Australian International Documentary Conference Announces Awards, Nominees & Stanley Hawes Winner

Today, the Australian International Documentary Conference announces the nominees for the annual AIDC Awards, and is also proud to announce screen journalist David Tiley as the winner of the $5,000 Stanley Hawes Award for 2022. The 2022 AIDC Awards Ceremony will be held in-person, at ACMI, Melbourne on Wednesday 9 March.

Successfully launching in 2021, the AIDC Awards recognise the outstanding work of new Australian documentary and factual content across six different categories. Alongside the 2022 Stanley Hawes Award recipient, David Tiley, AIDC is excited to celebrate the talent and achievements of the nominees during AIDC 2022.

Natasha Gadd, CEO/Creative Director, AIDC, said, “After the extraordinary response to the inaugural AIDC Awards in 2021, it was clear that our industry is wholeheartedly embracing a new initiative that celebrates and acknowledges the craft and talent of Australian documentary and factual content. We are so excited to once again present the AIDC Awards to recognise excellence in our field across six categories. We congratulate the 21 nominees for their achievements and thank our generous partners, the Awards jurors and the pre-selection committee members who have contributed to this year’s AIDC 2022 Awards.”

AIDC AWARD NOMINEES

The 2022 AIDC Awards Presentation will be held on Wednesday 9 March at ACMI, Melbourne.

The remarkable expertise and work of Australian practitioners will be recognised across six award categories: Best Documentary Feature, with a $5,000 cash prize presented by Film Finances; Best Documentary/Factual Series; Best Documentary/Factual Single; Best Audio Documentary, with a $3,000 cash prize presented by AFTRS; Best Short Form Documentary; and Best Interactive/Immersive Documentary.

A full list of award nominees is below.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

This award is supported by completion guarantor Film Finances with a $5,000 cash prize. Dan Read, Film Finances CEO said, “AIDC has always been an important and exciting event for us. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn from and celebrate the incredible talent of the nonfiction industry. We are excited to further support documentary makers, and honoured to present the Best Feature Documentary category at the 2022 AIDC Awards.”

I’m Wanita
Matthew Walker, Carolina Sorensen, Clare Lewis, Tait Brady | PEOPLE PRODUCTIONS, 2020

My Name is Gulpilil
Molly Reynolds, Peter Djigirr, David Gulpilil, Rolf de Heer | VERTIGO PRODUCTIONS & ABCG
FILM, 2021

The Bowraville Murders
Allan Clarke, Stefan Moore, Dan Goldberg, Susan Lambert, Adam Kay | MINT PICTURES & JUMPING DOG PRODUCTIONS, 2021

Valerie Taylor: Playing With Sharks
Bettina Dalton, Sally Aitken | WILDBEAR ENTERTAINMENT, 2021

BEST DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL SERIES

Laura’s Choice
Sam Lara, Cathy Henkel, Ryan Hodgson, Melissa Kelly | VIRGO PRODUCTIONS, 2021

Life in Colour with David Attenborough
Adam Geiger, Colette Beaudry, Sharmila Choudury | SEALIGHT PICTURES AND HUMBLE BEE FILMS, 2021

The School That Tried to End Racism
John Karabelas, Deb Spinocchia, Johnny Lowry | SCREENTIME AUSTRALIA, 2021

See What You Made Me Do
Tosca Looby, Karina Holden | NORTHERN PICTURES, 2021

BEST DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL SINGLE

Brazen Hussies
Catherine Dwyer, Andrea Foxworthy, Philippa Campey | FILM CAMP, 2020

Our African Roots
Santilla Chingaipe, Tony Jackson, David Collins | CHEMICAL MEDIA, 2021

Stackorama!
Scott Baskett, Jared Nicholson, Naomi Just, Gene Geoffrey | RUN WILD PRODUCTIONS, 2021

BEST AUDIO DOCUMENTARY

This award is supported by AFTRS, with a $3,000 cash prize.

samsn’s STRONGER
Felicity Blake, 2021

Stuff The British Stole
Marc Fennell, Zoe Ferguson | ABC, 2021

Tender: Roia Atmar
Madison Griffiths, Beth Atkinson-Quinton | BROADWAVE, 2021

BEST SHORT FORM DOCUMENTARY

Capturing Change
Chris Phillips, Katy Roberts | MELT STUDIO, 2021

Freedom Swimmer
Olivia Martin-McGuire, Brooke Silcox, Ron Dyens | NO THING PRODUCTIONS & SACREBLEU PRODUCTIONS, 2021

Lost Contact
Amelia Paxman, Jaina Kalifa, 2021

Where Is My Darling?
Adam Finney, 2021

BEST INTERACTIVE/IMMERSIVE DOCUMENTARY

Eastern Market Murder
Emma Ramsay, Andy Yong | TRUE CRIME GAMES, 2021

Ravi and Emma
Kylie Boltin, Ella Rubeli | SBS, 2021

Gondwana
Ben Joseph Andrews, Emma Roberts | PERNICKETY SPLIT, 2022

2022 STANLEY HAWES AWARD

The winner of this year’s Stanley Hawes Award is screen journalist, David Tiley.

An indefatigable champion of documentary and factual production, and one of our most passionate grassroots commentators on the screen business, David has long been a singular voice in the Australian media. Throughout his career, David has worked tirelessly in roles at Film Victoria, the Australian Film Commission, AFTRS, and ScreenHub – acting as editor since 2005 before becoming the Content Lead for Film in 2021. With this award, AIDC acknowledges his outstanding contribution to the Australian documentary and factual sector.

David Tiley said, “I am so happy with this I can’t uncurl my toes. And really delighted that the Stanley Hawes Award recognises that documentary is a broad passion and not just a bunch of shows. I am so honoured (and relieved) that wordsmiths are seen as part of the movement.”

The Stanley Hawes Award was established in 1997 to honour documentary producer and director Stanley Hawes, Producer-in-Chief of the Australian National Film Board and Commonwealth Film Unit from 1946-1969 – and recognises the significant support he gave independent filmmakers in the documentary sector. Since its inception, 23 recipients have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the documentary and factual sector in the tradition of Stanley Hawes. The recipient receives a $5,000 cash prize.

2022 AIDC Awards Presentation, ACMI, Melbourne, Wednesday 9 March
More information: www.aidc.com.au

ABOUT AIDC

The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is Australia’s premier event for documentary and factual content servicing the screen and digital media industries, and has been held in Melbourne since 2016. A not-for-profit established in 1987, the organisation remains committed to the sustainability of nonfiction storytelling. Serving both the commercial and creative needs of the industry, AIDC organises a marketplace for documentary and factual product, showcases the work of Australian and international producers, and creates a forum to discuss content, craft, technology and future directions. AIDC’s goal is to connect creators, purveyors and viewers of nonfiction screen and digital media content in ways that promote business, inspire creativity and ignite social change.

Actor Spotlight: Find Out More About Angelo Montano

Acting came early for Angelo Montano, appearing at the age of four in the fondly acclaimed Australian series A Country Practice in 1981. For the next 40 years, he has built on his career as an actor, taking on roles in award-winning Aussie dramas like UnderbellyPacked to The RaftersBikie Wars, and Neighbours

Angelo has not been limited to playing characters on television, having also tackled big-budget international tent pole movies with Disney’s Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and fighting alongside Asia’s No. 1 Mega Star Jackie Chan First Strike

With a long list of productions, movies, and streaming series, currently underway locally, Angelo’s has recently scored a major movie role set to start filming on the Gold Coast this summer. His long list of credits has placed him in the envious position of being asked to audition for three other roles before the end of 2021, which includes a new children’s streaming series.

His olive complexion and good looks, born from Italian heritage, have benefited casting agents when looking for cultural diversity. Angelo slips into the part with ease, whether taking on drama or comedy. From performing on stage in theatre productions to television commercials, he learns and hones his craft and love for acting. 

For Angelo, his acting can benefit from his personal growth, using his life lessons and bringing that to the characters and roles he plays. He also knows that you have to keep working at it with anything you love and put the time in to broaden your education. So, he enjoys nothing more than attending a peer workshop, hoping to improve on his passion so he can put everything into each performance and gig.

After recently taking a forced break for two years to look after his seriously ill young Daughter, who needed full-time care, Angelo has returned to acting. 

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Angelo to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself? 

Well, what can I say? I enjoy making people laugh and putting a smile on people’s faces; everyone has an amazing story to tell; I enjoy acting, or as I call it, my role play. I love impersonating characters and being funny, nothing better than seeing people happy. I also do many charity works for sick children and help those less fortunate. As I always say, there’s always someone worse off out there. So things are never as bad as it seems.

How did you get started in the entertainment industry? 

I was four years old, living in Sydney in 1981 when a friend from school’s father worked on A Country Practice – he needed a boy to play a hospital patient, so me being an out-there child, jumped at the chance. I was always the entertainer in my family and, as you could say centre of attention (laughs). I then went on a year later and played an autistic child on the show. My love of television was known as a child, sitting like a metre away from the television, learning, and copying every show I watched, even romper room. I always wanted to be famous. Because to me, it was something inside that said if people around you are smiling and laughing, you keep doing what you are doing. I had a loving family around me that always laughed and smiled even if times were tough. From then on, I did everything in the entertainment industry, from school lead roles in musicals and cameo television appearances to even being on young talent time as a junior performer. My mum and grandad were my rocks; they took me and sacrificed a lot for me at a young age to follow my dreams.

