5/11/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Documentaries investigating Australia.s war in Afghanistan, the fight against the country.s ice epidemic and the state of the heath and school systems will screen on the ABC next year.
The comedy slate includes two series starring Utopia.s Luke McGregor and six pilots, with viewers voting to determine which pilot goes to a series.
The ABC also confirmed its flagship channel will be available to live-stream on iview from December and that it plans to broadcast all content in HD from next June.
ABC director of TV Richard Finlayson said at the upfronts launch: .As the national broadcaster we will continue our commitment to Australian content, delivering a high-quality, deep and diverse slate..
The factual slate includes Essential Media and Entertainment.s Afghanistan: Inside Australia.s War, which chronicles the raw experiences of Australia.s longest war, from private soldiers to prime ministers, written and directed by Victoria Pitt...
The comedy slate includes two series starring Utopia.s Luke McGregor and six pilots, with viewers voting to determine which pilot goes to a series.
The ABC also confirmed its flagship channel will be available to live-stream on iview from December and that it plans to broadcast all content in HD from next June.
ABC director of TV Richard Finlayson said at the upfronts launch: .As the national broadcaster we will continue our commitment to Australian content, delivering a high-quality, deep and diverse slate..
The factual slate includes Essential Media and Entertainment.s Afghanistan: Inside Australia.s War, which chronicles the raw experiences of Australia.s longest war, from private soldiers to prime ministers, written and directed by Victoria Pitt...
- 11/24/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Three local producers. have won places at the London Production Finance Market following the film co-financing event Miff 37ºSouth Market.
David Ngo from South Australia won the $2000 flight voucher and a place at Pfm, while Kristina Ceyton from New South Wales and Leanne Saunders from New Zealand also won place at the London event.
Selection for the three 37ºSouth places at Pfm was guided by the votes of international financiers/buyers at Miff 37ºSouth Market.
Thanks to long-time Miff 37ºSouth Market Gold Sponsor Film Finances, one of the three producers selected for the October Pfm received a flight voucher of $2000 towards their trip..
This year the market, held during Miff, hosted some 45 film financiers/buyers including 13 Films, Cornerstone, eOne Australia, Endgame, Fulcrum, Hyde Park, Loco, Memento, Metrodome, Radiant, Roadshow, Seville/eOne, Shoreline, Transmission, Visit, Wide and Xyz. .
A record 28 publishers registered for 37ºSouth.s Books at Miff, including Hachette, Hardie Grant,...
David Ngo from South Australia won the $2000 flight voucher and a place at Pfm, while Kristina Ceyton from New South Wales and Leanne Saunders from New Zealand also won place at the London event.
Selection for the three 37ºSouth places at Pfm was guided by the votes of international financiers/buyers at Miff 37ºSouth Market.
Thanks to long-time Miff 37ºSouth Market Gold Sponsor Film Finances, one of the three producers selected for the October Pfm received a flight voucher of $2000 towards their trip..
This year the market, held during Miff, hosted some 45 film financiers/buyers including 13 Films, Cornerstone, eOne Australia, Endgame, Fulcrum, Hyde Park, Loco, Memento, Metrodome, Radiant, Roadshow, Seville/eOne, Shoreline, Transmission, Visit, Wide and Xyz. .
A record 28 publishers registered for 37ºSouth.s Books at Miff, including Hachette, Hardie Grant,...
- 8/7/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Two up-and-coming Native talents, Razelle Benally (Navajo/Oglala Lakota) and Randi LeClair (Pawnee) have been selected for the Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab, where the two writers will receive grants for production and targeted support during a residential Lab to prepare for production of their short films.
The Lab takes place in Santa Fe, New Mexico July 10-14. The Lab is a highlight of the Institute’s year-round work with Native American and Indigenous filmmakers and is one of the 24 residential labs the Institute hosts each year to discover and foster the talent of emerging independent artists in film, theater, new media and more recently episodic content.
The Native Filmmakers Lab builds on the Institute’s former NativeLab to include grants to support production of the Fellows’ short films – a first for the Institute’s renowned independent artist Labs. The writers and directors serving as Creative Advisors for this year’s Lab include: Janicza Bravo ("Gregory Go Boom" and "Pauline Alone"), Beck Cole ( "Plains Empty" and "Here I Am" ), Sydney Freeland ("Drunktown's Finest" and "HoverBoard" ), Aurora Guerrero ( "Pura Lengua" and "Mosquita y Mari" ) and Lucas Leyva ( "#PostModem" and "Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke" ).
