2023 07 12 – Media release
LR: Dr. Phoebe Hart, Aaron Pedersen, Mitu Bhowmik Lange AM, Julie Karsev, Laura Heath Potter, Marissa McDowell, Amanda Toney, Julie Ryan, James J. Yee, Jane Corden, Donna Chan, Andrea Gorforova, Burkhard Dalwitz, Vicki Madden, Tanya Green
Screen Australia’s Gender Issues Taskforce and WIFT Australia are proudly introducing ElevateUs. Building on the success of previous collaborations, Gender Matters Connect and WIFT’s MentorHer, ElevateUs will develop talent, promote diversity, and expand its reach internationally in 2024.
Visionary Indian-Australian distributor Mitu Bhowmik Lange AM, STAN Commissioning Editor Donna Chan, Entrepreneur and Stage32 Managing Director Amanda Toney, Wiradjuri woman and Head of Commissioning at NITV With an outstanding line-up of mentors including notable figures such as Marissa McDowell, ElevateUs, we aim to empower and uplift female and gender diverse talent across the Australian film industry.
Thanks to support from the Gender Issues Taskforce, Stage32, Screen NSW, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory and the Cuthill Family Foundation, ElevateUs provides mentees with unparalleled access to experienced mentors, providing guidance, industry insight and and is committed to providing practical advice tailored to your needs. Mentees set specific career goals, whether above the line, below the line, or in an adjacent industry such as distribution or marketing. The program aims to connect talent at all levels within the industry and provide a unique platform for knowledge sharing, relationship building and professional development.
WIFT Australia Board Chair Liz Tompkins said: “Through this program, we are creating meaningful connections between emerging talent and established professionals and building a future where diversity and inclusion are the foundation of success. “We aim to drive positive and lasting change within the company.” industry. ”
Rosie Lourdes, Chair of the Gender Issues Task Force, emphasized the importance of maintaining connections in an industry where relationships matter, saying, “ElevateUs will strengthen mutual mentorship relationships and provide impactful experiences. Our aim is to help them make the most of it.” It’s much more than a program. ”
Screen Australia Content Director Grainne Brunsdon said: “ElevateUs is a meaningful program for women and gender diverse practitioners to build knowledge, skills and networks within the screen industry; It will go a long way toward making our industry more inclusive.” “
Following WIFT Australia’s recently announced partnership with Stage 32, a US-based online platform that connects and educates the global entertainment industry, WIFT Australia will play a key role in ElevateUs, which has signed a variety of contracts from top organizations such as Amazon Studios and Warner Bros. Provide mentorship. and Verve Talent and Literary Agency.
Amanda Toney said: “Stage 32 is looking forward to providing opportunities for Australian-based artists and technicians on a global scale in our continued commitment to breaking down global barriers and supporting creators.” said.
ElevateUs will run for three months and provide a structured framework with regular mentorship sessions, panel events, and exclusive industry insights. Potential mentors are invited to complete the mentor registration form, but all women and gender diverse practitioners in the Australian film industry are equally welcome to participate as mentees, regardless of their field of interest or skill level. You are encouraged to apply. Participation fee is free. Program details are available online along with the registration form at www.wiftaustralia.org.au/elevateus.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM: Driven by strong leadership including an Indian and Australian distributor, festival programmer, WIFT board member and recipient of the Order of Australia, Mitu is pioneering diverse cinema in Australia. Donna Chan: As Stan’s Commissioning Editor, Donna Chan works across Stan’s pipeline of original film and television projects. She has worked in a variety of roles in the industry including SBS as Commissioning Editor, Lingo Pictures as Head of Development, Screen Australia as Head of Development and Scott Free, Ridley Scott’s production company in London. I did. Jane Corden: Former CEO of Moneypenny Group and Managing Director of Entertainment Partners Australia and New Zealand, Jane boasts over 35 years of expertise in production accounting, payroll, incentives and technology. His professional influence spans film and television projects around the world. Burkhard Dalwitz: German-born, internationally acclaimed Australian film composer best known for his Golden Globe-winning soundtrack for The Truman Show and co-founder of Zeitgeist Music. Burkhardt continues to shape the industry, mentoring emerging talent and contributing to the art of film composition. . Andrea Gorforova: With 25 years of experience in the industry, Andrea directs factual, scripted, and family series at BeCollectiveMedia. In previous roles, he managed a variety of series including Go Away Unicorn and Utopia Falls. Combining her international finance background and creative expertise, Andrea has produced nearly 1000 hours of programming. Tanya Green: Tanya Green is a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer who leads preschool content development at Mainframe Studios. With over 15 years of experience in the animation industry, she created Emmy Award-winning series such as Peg + Cat and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at Brown Bag Films. Phoebe Hart: Award-winning documentarian, director, producer, and scholar, known for her biographical documentary Orchids: My Intersex Adventure. Phoebe, the founder of Heartflicker, has a Ph.D. A certificate holder, associate professor, and multilingual, she combines a passion for beauty with a strong commitment to social justice. Laura Heath Potter: Head of Communications, Paramount Streaming, Canada. With over 20 years of experience, Laura has previously held positions at CTV, Corus Entertainment, Odeon Films, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Julie Karsev: An Emmy Award-winning Australian writer, director and producer, Julie is known for her groundbreaking series The First Day and Starting From Now. A pioneer in LGBTQIA+ representation, she continues to create impactful and inclusive storytelling. Vicki Madden: Vicki Madden is a veteran producer, writer and showrunner with over 25 years of experience in the television industry and owner of Sweet Potato Films. She co-created, co-produced and wrote the well-known television series ‘The Kettering Incident’, and more recently, the acclaimed Disney/STARZ/AUS series ‘The Kettering Incident’, a gripping gothic tale set in Tasmania. I produced “The Gloaming”. Marissa McDowell: A Wiradjuri woman and chair of NITV, she is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous stories. With an extensive background in documentary filmmaking, photography, and writing, Marissa promotes cultural expression. Aaron Pedersen: A renowned Australian Aboriginal actor best known for playing Detective Jay Swan in Mystery Road and its sequel Goldstone, Aaron will be featured in the 2021 AACTA Awards Series. He has been nominated for and won numerous acting awards, including Best Actor. Julie Ryan: As a prominent Australian film producer, Julie Ryan has produced films such as Ten Canoes, winner of the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and the box office smash Red Dog. The movie received high praise. Her recent work includes executive producing Late Night With The Devil, which received accolades at SXSW 2023. Amanda Toney: A visionary entrepreneur and Managing Director of Stage 32, seamlessly blending business acumen with creative acumen, Amanda builds relationships with global brands and leads her built his first multi-million dollar company. James J. Yee: Born in Seoul and raised in San Francisco, James is an avid producer known for thought-provoking titles like Gook and Miss Purple. He regularly collaborates with the Sundance Writers Lab, pioneering collaboration in Canada and internationally.
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