What do you like most about acting? 

I’ve probably answered that already – getting to play various roles and challenging myself, and being in the moment. As I got older, I learned to act differently; being younger, I was more worried about being seen on a film or television or showing off (laughs). But after years of experience, my goal was to really take on the person I’m playing and be him – focused on playing the best part I can with what I have at hand. You might have an idea of what the role is but so do others. I used to focus on getting the script right and making sure directors were happy. But I took a different approach and thought to myself, hey, be the guy, show them who you are, and always stay in character. As I call it – be the person I’m playing to be. The best thing I love about acting is seeing people say, wow, you were great; it gives me self-satisfaction and determination to do more because I’ve done right by the character and right by the public. Meeting so many wonderful people who share your enthusiasm and passion for the industry is satisfying. But mainly, it’s to tell stories through different people I have played and hope that I do the character justice and deliver an amazing performance.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer? 

Good question. They are totally different in a lot of ways. I’ve worked on many American and Australian productions, and it’s such a massive difference. I enjoy working on large films; sometimes, you feel like just a number or not famous as the main cast. Because of its large scale, it’s a lot more rushed and more pressure, a lot more crew watching your work which is a good thing though you feel like a celebrity at times (laughs). TV series is great because you get to meet many local talented people, make good friends, and network in the industry. I have done lots of various roles in short films as well. In my spare time, I helped many film students and did many projects to challenge myself for future productions. TV series is also good because you can be known for that character and remembered if you execute an outstanding or memorable performance.

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them? 

Well, I guess my weak points were focusing too much on the script in my earlier years, worrying about stuffing up the lines, and not focusing on the character I would play. As I grew older, I learned not to worry so much and take on that character and be that person without being in their shoes for real. I always try to use my life experiences and what I’ve learned to better or improve my skills to adapt to the character.

What are your strong points as an actor? 

Being believable and having people say, wow! I guess I naturally have that ability now without sounding egotistical. But it’s taken a lot of hard work and experience to get to where I am. Some are luckier in a sense, while others take time. But if you believe in yourself, you never give up, and I have done this my whole life. My strong points would be my dedication and training to be better to move with the times, the diversity of characters I can play from gangster to policeman to father to villain, and even drama. I love new challenges so I can break away from my stereotypical look.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career? 

Wow, tough question! Directors love filming and have chosen that path, and I love acting to make it come alive for them. Many directors are set in their ways, and they have an idea of what they want to achieve on set. Others have asked me for input to make scenes jump out, so I guess you could say I learned creativity from them, and in the end, we are the same. We all have a story to tell; they do it from behind the camera, we have to make their story and their dream come to fruition through our performance. In the end, it’s a mutual effort for all.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business? 

It’s definitely a lot easier in a sense now with technology. We used to have composite cards and written resumes back in my day. Our agents did the best they could, having so many on the books, so you had to stand out. I remember getting in trouble for watching too much television (laughs). I had to explain to my parents that I was sitting there with a notebook taking down casting directors and directors’ names so I could write them a letter and send my composite cards to them and hopefully have a meeting or a chance to audition for upcoming films or shows. There’s also competing with so many talented people when the roles you thought were perfect for, cast someone totally different from what they wanted. I was lucky in so many ways as I always connected well with panel auditions and directors and casting directors. Nowadays, it’s pretty much a screen test, and I believe it’s like a lottery because nothing beats an actual performance on the spot like an improv or an audition face to face. I think we worry too much now; there are so many difficulties around us in this world with acting and film that we just have to do the best with what we have and do an amazing job to the best of our ability.

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life? 

Doing the same character as the scriptwriter envisaged to create and make that person appear in real life. Also, making sure you do the character justice and be creative with it from many angles, I always like to give a different vision as well but mainly stick to the task at hand. It’s also the actors around you that make this magical if you have a talented bunch that gel together; this is where movie magic happens. I love to work with actors who have that natural ability to flow with each other, and this is where it comes to life.

What do you do when you’re not filming? 

Usually, apply for more roles and try to keep myself busy and keep training or networking with others. I love spending time with my beautiful wife Elsa, my little princess Valentina, and my immediate family and friends, who are all so supportive. Nothing is better than being at home after being on set for so long – it’s the precious times we spend with our family and friends that mean the most; after all, they have all supported my journey, and I can’t thank them enough.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far? 

There’s too many to mention. I’d say going to the Logies as an invited guest in 2011 for Underbelly on channel 9 – that was a dream come true. To be in the same room with so many Australian actors and actresses whom I’ve watched on television and being around them was so surreal at that time; I felt I had achieved so much personally. One highlight that has stayed with me was meeting Nicolas Cage while on the set of Knowing; he was an amazing man. I’ve probably forgotten the thousands I’ve met across the years, but they are all special to me as we are all in this field together.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far? 

I’ve become great friends with Ian McFadyen, the writer, and director of the comedy Company, Let the blood run free, and many more productions he has done over the years. I looked up to him as comedy was my life as a child. He is currently directing and writing for our new show called meet the Guido’s; it’s amazing to have such a great man with a wealth of knowledge to learn from and actually fulfill another of my life’s dreams to work with – a man I watched as a child on television.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you? 

Hopefully, me, of course (laughs). Probably John Travolta or Christopher Walken; I get compared a lot to these two actors in my work, so that can be interesting. Otherwise, Al Pacino or anyone from the Sopranos.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

It’s a busy time ahead for me. I’ve been cast in some major productions coming up so far. So I have some major lead roles in some big upcoming productions – look out for me on the big screen next year. I’m spending as much time as I can with my family, enjoying my time, and seeing my gorgeous little girl Valentina grow day by day. Other than that, it’s reading scripts and working on my projects on hand and, of course, talking to you beautiful people at FilmCentral magazine.

Is there is anything else or interesting you can tell us.

I’ve had longevity in the industry, and I want to thank all the people who have believed in me and given me opportunities to fulfill my dreams and my love of acting. I spent a lot of time helping out sick children in hospitals collecting for charity’s; it’s very close to my heart, pardon the pun, as my daughter, Valentina, was diagnosed with a major heart condition from birth, and it’s been a wild journey, to say the least having her heart operation – it really shocked our family. I spent weeks walking around the hospital to help sick children to put a smile on their faces. I always said we were lucky because there is someone worse off out there than us at the moment; this gave me personal satisfaction more than anything I had achieved. It made me feel complete to give something back to those less fortunate or going through worse situations than us.  

Meet The Man Behind The November Issue Of FilmCentral Magazine: Andy Trieu

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Andy Trieu is a producer, host, and TikToker based in Sydney. Currently, he is the lead content creator and face for SW Health TikTok, generating over 8 million views with his daily COVID-19 TikTok updates. Andy is also a renowned voice in Australia’s Asian pop culture industry, working at SBS for 8 years as a founding host of SBS PopAsia’s TV, radio, podcast, and in-flight Qantas programs. He has interviewed the world’s biggest Asian pop celebrities, from K-pop group BTS to ‘Parasite’ Oscar winner Bong loon-ho.

SBS PopAsia reached 1.2 million social media followers and completed over 1000+ shows and was named one of the best home-grown TV shows of the decade by Street mag The Music’ in 2020. From the success of the program, Andy has worked on Triple J’s The Hack, ABC RN, The Drum, Eurovision, 2dayFM with Ash and Angus, Sunrise, Cleo Magazine, and SBS News. Andy played a lead acting role in Screen Australia and Screen NW-funded program Street Smart, on TEN, and Australia’s first Kung fu TV series Maximum Choppage, on ABC.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Andy to discuss his journey in the industry and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I’m mainly a presenter, and producer plus I also act and do some stunts here and there.

How did you get started in the entertainment industry?

I competed in Martial Arts which led to jobs being on film and TV sets of all shapes and sizes. I eventually landed more full-time work on Channel Nine then Foxtel and SBS.

What do you do in the entertainment industry?

I’ve presented on TV, in-flight entertainment, podcast, radio, and online – jack of all trades, master at none? In a nutshell, I collaborate with many in the industry to create, hopefully, something great.

Tell us some of your achievements.

For channel Nine, I was a co-host on the kid’s TV show Kitchen Whiz and we filmed 475 episodes over 7 seasons, being the first ninja host on weekday Australian TV.

I was one of the founding hosts and content producers for Australia’s biggest Asian pop show SBS PopAsia for 8 years, interviewed stars from BTS to Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho.

I’ve contributed to great teams that performed martial arts and action on Wolverine, MARVEL’s Shang-chi, Hacksaw Ridge, Tomorrow When The War Began, and others.

Finally, I had the honour to be the series lead on TV shows Maximum Choppage on ABC and Channel TEN’s Street Smart.

Tell us about your Martial Arts experience and achievements.

I trained for many years in Kung fu and specialised in different performance swords. I was fortunate to compete on a national and international level earlier in my career and had some success with a handful of first places here and there.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer?

They are all really fun and challenging, I think the main difference would be the time frame and the pacing of production, I really enjoy both when I get the opportunity.

Do you prefer working in front of the camera or behind the camera?

I’m a born performer of some sort, so I really enjoy being in front. I have found it also fulfilling to work behind the camera with other creatives! I hope to continue to do both.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I think I’m good at coming up with random ideas! I’m always a yes man, that would be my weakness perhaps.

What has been your biggest lesson in the industry so far?

It’s important to create authentic work.

What are some of the difficulties of the entertainment business?