N. Bird Runningwater (Cheyenne/Mescalero Apache), director of the Sundance Institute Native American and Indigenous Program, said, “Our Native Filmmakers Lab responds to the unique need within our community to support Native American artists with grants and mentorship focusing on the crucial phase of producing their films. I am excited to embark on this creative journey with these two bright female directors as they begin the tactical phase of creating their films.”
The Native Filmmakers Lab will be followed by the inaugural Native Writers Workshop, jointly hosted by Sundance Institute and the Institute of American Indian Arts (Iaia). The Workshop will support six emerging Native storytellers who seek to share their voices in film and television: Gabe Abeyta (Taos Pueblo and Navajo from Santa Fe, Nm), Katie Avery (Iñupiaq from Los Angeles, CA), Kelly D'Angelo (Haudenosaunee from Los Angeles, CA), Felicia Nez (Navajo from Albuquerque, Nm), Blue Tarpalechee (Muscogee from Santa Fe, Nm) and Kaherawaks Thompson (St. Regis Mohawks of Akwesasne from Memphis, Tn).
They will be mentored by: Beck Cole (Writer, "Here I Am" and "Black Comedy" ), Jason Gavin (Writer, "Greek, "Friday Night Lights"), Derek Santos Olson (Writer, "Friday Night Lights" ), Sierra Ornelas (Writer, "Selfie" and "Happy Endings" ), Alex Rivera (Writer/Director, "Sleep Dealer" ) and Joan Tewkesbury (Writer, "Nashville" and "Thieves Like Us" ).
True to founder Robert Redford’s original vision, the Institute maintains a strong commitment to supporting Native and Indigenous filmmakers. The Native program has built and sustained a unique support cycle for Indigenous artists through grants, labs, mentorships, a fellowship program at the Sundance Film Festival, and screenings for Native communities to inspire new generations of storytellers. Currently operating programs in the United States, Canada, and formerly New Zealand and Australia, the Institute has established a rich legacy of work by supporting more than 300 Native and Indigenous filmmakers, including Taika Waititi, Chris Eyre, Sterlin Harjo, Billy Luther, Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, Aurora Guerrero, Sydney Freeland and Yolanda Cruz.
There are the two artists/projects selected for the 2015 Native Filmmakers Lab:
"I Am Thy Weapon"
Razelle Benally (Navajo/Oglala Lakota)
A young artistic Navajo woman relives memories of her deceased sister, that in turn help her heal and battle against the modern-day adversities of reservation life.
Razelle Benally is of Oglala Lakota and Navajo blood. Benally’s firsthand experience while filming and traveling with renowned skateboard company Apache Skateboards has helped her hone a self-developed style of editing and directing. She most notably gained acclaim for her short documentary "The Humble," and six-minute experimental piece "Love is a Losing Game." Benally is one of five young women featured in the 2011 documentary, "Apache Chronicle."
She has shown in galleries in Long Beach, CA and in Phoenix, Az. Her films have been shown nationally and internationally at select screenings in Portland, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, and Sweden. She earned a third place award in the 2007 Aihec Film Festival, and is the 2010 Santa Fe Indian Market jury-awarded winner for Best Documentary in Swaia’s Classification X. Benally is an alumna of the 2012 Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab.
"The Other Side of the Bridge"
Randi LeClair (Pawnee)
After two high school football stars are found dead, decade’s long racial tensions sizzle in a small-town diner.
Randi LeClair is an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in English (Creative Writing) and is currently a graduate student in the University of Oklahoma’s Master of Professional Writing program. Recently, Randi and her husband, Todd, signed an option agreement for the screen adaptation of Todd’s book, "60 Feet Six Inches and Other Distances from Home: The (Baseball) Life of Mose YellowHorse," which follows the story of Pittsburg Pirates pitcher Mose YellowHorse, the first full-blood American Indian in the major leagues.
In addition to screenwriting, Randi also engages her love of literary fiction and is currently working on a collection of short stories. As well, she also serves as co-editor for "Out of the Stars: An Anthology of Pawnee Writing, Stories, and Art." Her dream is to help bring Native Cinema to the mainstream. She is an alumna of the 2010 Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab.
The Lab takes place in Santa Fe, New Mexico July 10-14. The Lab is a highlight of the Institute’s year-round work with Native American and Indigenous filmmakers and is one of the 24 residential labs the Institute hosts each year to discover and foster the talent of emerging independent artists in film, theater, new media and more recently episodic content.