Convincing people to love your idea as much as you do.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

I love cooking and watching Netflix. I have been getting into games a tad too!

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

Hosting a major kpop event called KCON! Also working on the MARVEL Shang-chi project was an experience, met some lovely people that I still keep in touch with.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

BTS? Officially the biggest boy band in the world, it was an honour to be in the presence of these talented kpop idols.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

Simu Liu?

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I would love to continue to create content that people like and are authentic to me.

If there is anything else or interesting you can tell us

Thank you to Yolandi for the interview, she’s an amazing person!

Actor Spotlight: One On One With Martin Dingle Wall

Martin Dingle Wall has been a series regular in a string of television series in Australia such as ‘Home & Away’ (Logie Nomination: ‘Most Popular New Talent’) ‘Satisfaction’, ‘Underbelly – A Tale of Two Cities’ (Logie Winner: Best New Series), ‘Rescue Special Ops’, and he also starred in his own police drama ‘COPS L.A.C.’ He won the ‘Best Actor’ Award in 2014 for his performance in ‘We Men Do’, he produced and starred in the feature film ‘The Nothing Men’ (nominated for Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema at The Santa Barbara International Film Festival) which has a Rotten Tomato Audience score of 100%, starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Joseph Fiennes in ‘Strangerland’ (Sundance Competition) and played the romantic lead of American Movie Star Michael Barclay in the film ‘All that Jam’ – it was shot in Russia wherein Martin learned and spoke the entire film in Russian. Afterward, he played the lead role of Warren Novac in the action thriller ‘Happy Hunting’ (Winner ‘Best Actor’, ‘Best Film’, ‘Audience Choice Award’, ‘Best Cinematography’) which sits on the prestigious Thrillist at No.13 for Best Horror Films of 2017 and holds the Rotten Tomatoes Reviewers ranking of 100%. Martin then went to Chile to film “Gun Shy” with Antonio Banderas and Olga Kurylenko Directed by Simon West. Currently, he plays Will Scott, the lead protagonist in the series “Cypher” which was shot on location in Los Angeles – he plays an ex FBI Agent and eminent cryptographer. He also plays Luke Hadler in The Dry opposite Eric Bana and stars as the lead Billy Nordic in the new series Unleashed which was shot on location in Los Angeles and directed by Alison Eastwood.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Martin to discuss his journey in the industry and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

Will the defendant rise. Explain yourself! Ha. I’m born and raised in Bondi Beach. It was a rougher place in the ’70s, and 80’s than today’s mecca. Not fitting into the conventional school curriculum my parents sent me to apply for Art school at the end of year 10, lied about my age, and passed the entrance design test. I graduated with a Graphic Design Diploma at 18 when my friends were finishing the HSC. This soon led to applying for Walt Disney TV Animation in Sydney and again passing the illustration test & got onto their production line as an in-betweener.

I did this for 3 years and at 21, I took my earnings and experience and headed to Europe to travel. It was on my travels I would discover street theater and realized this is where my interests were most electrified.

I returned to Australia at 24 and took my first drama class.

Unable to attain entry into any of the Drama Schools, I got rep with an Extras agency. I was just fascinated by the mechanics and process. You’d never find a more fascinated or attentive extra than I was. I watched & learned for years. I did theatre wt short films and freelanced as an illustrator to pay my rent. I’d learn their lines by watching them and then think about how I might do it.

An editor friend eventually cut me a one-minute reel out of a bunch of short films. This ‘Reel’ was shown to a new agent in town. This agent took a chance on me. I soon booked a National Condom Commercial. A while after being submitted to actual casting companies, I got an audition for a Dr. Flynn Saunders on Home & Away at Mullinars.

What do you like most about acting?

I have an absolute love for the process of players agreeing on a situation as stipulated by the scene and together creating a spark of life in a moment in time that can transport you and move you emotionally. It’s the most intoxicating drug, the most exhilarating experience a human can have in my opinion. I literally have lifelong friends born out of sharing a pure moment of truth in a magnificent scene together. This is Magic. Timeless. Through the Eons and Ages.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer?

There is of course a difference – Film is a microcosm. Where stillness is your power. It’s an even more internalized process. TV sometimes you will allow your body to attune with its more natural impulse to move with a feeling. But when all is said and done. The doorway of taking some words, allowing them to inform a reality within you and your full surrender to that creation is the journey and understanding of anyone involved with screen acting.

My preference is honestly governed by the story and how excited I am by my knowledge of the directors’ ability to successfully translate it to the screen.

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them?

I think perhaps we are always seeking to release any control despite knowing where we need to take a scene of where it wants to take us. Humans are creatures of control. An incredibly alluring part of this practice, discipline, or craft is the releasing of control in the otherwise entirely controlled and insular Universe that film and television making is.

So being, present, available yet in charge simultaneously is the perpetual requirement and contradiction of this work and world.

What are your strong points as an actor?

Maybe my willingness to be in a moment with my fellow actors and have an excitement about what could happen, where it could go, what we might discover, or where it could take us and be ultimately committed to our world between action and cut.

This reads as the basic requirements of the actor, but sometimes I think actors can hide, or wobble in their conviction if it goes off track and into the wild, and I think I am a fairly reliable scene partner in trusting that occasionally the scene will overtake and have plans of its own. I feel I stay in the saddle pretty well until the director wants to call cut.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

That there are so many, many different versions of them. Some just want the edit points, some want the coverage for lack of clarity of vision, some want to be led by the actor. So it’s always best to get a chance to meet them as people as much as possible. I’ve signed onto several jobs because the Director was telling the story to me and I could see so much clarity in their vision. Sure enough, these various projects have been some of my biggest successes.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?

Well, it’s not linear. And as beings that seek control & security, we operate in a linear function. The acting game is somewhat philosophical to me. If we approach it like its combat, we will find that. If we think someone can take a part, then that will restrict our flow, so to speak. In practical terms, show up. Before I got the rep I wanted in LA, I was self-submitting. It’s sort of the garage sale of the industry. But there are films being made in the self submit isle. Any submissions I made and got invited to, I turned up ready. Frequently few actors would turn up. Sometimes no others. Sometimes auditions were cancelled because actors were a no-show. I showed up every time and was ready. Eventually, it’s just the law of averages working in your favour as well. Everything helps. Every audition made an impact.

I booked my first US feature film lead through these channels. It’s called HAPPY HUNTING. We won 23 festivals and gained 100% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. After the fact it was discovered the director Louie was Mel Gibson’s son. This is why you go to Hollywood. This stuff happens there. It gave me my first Hollywood Reporter Review as a Leading Man and ultimately led to the opportunity to be seen for CYPHER. My current US TV Series Lead.

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life?

You learn this stuff very early. As you are learning the craft, you discover there is a safety veil between you and the words, scene, or fellow actor. This veil often gets exposed and destroyed through the pure fear of losing control. That’s why doing classes or practicing is essential. You can f*** up, and every time you lose control you get closer to your actual strength as an actor. You need to be scared to death a few times I think, even naturally gifted actors. When you are scared you reach out to rely on your scene partner & in those moments actually feel the connection that you seek in life. The tangible. And then maybe you realise you have been in scenes with people but in your need to control, not actually been with them. The veil disappears upon the moment of real connection.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

Raise my son, travel, swim, go on adventures, build cubby houses, climb, skate, watch movies, stretch, hydrate, create, draw, write, produce, collaborate, read, google, cook, meditate, stretch, train, flirt, date, strum, teach, learn, explore, be a friend, be a brother and son, drive my van, give thanks for my life.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

Going to Hollywood, never signing with an Agent, only a Manger, and having a couple of Feature Film Leads – two current TV Series Leads is an active yet memorable blessing. The reason that bears stating, is that we are told there are ways this happens.

I didn’t go to the US with a film at Festivals. I didn’t go with Agent intros. And no one owed me that. I just went. And my journey as an actor, let alone in that town, is only just starting.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

The most interesting people I have met have also been the most attractive creatively. I mentioned earlier, there are some directors I met that when they had offered me the leads in their productions we then met properly. When you meet someone that doesn’t give you a sales pitch. They just tell you their vision. The excitement you feel of them knowing how to take their vision to the screen and that you get to enjoy being submerged in their skill is the greatest delight. They are the most desirable and interesting to me,

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

I’ll be submitting pretty solidly for that part. Or if it’s after the fact, my son can play me.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Future Plans? Keep dreaming. I want to work with Ridley Scott, and Spielberg – I want to work with the greats. I am going to keep seeking roles that talk about stuff that fascinates me. I’ve done reasonably well so far in attracting a variety of roles. I know that at some point when you become visible you have a brand, and so far the kind of roles I’ve been attracting that are getting me some visibility are characters that I don’t mind being branded with.

Is there is anything else or interesting you can tell us?

I was given some great advice by an Italian actor Franco Nero. I took a flight some years back with him back to London. He said that movies are called this because every frame is moving. TV is still sometimes. Never in ‘Movies’. He said your best friend is the cameraman and the lighting guys. Understand the relationship between camera and light. If your director tells you to hit a mark and move your head here on this line then you do that. If he is good it’s because his cameraman had told him to. And that’s because the lighting is in place for that position. For you, If you know your work, your craft, your team, and you can listen to what they are telling you when your head is on a 50-foot screen – you do your work as an actor, but you hit that mark the cameras has asked of you.

This is when you see the complete artistry that is the collaboration of the Director, Actor, Camera, and Light. And that alchemy is where the medium can touch and change the world emotionally, with the right sound!

This is why we are fans of movies and this is why we became Moviemakers.

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing George Pullar

Accepted at the age of 17 years old, George Pullar attended the prestigious, Western Australian Academy Performing Arts, where he trained extensively in theatre and screen in its coveted three-year acting degree. Since graduating in 2017, he has forged an impressive stamp on the Australian screen and more recently, established himself in the United States and abroad.

Fresh out of drama school, George played Larry Gray on Foxtel’s A Place to Call Home for which he was recognised by the Australian Academy of Film and Television and nominated as best new talent. In the same year, he also played a supporting lead on Foxtel’s acclaimed miniseries Fighting Season about returned soldiers from Afghanistan. In 2018, he was listed by the Casting Guild of Australia as one of the nation’s rising stars. He is recognised for his work as Daniel Fletcher on Chanel 10’s hit show, Playing for Keeps, and was involved in all episodes of its two seasons.

He also voiced the role of Bradley Burrows in the Universal Animated Film, Combat Wombat. Shortly after, George played the lead role of Tyler in the Australian Feature Film, Moonrock for Monday. He was awarded by the Australian Screen Network Industry, best lead actor in a feature film. In late 2019, George scored his international break, working alongside golden-globe winner Michael Chiklis, on Paramount Plus’ Coyote. He was directed by Michelle Mclaren who is known for work on Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. Since returning back to Australia in 2020, George wrote, acted, and produced his own dark comedy short film, Stonefish, set for a festival run in 2021. George has recently wrapped on the feature film It Only Takes A Night, where he plays the romantic lead. The film is also set for release in late 2021. Currently, George is filming the ABC Series, Barrons, in which he plays American Businessman and co-leading role of Bernie Hunter Junior.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with George to discuss his journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I grew up in Queensland and base myself out of Currumbin on the Gold Coast when I’m not filming. I’m a twin (with a girl) and one of four kids in a very adventurous, chaotic, big family. Proud owner of a Senior Labrador, Lord Archibald (14), and an over energised British Bulldog, Theodore (4). I love to travel particularly anywhere near the ocean or the snow and am a diehard Brisbane Lions fan.

How did you get started in the entertainment industry?

Honestly, I chose drama as a bludge subject in Year 11 to balance out a heavy workload. Then I broke my leg quite badly on a holiday and Drama had turned out to be my best subject. My drama teacher encouraged me to audition for the school play, seeing as I was injured and had the time, and so I did, and that was that. Pretty quickly discovered it was the only thing I’d studied that came quite naturally to me and my teacher really planted the idea that I could pursue this and make something of it. So, I auditioned for WAAPA at 17, not really expecting to get in, and then I did and that really set me up. I think teachers are pretty amazing in the way they can impact an entire life.

What do you like most about acting?

I’ve always been very curious. I ask too many questions, too quickly, I’m told. Acting gives me a chance to really satisfy that curiosity about people and life in general. I love stories of any kind, children’s books, sporting legends, at the pub, in the cinema, or over a family dinner, I feel like I’m always looking to appreciate the joy and confusion and shortcomings in humanity. I suppose because I’ve always felt that way myself and acting in a strange way, helps me understand who I am and perhaps why I’m here. It also just beats sitting at a desk or shovelling concrete.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer?

I think they’re becoming more similar. Typically, TV can feel a lot more formulaic and the shooting pace is a lot faster. In my experience, film feels a bit more collaborative. There’s something comforting in knowing where it ends, the director has a vision that starts and finishes and so you can really arch out where your character travels. Whereas TV there’s a lot more guessing and working the fly. But ultimately it doesn’t affect how I approach it. It’s all the same for me.

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them?

I think I still suffer a bit from wanting to be ‘likeable’. That’s only natural. You want the audience to like you. But that’s not actually my job and that’s not really how it works. Audiences invest in authenticity. When they see something on the screen that they know exists or could exist in their world, they’ll invest. It’s my job to just be true to the character. Even if that means doing things or behaving in a gross way. It takes courage to do that because it’s very revealing of your own demons and flaws. But that’s what great acting is. Exposing yourself. I’m trying a lot harder to create characters you pity rather than are jealous of or impressed by. And all I have to do is watch any of Phillip Seymour Hoffman to remind myself of what this is all about.

What are your strong points as an actor?

I just genuinely care. I always care about the person I’m playing and don’t think about them as a ‘character’. I think when you truly care, you bring your own heart to it and perhaps some real vulnerability. And that’s what I like to watch on screen. I also would like to think I’m fun to work with and am always open to whatever another actor has to throw at me. I love surprises!

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

Telling the Story is the single most important thing. I know that sounds kind of obvious, but on a set, it can be very easy to be distracted by superficial details or your own self-interest. Screenplays are written as emotional machines. They’re engineered with a specific structure with peaks and troughs and escalating story beats and tension that we should all adhere to. Simplicity is key. Great directors are good at reminding you we’re just here to tell this story. That’s what it’s about. Not your abs or your need to be constantly smoking in every scene.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?

In a word, uncertainty. Uncertainty about your next job. Uncertainty if what your doing is any good. Uncertainty about what your filming schedule looks like for the next 5 days because of the weather. Uncertainty whether that film you shot will ever see the day of light. Uncertainty whether your nose looks very strange on that big screen! (It’s brutal watching yourself.)

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life?

I think the first challenge is making sure everyone, across all the departments, is trying to bring the same script to life. Sure, the words remain the same for everyone, but we all need to be visualising the same film, and the same tone. Once you’ve got that cohesion from the production design to the actors to the DOP and so on, you give yourself a chance of creating a world that is true to that story.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

I surf. Play with my dogs. Chill with my girlfriend. And read and write a lot.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

Getting to act in the first thing I’d written and being directed by one of my best friends, Megan Smart, in our first short film – Stonefish (set for release later this year). I can’t wait to act on more stuff I write and produce. It’s all-consuming and deeply satisfying.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I recently shot a US Series in Mexico alongside Michael Chiklis. He’s had an amazing career and has become somewhat of a mentor to me. He had some Hollywood stories that blew my mind. But I think everyone that works in the film industry is interesting. It’s a bizarre and bold thing to do with your life and naturally draws a fascinating crowd. I’ve always been impressed by Unit Operators, those guys and girls that set trailers up at insane hours, first to arrive, last to leave, and always seems the happiest and funniest on set. I think some of them should have been actors.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

Aside from the physical differences, I reckon my little sister would crush it. She’s always been a great mimic and quick to point out the flaws I struggle to see in myself. Her interpretation would be tough to watch but probably fairly accurate.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Make my own movies. Act in them. Act in other people’s movies too. Surf. Have a family. With lots of dogs and maybe one day write children’s books. At least for my own kids.

Is there is anything else interesting you can tell us about yourself?

I have a crippling addiction to peanut butter and black coffee.

Breaking: Buddy-Comedy “Carmen & Bolude” The Only Australian Project Invited To IFF At TIFF 2021

Australian producers Yolandi Franken and Michela Carattini of Draw Your Own Box Productions were ecstatic when they received the news their feature film “Carmen & Bolude” was selected for the highly competitive Ontario Creates International Financing Forum 2021 (iff 2021) at TIFF (or Toronto International Film Festival). “All of us know this project is magic,” says Franken, “that there is a force greater than us at play.”

The news came on the heels of preparing their Generate Development Funding acquittal for Screen Australia, and Bolude Watson and Carattini, who is also the co-writer of the script, had only just finished the final draft due for the acquittal. The project had already been seven years in the making, but the final shooting script had to be written together across 13,000km, with Watson unable to get home to Sydney from Edmonton, Canada due to the pandemic. 

“Bolude would be writing dialogue into her phone in the middle of the night while breastfeeding and trying to toilet train,” says Carattini, “I was in lockdown with two young kids of my own, and I thought to myself, ‘we can do it like this, we can do it differently – however works! The entire process for us has been profoundly similar to giving birth, and on all counts, we are privileged and blessed to have an enormous amount of support and encouragement.” That support, which included Anthea Williams as script editor, Beatrix Christian as script consultant, Paul, and Akala Newman as Gadigal consultants, a Sydney-based “Quarantine Writer’s Group” and household members generously looking after children whenever possible, saw the final script completed two weeks ahead of schedule, to the celebratory news of being one of only 20 international projects – and the only Australian project – chosen for the premiere financing forum.

Now in its 16th year, the premiere two-day market serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects and takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival. Selected international and Canadian producers are brought together with international sales agents, US distributors, agents, equity financiers, and executive producers for brokered meetings and exclusive networking opportunities. This year the forum, which runs September 12th and 13th, 2021, will be an all-virtual event due to the pandemic. “Of course, there is nothing like those in-person networking events,” says Franken, “but being in lockdown in Sydney, we wouldn’t have been able to attend if it weren’t online this year – so that accessibility is a huge relief.” 

Projects include diverse and LGBTQ-themed narratives, female-driven stories, comedies, romance, and drama from all over the world, including teams from the UK, Brazil, Croatia, El Salvador, Finland, Greece, India, Israel, Scotland and the U.S. Event producer Larisa Gutmanis stated in the ‘IFF at TIFF 2021 Kickoff Panel,’ available on the Ontario Creates website, that IFF looks for projects in the US $1M-15M budget range of any genre except documentary and animation. “We look for originality – something we’ve never seen before,” she remarked, “All the executives want to see original material, and why a project is important now.” 