The Native Filmmakers Lab builds on the Institute’s former NativeLab to include grants to support production of the Fellows’ short films – a first for the Institute’s renowned independent artist Labs. The writers and directors serving as Creative Advisors for this year’s Lab include: Janicza Bravo ("Gregory Go Boom" and "Pauline Alone"), Beck Cole ( "Plains Empty" and "Here I Am" ), Sydney Freeland ("Drunktown's Finest" and "HoverBoard" ), Aurora Guerrero ( "Pura Lengua" and "Mosquita y Mari" ) and Lucas Leyva ( "#PostModem" and "Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke" ).
N. Bird Runningwater (Cheyenne/Mescalero Apache), director of the Sundance Institute Native American and Indigenous Program, said, “Our Native Filmmakers Lab responds to the unique need within our community to support Native American artists with grants and mentorship focusing on the crucial phase of producing their films. I am excited to embark on this creative journey with these two bright female directors as they begin the tactical phase of creating their films.”
The Native Filmmakers Lab will be followed by the inaugural Native Writers Workshop, jointly hosted by Sundance Institute and the Institute of American Indian Arts (Iaia). The Workshop will support six emerging Native storytellers who seek to share their voices in film and television: Gabe Abeyta (Taos Pueblo and Navajo from Santa Fe, Nm), Katie Avery (Iñupiaq from Los Angeles, CA), Kelly D'Angelo (Haudenosaunee from Los Angeles, CA), Felicia Nez (Navajo from Albuquerque, Nm), Blue Tarpalechee (Muscogee from Santa Fe, Nm) and Kaherawaks Thompson (St. Regis Mohawks of Akwesasne from Memphis, Tn).
They will be mentored by: Beck Cole (Writer, "Here I Am" and "Black Comedy" ), Jason Gavin (Writer, "Greek, "Friday Night Lights"), Derek Santos Olson (Writer, "Friday Night Lights" ), Sierra Ornelas (Writer, "Selfie" and "Happy Endings" ), Alex Rivera (Writer/Director, "Sleep Dealer" ) and Joan Tewkesbury (Writer, "Nashville" and "Thieves Like Us" ).
True to founder Robert Redford’s original vision, the Institute maintains a strong commitment to supporting Native and Indigenous filmmakers. The Native program has built and sustained a unique support cycle for Indigenous artists through grants, labs, mentorships, a fellowship program at the Sundance Film Festival, and screenings for Native communities to inspire new generations of storytellers. Currently operating programs in the United States, Canada, and formerly New Zealand and Australia, the Institute has established a rich legacy of work by supporting more than 300 Native and Indigenous filmmakers, including Taika Waititi, Chris Eyre, Sterlin Harjo, Billy Luther, Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, Aurora Guerrero, Sydney Freeland and Yolanda Cruz.
There are the two artists/projects selected for the 2015 Native Filmmakers Lab:
"I Am Thy Weapon"
Razelle Benally (Navajo/Oglala Lakota)
A young artistic Navajo woman relives memories of her deceased sister, that in turn help her heal and battle against the modern-day adversities of reservation life.
Razelle Benally is of Oglala Lakota and Navajo blood. Benally’s firsthand experience while filming and traveling with renowned skateboard company Apache Skateboards has helped her hone a self-developed style of editing and directing. She most notably gained acclaim for her short documentary "The Humble," and six-minute experimental piece "Love is a Losing Game." Benally is one of five young women featured in the 2011 documentary, "Apache Chronicle."
She has shown in galleries in Long Beach, CA and in Phoenix, Az. Her films have been shown nationally and internationally at select screenings in Portland, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, and Sweden. She earned a third place award in the 2007 Aihec Film Festival, and is the 2010 Santa Fe Indian Market jury-awarded winner for Best Documentary in Swaia’s Classification X. Benally is an alumna of the 2012 Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab.
"The Other Side of the Bridge"
Randi LeClair (Pawnee)
After two high school football stars are found dead, decade’s long racial tensions sizzle in a small-town diner.
Randi LeClair is an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in English (Creative Writing) and is currently a graduate student in the University of Oklahoma’s Master of Professional Writing program. Recently, Randi and her husband, Todd, signed an option agreement for the screen adaptation of Todd’s book, "60 Feet Six Inches and Other Distances from Home: The (Baseball) Life of Mose YellowHorse," which follows the story of Pittsburg Pirates pitcher Mose YellowHorse, the first full-blood American Indian in the major leagues.
In addition to screenwriting, Randi also engages her love of literary fiction and is currently working on a collection of short stories. As well, she also serves as co-editor for "Out of the Stars: An Anthology of Pawnee Writing, Stories, and Art." Her dream is to help bring Native Cinema to the mainstream. She is an alumna of the 2010 Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab.