“‘Carmen & Bolude is based on Michela and my lives” says Watson, “That was the reason we wrote it: we were desperate to see a story we could relate to on the subject of multiple cultural identities and being constantly asked to choose.” Carattini adds, “For us, Australia has a unique light to shed on the subject, and we’re seeking to engage the conversation from a perspective we haven’t seen before, using laughter as a means of connection and accessibility, while still holding space for the depth of human experiences on this issue.” 

For more information, go to www.carmenandbolude.com

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing Ashlyn Louden-Gamble

At 11 years old, Ashlyn made her screen debut starring as the title lead role of Monday in the feature film MOON ROCK FOR MONDAY, directed by Kurt Martin and also starring George Pullar and Aaron Jeffery. Ashlyn has participated in several NIDA acting workshops and currently attends an esteemed performing arts school as well as the Young People’s Theatre.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Ashlyn to discuss her journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Ashlyn Louden-Gamble, I am 13 years old and live in Port Stephens, NSW. I attend Hunter School of Performing Arts – HSPA which is a selective high school in Newcastle, NSW. Currently, I am in grade 8 and my electives are all drama-based – I am really enjoying improvisation and physical theatre.

In Port Stephens, we are surrounded by beautiful beaches and national parks. Where I live, we have kangaroos and koalas that regularly hang in our backyard and there is even an emu we see on my way to school. I just love nature!

How did you get started in the entertainment industry?

When I was about 8 years old (grade 2 at school), I started drama classes with O’Grady Drama School. My mum thought drama classes which was a great opportunity for me to overcome my shyness and unleash my creative side. My cousin and I were always making iMovie’s, which kept our family entertained, but the first play I ever did was the Pied Piper (with Helen O’Grady). I played a pirate and a rat! I had so much fun and discovered I loved acting.

In January 2019 I completed a NIDA screen acting course and soon after that I had representation and started auditioning for films… not long after my first audition, I was lucky to be cast as Monday in the feature film Moon Rock for Monday! It all happened very quickly.

What do you like most about acting?

I love the freedom to pretend – I enjoy acting as someone else, thinking and feeling what life is like for that character. I like that being a different character gives you the opportunity to look at life and the world in different ways.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?

I think many actors would say the auditioning process… there can be a lot of unknowns about the role, things outside of your control, and the “No’s” can be quite disappointing – especially when you have your heart set on a role. I just try to approach each audition as a creative outlet, show my take on the character and just have fun with the whole process! And keep my fingers and toes crossed for that “Yes.”

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life?

Initially, scripts are a lot of words and black print on pages of white paper. In bringing the script and your character to life, you must have a great imagination and be able to believe the story is your reality – the world it presents, the people in it, your experiences, your thoughts, and your feelings. I also think being able to empathise with your character in a way you think and feel like them is important. You cannot let your own feelings take over.

It is what I enjoy most about acting… you get to experience other worlds and life as someone else.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

School! But I am lucky to attend HSPA where I can study drama and join various ensemble groups and productions.

I also like to try new things and gain experience in as many courses as possible like drama, singing, accent training, aerial silks and I enjoy sports too and spending time with family and friends.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

Playing ‘Monday’ in MRFM was an amazing experience! I learned so much, met so many creative and talented people and travelled to new places. Coober Pedy is such a surreal place. One of the biggest highlights was attending Adelaide Film Festival where I got to watch MRFM for the first time – seeing it all come together was so exciting and seeing myself on the big screen was a little weird. But cool!

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

There are so many talented and creative people in the industry. So much goes into making a film and so many passionate people are involved. Seeing people do what they love is interesting to me and what I hope for in my career.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

It would have to be Me! Only I could be me. Plus, I am quite young still so not sure who else. But I would love the chance to work with Tom Holland, Julia Roberts, Dwayne Johnston, and Hugh Jackman.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I would definitely like to do more feature films and screen acting as well as finish school. I have also been thinking about working in either a pet shop, florist, or crystal store.

If there is anything else or interesting, you can tell us about yourself?

I am a massive foodie! I love watching cooking shows and I even follow a few food critics on Instagram (which I am recently new to).

Pho and bubble tea also happens to be my comfort foods.

Australian Intimacy Coordinators Michela Carattini (“Nine Perfect Strangers”) & Steph Power (“Five Bedrooms”) Join Forces To Share World-Class Expertise

Michela Carattini is an Intimacy Coordinator and Company Director at Key Intimate Scenes (KIS), Australia. Her IC screen credits include “Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Blaze,” “Birdeater,” “Learning The Curvature Of The Earth” and “This River.” She co-created and co-instructed the first Intimacy Coordination Workshop for Directors at AFTRS, was a member of the panel which drafted Australia’s National Intimacy Guidelines, and co-founded the Australasian Intimacy Coordination Network. She developed the only Australian training curriculum for Intimacy Coordinators, and is one of the only people in the world to be fully insured under the title of “Intimacy Coordinator”. Specialising in cultural competency and mental health, she has been an expert speaker/interviewee on Intimacy Coordination for IF Magazine, FilmCentral Magazine, Cinema Femme Magazine, ABC News, SPA, WIFT, SFAA, and Mecury CX Screenmakers.

Steph Power is Australia’s leading Entertainment Industry Welfare specialist. Her ground-breaking production and acting welfare services are internationally recognised. Her informed practices are endorsed by actor Hugh Jackman who refers to Steph ‘as a leader in her field’. As an Intimacy Coordinator, she supports culturally appropriate performance coordination, and has conducted industry welfare training for West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, JMC Academy, National Theatre Drama School, Melbourne Theatre Company, WIFTAustralia, MEAA Equity Wellness, Dame Changers, and has contributed to the Covid Safe Set Guidelines for SPA and Screen Australia. Steph has worked on Covid sets as an Intimacy Coordinator for the film “Prawn,” the feature “Petrol for Arenamedia,” the TV series “5 Bedrooms” for Channel 10/Paramount Plus, and is attached to the film “Secret Dresses.” She also created a new role titled Production Welfare Coordinator on the ABC Series “Itch 2.” This work covers mental health risk assessment and planning, HOD training, and cast and crew support. As part of her advocacy, she is working with key players to further develop this role across the screen and broadcast industries. Steph provides consultation on psychological, cultural, or sexually diverse content and has a private counselling practice at her suites in Malvern. She is a graduate of the renowned WAAPA Acting School, has a degree in Directing Performance from WAAPA, a post-grad in Psychotherapy, and a Masters in Counselling. Her diverse qualifications bring depth and insight to her work.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Michela and Steph to discuss their journey in the entertainment industry and their latest projects and here’s what went down:

Who are you and what do you do in the film industry?

Michela: I’m Michela Carattini, and I’m an actor at AAA Talent, a filmmaker at Charcol Pictures, and an intimacy coordinator and company director at Key Intimate Scenes. I’m also mixed (Celtic Australian, Indigenous Latin American), CALD, multi-local, multi-lingual, multi-national, able, queer, cis-gender female, and a primary carer of young children. You wanted to know all that right?

Steph: I’m Steph Power and I’m an industry welfare specialist and intimacy coordinator at stephpower.com and founder of the original Intimacy Coordinators Australia forum. I’m also known as an acting coach, script advisor, and creative producer. I am an 8th generation Australian and have two children, both equally into films and all things entertainment.

How long have you worked in the industry and what was your journey?

Michela: Let’s see, I’m 41 years old, so…I have worked professionally in the industry for 28 years – with a few breaks trying to make a dent in human rights abuses. I started off as an actor/singer/dancer/choreographer in musical theatre and graduated from AMDA in NYC. I led and supported Off-Broadway and U.S. national tours when suddenly I was watching the second plane fly into the second tower from my window on September 11th, 2001. It made me want to understand human behaviour better, and I ended up with a BA in Psychology from Columbia University and a Masters in Criminology (specialising in ‘Violence Against Women’) from Sydney University. I worked in that area for about seven years, in New York, the Czech Republic, and Australia, until I had my first son. Who knew acting was a fall-back career? It provided an escape from life as a carer with a flexible schedule to boot. The joy, the pain, the life I had experienced, both vicariously and first hand, made me a more interesting storyteller, and I got a lot of work in film and ‘straight’ theatre, as well as producing my own work. I kept trying to put my two career paths together, noticing that my fellow actors were struggling with many issues for which I had the expertise, including consent, coercion, abuse, boundaries, trauma, and mental health. There was suicide, self-harm, exploitation, straight-up sexual assault, and just plain confusion about how to go about things everywhere I looked. I myself struggled with the occupational hazards of being an actor without clear production structures that could minimise those harms. When I started training with those who had established themselves as ‘intimacy coordinators’ in other countries, I was already developing the work on sets here. I am grateful for that overseas training, and it exposed me to international standards and strengthened my work in certain areas to be sure, but having now experienced what is on offer, I am continually impressed with the truly world-class expertise that exists within Australia and New Zealand already. I mean it! There are real gaps in the overseas training, not least of which is mental health, cultural competency, and legal literacy, which is what drove me to prioritize those approaches in the Australian curriculum and seek out those leading the way here.

Steph: I’ve been in the industry for 36 years, but as a professional for 28 years after graduating from the renowned WAAPA Acting school. After two years working in Sydney as an actress, I moved to London where I worked on contracts at companies like Polygram Films (script department) and Channel Four (programming) to pay rent while enrolled in the Actors Centre London. On my return to Australia, I took a job in Perth as an assistant director on Ship to Shore. I then moved to Melbourne, returned to acting, met and married a young filmmaker who became a successful editor, and had my first child. During this time I began a lifelong journey with coaching actors. I completed my degree in performance directing at WAAPA and in 2010 set up Enigma Films. It was losing two actor friends to suicide and seeing other industry friends suffer due to sysemic industry that shifted my focus to an urgent need for actor and crew welfare in professional settings to make the industry a supported workplace. In 2015 I began developing new practice strategies while studying for a postgrad degree in Psychotherapies and Counselling. I researched actors’ emotional vulnerabilities in their work especially in intimate and psychological material, and researched industry systems that impacted creative life. One of my research papers, “Being an Actor”, was a programme of strategies to alleviate mental health impacts in performance settings. On the back of my research in actor welfare and of set practices and crew issues, I set up stephpower.com and moved to Melbourne in 2017 where I completed my Masters in Counselling. Since I was already working with actors in performance welfare as half my business, registering the Intimacy Coordinators Australia as a business name and launching my Intimacy Coordinators Australia Facebook Page in 2019 was a natural move (Not to be confused with another ICA who has a website in this name but is unregistered). In 2020 at the start of the pandemic, I was invited by SPA and Screen Australia to deliver my Covid Safe Set Welfare guidelines to strategise protections for actors and their support crew. With an increasingly ‘welfare friendly’ industry thanks to changes brought about by the #metoo movement and now COVID, I am continuing to advocate for more on-set welfare roles such as the Production Welfare Coordinator which I first implemented on an ABC series in 2020. I love the work I do right across industry welfare and I love developing and improving my role as an Intimacy Coordinator.

What is intimacy coordination?

Michela: The role coordinates and facilitates the industry’s best practices for the portrayal of intimate scenes. This includes expertise in consent, sexual dramaturgy, movement direction and masking, modesty garments and barriers, risk and controls assessments, advocacy and the mitigation of power dynamics, minimizing secondary trauma, and localised mental health support as required.

Steph: It’s essentially supporting the right for protection of a performer’s wellbeing in any physical and emotionally vulnerable scenes. The role of Intimacy Coordinator is often limited in its general interpretation, however, the role itself – as it becomes more explored by people of different cultures, race, gender, sexual diversity, and skill backgrounds, including practitioners like myself with unique qualifications in performance, directing and mental health – will increase the specialisations that are employed in this role. While the specifics of consent, risk management, actor welfare, and shaping performance are required in most settings, I don’t promote the role being limited by overseas gate-keepers and want to see equally knowledgeable Australians culturally define this role themselves. Particularly because the IC role can be used in unscripted and factual formats not just scripted. For example, I was recently approached to IC a project with both real and dramatised women telling personal stories of childbirth and loss. I knew I was perfectly equipped to help, but a straight choreography-focused IC would not have been appropriate, as this project required solid mental health knowledge. This is why Michela and I teamed up because we know there can be complex depths to screen content that for mental health risk aversion require a more qualified practitioner.

What are some of the filming activities that require an IC on set?

Michela: The Australian Intimacy Guidelines (Nov 2020) are very clear that any nudity or simulated sex should have an IC on set. These guidelines have now been incorporated into SPA-MEAA’s National Guidelines for Screen Safety (Jun 2021). However, there are many other reasons you may want to have an IC on set, including any particularly vulnerable circumstances, such as a large power differential, cultural safety, or managing mouth-to-mouth risks in the age of COVID. The Australian industry has really been at the forefront of this (COVID physical and mental risk mitigation), being one of the only countries able to shoot content right through the pandemic.

Steph: Scripted and unscripted or live performances can have intimacy across drama, comedy, documentary, even music videos, and art-based performance. When I read a script and there is a scene where a performer is physically and/or emotionally exposed I assess that scene, do risk mitigation, and work with the actor’s own welfare status to decide if that scene is requiring intimacy coordination on set.

Who does the IC protect and why?

Michela: The IC is an expert consultant that can mitigate the inherent power dynamics on set and advise on industry best practices to better protect actors’ safety and mental health, crew safety, and ultimately production, in being able to show they have met their safety obligations and delivered best practice. No matter how nice a producer or director maybe, their roles have inherent coercive power over cast and crew. I am also a film producer, and today I would never IC my own set because I am aware that my position of power as a producer makes me unable to obtain boundaries and freely-given consent the way an IC, who has no power to hire or fire, is able to do.

Steph: I say to actors, directors, and producers separately. I’m here to protect your best interests. By positioning a third party into the process, the IC protects the actor’s consented safety measures while supporting the director’s vision and implements necessary duty of care and legal protections for the producers. It’s not just the actors who are concerned about physical boundaries of touch, I’ve had directors concerned about actors getting too familiar. I’m forever hearing a new story that makes me reassess and expand my thinking. Bottom line, anyone involved in the telling of intimate performance content should have welfare safety protections so they can get on with the job and not be concerned for their wellbeing. This includes working respectfully with the crew on closed set intimate shoots. A good IC always checks in with the First AD regarding closed set crew care prior to the shooting of intimate scenes.

What are some of the tools and methods used? Why are these important?

Michela: The KIS method incorporates mental health, legal and cultural competence approaches that inform our practice from the inside out. Our risk and control documents are developed specifically for this work, which requires continuing consent, flexible assessments, and creative solutions. This helps to minimise coercion and secondary traumatization, giving creatives space within which to ‘play’ and let go in safety. One actor I worked with described it as ‘a bungee cord’ with which she then felt free to ‘jump off the cliff.’ In particular, we as an industry ask our actors from marginalised communities to re-enact their own and their community’s traumas, and we must be aware and responsible for the occupational work hazards that go along with that.

Steph: I agree with everything Michela says regarding the documentation process, I use an IC-specific script co-joined with actor consent forms to map out the intimacy boundaries during rehearsals. I also consult on actor welfare, waivers, wardrobe intimacy covers, the line producer regarding any risk assessments, the safety or covid officer for updated set protocols or risks, and standby wardrobe for on-set changes. I want to be clear that an IC like myself trained in mental health does not therapise an actor. However, that skill is helpful in recognising when an actor is uncomfortable on a somatic level that is not obvious to the untrained eye. This improves your ability to assess risk so you can respond appropriately as an IC. I’ve picked up vulnerabilities with actors who don’t want to mention it because of wanting to placate everyone and then when they do say, “actually, you know I had a bad experience with another actor or scene which really impacted me so yes I wouldn’t mind you being on set”, the actor instantly feels relieved when I’m able to read their non-verbal cues. Young actors are especially great maskers when they want a job!

Tell us about your new business venture, and what you do, your approach.

Michela: Steph and I decided to join forces because we admired each other’s work. We were a natural fit as we were both mental health professionals, who also had a background in academic research and as trained, working actors. She’s just also a wonderful human being, and I appreciate her compassion as a fellow parent and actor welfare activist to no end! We kept reading about overseas intimacy coordinators in the Australian media, and both of us felt it was important to support our fellow Australians in this work, especially when they are of such high calibre!

Steph: Though different in personality, life stage, and cultural background, I think Michela and I share the belief that Australia should not be looking outward, but self-defining the role of an intimacy coordinator. We should look towards experts in Australia who have researched and developed welfare tools in performance here for years. As Australian ICs we believe we must, as a priority, address the individual cultural needs, systems, and power dynamics within our own country before adopting attitudes to intimacy coordination that do not fit our own industry systems – and also adapt and conduct IC education here accordingly. Australians need to look at their own knowledge base and voice for this role.

Who can become an intimacy coordinator (what qualifications do you need, and where can you get trained)?

Michela: As with any position, I think it’s worth looking at a person’s resume (what is their training, qualifications, and experience?), their work (do you like it?), and who they are as a whole person (are they the right fit for this production?). KIS has created the first Australia-specific training curriculum for intimacy coordinators, as well as the first training program based in Australia, full stop. Our curriculum has been endorsed by overseas leaders in the field, but most importantly, by local leaders across fields and ethnicities, including Australian First Nations elders. Outside of this, there are only overseas training programs.

Steph: Well I can’t comment on overseas training programs because I don’t personally recommend them – mainly due to the lack of research and mental health training of the people running them, their predominant focus on choreography which doesn’t equip anyone for factual unscripted content, and the fact their certs are not recognised by education providers. I’d rather see ICs in Australia train here, use pre-existing qualifications and learn under experienced Australian ICs. For a designated training course in IC, I do however recommend KIS as Michela’s qualifications and course provide comprehensive learning on welfare, and we are in discussion about how we can work together to expand training here in the future. I myself educate on intimacy with workshops to industry providers, educators, and individuals.

Is IC a new thing, what made it relevant?