- 7/13/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Sessions writer-director Ben Lewin is attached to helm Blue Rose, a biopic about the self-described .sex crazed. Australian composer and pianist Percy Grainger.
La-based Jeffrey Walker will return to Oz a to direct Dance Academy: The Comeback., a spin-off of Werner Film Productions. popular TV series, which will follow a young ballerina who dreams of being a star.
Following Ruin and Hail, Amiel Courtin-Wilson is to write, produce and direct Hawkwood, a thriller set in the backwaters of Africa which tells of ageing mercenary.s journey from chaos to grace.
These are among 16 feature projects which are receiving more than $620,000 in development funding from Screen Australia.
Lewin will write Blue Rose with Wain Fimeri for producers Chryssy Tintner, Jan Eymann, Judi Levine and Arclight.s Mark Lazarus and Gary Hamilton. His next film is Us indie romantic drama Purple Hearts, which will star Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez...
La-based Jeffrey Walker will return to Oz a to direct Dance Academy: The Comeback., a spin-off of Werner Film Productions. popular TV series, which will follow a young ballerina who dreams of being a star.
Following Ruin and Hail, Amiel Courtin-Wilson is to write, produce and direct Hawkwood, a thriller set in the backwaters of Africa which tells of ageing mercenary.s journey from chaos to grace.
These are among 16 feature projects which are receiving more than $620,000 in development funding from Screen Australia.
Lewin will write Blue Rose with Wain Fimeri for producers Chryssy Tintner, Jan Eymann, Judi Levine and Arclight.s Mark Lazarus and Gary Hamilton. His next film is Us indie romantic drama Purple Hearts, which will star Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez...
- 4/21/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
A chance meeting at the 2013 Logie awards was the catalyst for the launch of a joint venture between Blackfella Films and Werner Film Productions.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
- 3/15/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
A chance meeting at the 2013 Logie awards was the catalyst for the launch of a joint venture between Blackfella Films and Werner Film Productions.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
- 3/15/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
A chance meeting at the 2013 Logie awards was the catalyst for the launch of a joint venture between Blackfella Films and Werner Film Productions.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
Big Chance Films. first production, Ready for This, a teenage drama with mostly Indigenous characters commissioned by ABC3, is now shooting in Sydney.
The ensemble cast includes two newcomers, rapper/singer Majeda Beatty who competed in The X Factor, and Liam Talty, who studied at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.
They join Aaron McGrath (The Code, Redfern Now, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now), Madeleine Madden (The Code, Jack Irish: Dead Point, Redfern Now), Christian Byers (Puberty Blues season 2), Christine Anu (Dance Academy, Outland) and Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule, Mabo, Terra Nova).
Set in inner city Sydney, the plot follows five Indigenous kids who come to the city to pursue their dreams. Anu and Ratuere play the couple who run the kids. boarding house.
- 3/15/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The first round of Aacta Award winners have been announced today at the 4th Aacta Award Luncheon held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney.
Celebrating screen craft excellence in Australia, 22 awards were presented, recognising the work of screen practitioners working in television, documentary, short fiction film, short animation and feature film.
The Luncheon was hosted by writer/actor/producer/director Adam Zwar, who was also joined throughout the event by a list of distinguished presenters. including Aacta President Geoffrey Rush, David Stratton, Damian Walshe-Howling, Alexandra Schepisi, Charlotte Best and Diana Glenn.
In the feature film category, Predestination took home the most Awards; with Ben Nott Acs taking out the prize for Best Cinematography, Matt Villa Ase winning the award for Best Editing, and Matthew Putland scooping Best Production Design.
Tess Schofield was honoured with the Aacta Award for Best Costume Design for her work on The Water Diviner while...
Celebrating screen craft excellence in Australia, 22 awards were presented, recognising the work of screen practitioners working in television, documentary, short fiction film, short animation and feature film.
The Luncheon was hosted by writer/actor/producer/director Adam Zwar, who was also joined throughout the event by a list of distinguished presenters. including Aacta President Geoffrey Rush, David Stratton, Damian Walshe-Howling, Alexandra Schepisi, Charlotte Best and Diana Glenn.
In the feature film category, Predestination took home the most Awards; with Ben Nott Acs taking out the prize for Best Cinematography, Matt Villa Ase winning the award for Best Editing, and Matthew Putland scooping Best Production Design.
Tess Schofield was honoured with the Aacta Award for Best Costume Design for her work on The Water Diviner while...
- 1/27/2015
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.