Michela: To me, it’s kind of like asking if consent is a new thing. No, it’s not, but our understanding of it is continually changing. The industry’s understanding of the need for this role, like our understanding of consent, is tied to our understanding of power dynamics, which we often put in terms of gender and race issues. Post #metoo and #blacklivesmatter, it’s certainly the zeitgeist to consider the nuances of consent in our industry, so I think it does feel to a lot of people that this role has suddenly come out of those movements, but that’s not really the case. To quote Kaja Dunn, a contemporary for whom I hold the utmost respect: “As ICs, we stand on the shoulders of many.” In particular in marginalised communities, there has been recognition of the importance of consent and the importance of safety in our storytelling much earlier. We now have scientific research, from neuroscience and from psychology, which provides evidence for the fact that, when we pretend things, there can be real biological effects, which validates for Western culture the wisdom of our First Nations peoples, who incorporated ritual into storytelling, which we now recognize as an essential tool for minimizing secondary trauma. If you look at Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, who was starting to bring in this work in the 1960s in her writings on Black Theatre, and Tonia Sina, one of my mentors in the US, who wrote a thesis in 2006 and used this title that we use now, this ‘Intimacy Director’ or ‘Intimacy Coordinator’ title that has really caught on. At the same time as progress was being made there, Steph was building the concept of ‘on-set welfare’ in Australia, and Jennifer Ward-Leeland was developing ‘intimacy guidelines’ in New Zealand. In England, Ita O’Brien was developing the work through Laban and dance and choreography. So, you know, it hasn’t come out of just one country or one person and it hasn’t really been as recent as it seems. What I think is recent is the understanding and acceptance that the role is necessary, and that, like seatbelts, this will become a normalised feature of our safety repertoire.

Steph: Yes, the recent movements helped make the role essential, the exploration of the role of intimacy coordination was used within academic research and development by those like myself doing studies in performance welfare much earlier. I used to use the words ‘intimate performance welfare’ as I was referring to ‘actor welfare’. As is the case for years there have been many people all over the globe tediously researching performance methodologies and the neurology and psychology of acting and performer welfare, before those who defined themselves in the role. I know of several university fellows who were researching actor welfare, mental health, and performance care strategies when I did my own research. However, when an idea is placed within mainstream settings, that is when it gets exposure. It has also been when this role first was limited by definition.

What are your favourite and least favourite aspects of working in this industry?

Michela: Favourite – That magic that happens when a collaboration of artists creates something truly greater than the sum of their parts…and when that product is able to affect or validate the thinking and being of others because that story was told.

Least Favourite: Artists as a whole are so undervalued in our culture. They give such invaluable gifts, and at great sacrifice. Even within the industry, there is still this sense of hierarchy, fiercely protected by gatekeeper after gatekeeper. I think historically creatives have had to wield power and sacrifice mental health in order to be treated with respect. I sincerely hope intimacy coordination will support changing this aspect of the culture.

Steph: Favourite – Well I love acting with a passion so I feel an instant kinship and protection towards actors. I could work 7 days a week doing what I do to create better support systems for actors than the zero support system on offer at the time I was an actor. You had to look after yourself in performance settings and there were stories we all shared as actors that only made me more determined to pursue this work. Actors to me as storytellers are untapped treasures.

Least Favourite: Industry people who don’t support others. I think that falls into a number of categories including unfriendly competitive behaviours. I think if you have a dream and really believe in something, go for it and only listen to your own voice.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of being an IC?

Michela: At the moment, I think many people are still confused about what we do and don’t do, particularly if they have never worked with an IC. I get a lot of “Michela’s here – does anyone need help with their sex life?” jokes or scoffing, “How exactly did you get this job?”. The other major challenge is self-care; it’s a role that requires an immense amount of bravery, and among powerful players.

Steph: I think for me right now it’s working with Australian directors or producers who have read an article by the UK or US IC gatekeeper who has scared them off using an IC! I’ve been pretty lucky most of the time, but I always make a point of explaining how I work and my understanding of the needs of both actors and directors. We think differently in this country and I understand the concerns of directors enough to navigate my positioning in the process.

What are some of the films, actors, and directors that you worked on as an IC?

Michela: People always want to hear about the names they know – so yes, I was the intimacy coordinator on Nine Perfect Strangers with Nicole Kidman, Tiffany Boone, Samara Weaving, Manny Jacinto, and Melvin Gregg, and on Blaze, with Yael Stone, Josh Lawson and Simon Baker, but I also love the queer stage piece I IC’d called Set Piece, and This River, the little short that could, which ended up winning Naomi Fryer ‘Best Director’ at Flickerfest. Different kinds of productions with differing scopes and budgets really have different intimacy coordination needs, so it keeps me on my toes!

Steph: Ha! I naturally err on naming names but I’m currently attached to 5 Bedrooms TV series for Channel 10/ Paramount + and just finished on the feature Petrol for Robert Connolly’s company Arenamedia, also an independent film Prawn for new director Ella Carey. I’m due to start on Secret Dresses (lockdowns willing!) and I’m also an educator at JMC Academy Film School and The National Theatre Drama School in performance welfare. It’s been a busy year. I think to bring the industry up to speed with overall performance welfare we need to educate from the top down and bottom up right across industry platforms.

Were there any important/memorable moments on set when you felt you made a difference?

Michela: Well, yes, lots. I know just having an IC on set puts people on their best behaviour. For some actors, you can see the relief in their faces and bodies that someone cares about their Consent (with a capital “C”), and they get excited about using intimate scenes to reveal characterisation and story. Actors say things to me like “I’ve never met anyone who talks like you” or “who really listens like you.” And producers are like “this is so great – we avoid tonnes of expensive, time-consuming, awkward negotiations with lawyers and agents, cause you’re there to sort the wording for nudity and simulated sex clauses.” But maybe my proudest moment was in the closing interview for this incredible young woman I worked with on a feature, who said, “Because of you, I will never agree to do something that makes me feel unsafe and I don’t want to do. I look at scripts now sometimes, and just go, ‘no, that’s not for me.’” She’s fourteen! I just thought, wow, how I wish I started my career with that sense of self-knowledge and empowerment.

Steph: Oh yes, on every job. Especially with young actors, you know you have increased their comfort level and their access to joy and play within rehearsals. I think the role really is key in enabling actors to give their best performances in those scenes. I had two young actors aged 16 and 18 doing a simulated sexual act, which is very young. I really am conscious about knowing this cohort’s boundaries and needs at an age when they may not be able to articulate them. When they automatically say yes to anything I continue the conversation past that automatic yes. I also had a middle-aged actor with previous bad experiences with intimate scenes, and we worked on re-framing her narrative away from placing herself to the character, the character’s individual nature, and experience of sexuality…when we did that, it was like a switch went off and she bloomed, it wasn’t about her personal experience of sex, she then had a lot of fun with her character’s performance in the scenes. This is one of the reasons I am so grateful I have that behavioural training as a backstop, because I know a simple question or way of phrasing from counselling experience that can switch things 180 degrees for an actor. I love seeing a nervous actor on Day One become the most confident actor on set after working with me. I often roll up and go, is this the same actor? It’s fantastic! When you show up for someone’s vulnerabilities and provide that support for performers- and the production is there for them by employing you – my gosh, actors bloom!

Meet The Woman Behind The August Issue Of FilmCentral Magazine: Emmy Winner Jodi Long

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Film, television, and stage veteran Jodi Long, best known for her roles in “Sex & the City,” “Sullivan & Son,” and “The Hot Chick” recently won her first Emmy for “Outstanding Supporting Actress” on behalf of her role as the bold and fabulous “Mrs. Basil E” on Netflix’s “Dash & Lily.” She is Lily’s stylish and extravagant great-aunt who offers wisdom and pushes them to enjoy life. She is also the glue that ties Dash and Lily together. Interesting fact: Her character is an homage to the eccentric character from the novel “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.” She is the mentor and best friend we wish we all had and were! Dash & Lily was nominated for a total of 6 Daytime Emmy© Awards including a nod for “Outstanding Young Adult Series.”

Although best known for her roles as the power lesbian ‘Patty’ in HBO’s “Sex and the City” and her role as the Korean mother in The Hot Chick (“Ling Ling! You forgot your bling bling!), Long has been working consistently in Hollywood for decades following her roles in hit TV series “Café American,” “All-American Girl” and “Miss Match.” She starred on Vince Vaughn’s TBS sitcom “Sullivan & Son” playing ‘Ok Cha,’ the ever-amusing Korean immigrant mother of ‘Steve’ played by comedian Steve Byrne. Long’s extensive list of TV and film credits also includes “Franklin & Bash,” “Desperate Housewives,” and Beginners alongside Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer. Not only limited to acting, Long is also a talented filmmaker creating an award-winning documentary Long Story Short, her personal family story which tells the tale of her Chinese-Aussie tap dancer father and Japanese-American showgirl mother (‘Larrie & Trudie’) who became a popular husband-and-wife nightclub act in America in the ’40s and ’50s even landing a performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Born and raised in Queens, Long graduated from the High School for Performing Arts in New York and graduated with a BFA from the acting conservatory at SUNY Purchase. Long’s love for acting came from traveling with her vaudevillian parents and growing up backstage which eventually led her to star in her first Broadway show at just 7 years old in Sidney Lumet’s Nowhere To Go But Up. After an illustrious theater career in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions, Long would eventually win an Ovation Award for the 2002 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song (her father starred in the original production in 1958). She also starred in Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s theater production of The World Of Extreme Happiness which ran in both Chicago and New York last year.

FilmCentral Magazine recently caught up with Jodi to discuss her recent win at the Emmy Awards and here’s what went down:

This is obviously a very personal project for you. What was your reaction when you saw these nominations pop onto the screen?

I didn’t see the nominations pop on a screen until the day of the actual Awards ceremony. So by then, that was the least of what was going to happen in the next few minutes! The day I found out I was nominated, it came in an email from the showrunner/creator of Dash And Lily, writer Joe Tracz. He created such a delicious part in Mrs. Basil E that I was so happy to hear the news from him first.

Of course, we definitely have to congratulate you on your Emmy win this year! Can you describe the feeling you had when you heard your name called and that moment you held that Emmy in your hands?

Thank you! I was stunned with disbelief when I heard my name called, can someone pinch me so I know I’m not dreaming?! Holding the Emmy? Exhilarating!

Photo Credit: Benjo Arwas

You were nominated for “Outstanding Supporting Actress” on behalf of your role as “Mrs. Basil E” on Netflix’s “Dash & Lily.” Can you tell us more about your role in this TV series?

I play the Great Aunt of the main character Lily. She’s a Broadway musical diva who is very rich, very grand, and quite eccentric in a bohemian way. She is also very wise and a bit of a fairy godmother to Lily. Like Glinda with Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Mrs. Basil E is always asking the right question at the right time, encouraging Lily to make her own decisions.

What sort of person is going to relate to this character?

Everyone, young and old! I mean, who doesn’t want a fairy godmother in their life right?

How is this character like you? Different?

Well, I have been on Broadway doing musical theater in the revival of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song playing a character who had quite a lot of stage presence and “je ne sais quoi”. I’m different in that I don’t lounge around my house in sequined caftans with rings on every finger!

What’s the biggest challenge to taking on this role?

The biggest challenge was it was freezing in NYC while we were shooting in my fabulous townhouse answering my front door. I had hand warmers under and in every part of my costume just to keep warm!

If you could actually play any other character in this series, who would it be?

I think I won the lottery with Mrs. Basil E even if I was young enough to play Lily.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer?

There is really no difference between working in front of a camera for a movie and TV series except the time you get to do a scene. With a TV series, if you are lucky enough to get more than one season, you and the writers have more time to understand and develop a character which usually yields you a bigger arc.

Photo Credit: Benjo Arwas

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them?

I don’t feel I have any weak points! The most important thing for an actor is to be in the moment of a scene and take it a moment to moment.

What are your strong points as an actor?

I guess you would classify me as a character actor. I like to challenge and stretch myself as an actor and subsequently have a large range. I am also not afraid of taking chances as I explore a scene.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

If you mean on a set, I am not a person who can read a book! Some actors like to retreat into a book. I have to stay focused on the world and character I am inhabiting. I can read a magazine or check email, but nothing too involving as I like to stay focused. When I am not working, I do a lot of yoga, garden, and do Tai Chi.

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?

The hardest part is sometimes you can be on a great work roll and sometimes it’s slow. You never really know why but that’s when it’s important to keep your center and be creative anyway. As an Asian American woman actor, the most difficult part at the beginning of my career was to be cast in parts that weren’t specifically Asian. In those days, Asian written parts were few and far between. But I was and still am determined to change things for more inclusive casting. My part as Mrs. Basil E in Netflix’s Dash And Lily, for which I won an Emmy, was originally played by Ingrid Bergman (in the movie version) and then by Lauren Bacall (in the tv movie). It’s been a long time coming but now that’s progress.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

The good ones trust you. The bad ones will try to micromanage you if you let them.

Photo Credit: Benjo Arwas

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life?

It really depends on the script and the role because each has its own challenges. Some require research into a character or a way of life and some just learning lots of lines!

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

I think an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress is pretty memorable!

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

The most interesting people I’ve met have all been artists and creative types. Why? Because most of the ones I know are critical thinkers and I enjoy hearing different points of view and how they manifest within their creative process. Don’t get me wrong, business-minded folks can be very creative thinkers too.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

We’ll leave that up to the casting director (laughs)!

Can you tell the readers any new projects you have coming up that you are excited about?

I have a movie coming out in September, although I can’t say what yet. And I am currently in talks for my one-woman show SURFING DNA to be produced on the East Coast.

What advice would you give anyone who is looking to follow in your footsteps?

Follow your dream and keep the naysayers away. Work on your craft and let your instincts guide you. Most importantly, do what you love, for even though you will work hard, it will never really be just work, it will be creative PLAY.

Photo Credit: Jim Krantz

One On One With A Professional Stuntwoman: Introducing Jackie Murray

Jackie Murray is an accomplished martial artist, gymnast, dancer, and business owner. In the film and television industry, she is a successful and dedicated assistant director, production manager, stuntwoman, and actress.

Jackie was born and raised in a Martial Arts family and gained much experience training in locations all across the world including Hong Kong, China, the U.S.A, and her home, Australia. Her primary style is Kung Fu, and she is trained in Karate, Wu Shu, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Tai Chi, including the traditional weaponry of these arts. She is also a proficient Gymnast and is an accredited Level 1 Gymnastics Australia coach.

For many years, Jackie has held ownership over her family’s Martial Arts studio, which she herself expanded to include tuition in Dance, Gymnastics, and Parkour. She is an extremely successful Master, who in 2011, was inducted into the ISKA’s (International Sport Karate Association) Hall Of Fame twice and awarded the title: ‘Female Instructor of the Year’.

Having entered the Film and TV Industry as a child actress, Jackie’s passion for both the Performing Arts and Martial Arts led to her unite the two when she began to pursue Stunts. Here, her skills truly flourished and she showed not only promise as a Stuntwoman but through much experience and training, expanded herself to undertake roles as an Assistant Director -Production Manager and also Safety Assist(WHS).

Jackie has been involved in the Film and TV Industry since childhood, appearing in several commercials and short films. Over the last 10 years, she has gained notable successes as a Stuntwoman for tackling high-risk jobs including multiple full-body burns. She has also gained multiple acting roles in which she has been able to align both her Acting Persona and Stunt Persona to complete both dialogues-heavy and physical roles.

FilmCentral magazine recently caught up with Jackie to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I am a company owner x 4; an actress, stuntwoman, first Assistant Director, Assistant Stunt Coordinator, and Film and TV Safety Supervisor.

What are some of the most known projects you have worked on?

Marvel, The Kingsman, The Bold & the Beautiful, Home & Away, Mavrix, Love you like that, Wyrmwood, The Moth Effect, (Gold with Zac Effron)

-What are your role/s in the film industry?

Stunt woman, Assistant Stunt Coordinator, 1st AD, Actress, Producer, and Safety Supervisor.

What do you like most about what you do?

The Variety of roles I can do.

How dangerous is a stunt job?

Stunt always will have danger attached to the job but with all the safety precautions and training and equipment we now have access to makes our job so much safer to do.

What training and qualifications are required?

There are many qualifications and lots of training that must be done to work within the stunt field. There is also a grading system that must be met and a panel of people run under the MEAA that approve you and your application to become a stunt performer.

There is also a number of levels that you work your way up. When you first get accepted into the stunt world you are known as a SAP and then you apply to work your way up the ranks. See the stages below :

-SAP (Stunt actor provisional)
– Stunt Actor
-Safety Supervisor
– Assistant Stunt Coordinator
_ Stunt Coordinator

Is there an age limit to stunt work?

Too young or too old? Yes, starting age of 18 yrs. However, you can you a younger specialist in a field and request a dispensation from the MEAA Stunt Panel.

Did you find it difficult to work as a stunt woman in a male-driven environment?

Yes, when I first started they were getting the male stuntmen to dress as a woman to do the stunts even when there was a Female stuntwoman available. Times have changed a lot now and there are so many stunt women working within the industry and it’s great to see.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

There is so much out there in the way of learning… I have a rule that I live by and that is to learn at least one new thing a day. One thing I love is that directors are becoming more accepting of Stunt Coordinators and Stunt Professionals helping out with the actions scenes and having more say in the direction of action scenes and how to shoot and edit them or now more and more we are seeing 2nd unit Action director credits.

What are some of the difficulties of the entertainment business?

The long hours we do and trying to also have a family and children and the travel.

What are the different sorts of stunts?

Wow, there are so many to list and we would need this full magazine to list them all…….. But here a few of the most common used regularly:

-Basic Trip and Falls
– Driving Sequences from basic driving to precision driving to racing, crashing, rolling, and exploding cars.
– Car knockdowns
– Jerk backs
– High Falls
– Fire both on our bodies and explosive fires
– Gun & weapons
-Water & Boat
– Motor Bikes
– Animals
And I could keep going and going…

What is involved in performing a stunt?

Stunts can be very basic to doing things that we think are never possible. What’s involved in a stunt no matter how basic still holds risk and the stunt person and all involved need to be well trained and highly skilled to make it look amazing in a safe way.

So training is a must also making sure preparation of what’s involved is fully thought out and rehearsed over and over to rule out all the risk and show all the possibilities in making a stunt look and work to its full potential in keeping stunt safe but as real as possible so the viewers watching the stunt feel like they are there when it’s happening.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

Okay, so here is yet another long answer that I may need pages for (laughs).

When I am not on set filming which is not very often, I am a mother of 3 amazing children (So cleaning, cooking, school, shopping, and all mother and taxi duties). I am a wife so basically add that to mother of 4. I own 4 companies so working on all the paperwork and everything it takes to run a business with 25 staff. I find time to train and I also prep scripts and do script breakdowns for Safety reports and 1st AD scheduling along with Assist stunt coordinating doing stunt breakdowns and budgeting etc…

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met so many famous actors and would take forever to list them all but some of my favourite for many different reasons are Zac Effron, Rebel Wilson, John Jarrod, Hugh Jackman, Hugh Sheridan, David Wenham, and Susie Porter.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you? Me.