19 02 2020 - Media release Screen Australia announces Talent USA: New York delegation Ben Lawrence, Meg O'Connell, Mithila Gupta
Screen Australia has announced the 11 creatives selected to travel to New York in April 2020 as part of the Talent USA: New York. The delegation will attend the Australian International Screen Forum (13-16 April) where they take part in professional development and networking opportunities.
The Talent USA program was first run in 2017 in Los Angeles and proved so beneficial it returned in 2018, was expanded to Talent USA: NYC in 2018 and 2019, with a dedicated Indigenous delegation in 2018. The program presents a unique opportunity for Australian creators to learn and network on the ground in the US, offering participants a chance to forge connections with both Australian and American creators.
Screen Australia CEO, Graeme Mason said, To achieve success in this global industry it is imperative we help Australian talent establish and foster creative and business relationships in the US the largest English speaking market for screen content. This group were chosen because they are at the point in their careers where they can really take advantage of the opportunity and leverage these connections for their upcoming projects.
Australian International Screen Forum Co-founder and Executive Director Michael Kelleher said, We are excited to showcase the 2020 Talent USA delegation to a New York industry audience. As the demand for screen content continues to grow, these talented Australian creatives are in a prime position.
The delegation will attend the third annual Australian International Screen Forum at Lincoln Centre in New York where they take part in professional development and networking opportunities. The forum brings together outstanding actors, filmmakers, producers and industry legends to guide the next generation of outstanding Australian talent. The forum's ambassadors are Deborra-Lee Furness, Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.
For US industry representatives wishing to meet the delegates or to get more information on the program email Harry Avramidis, Manager, International Initiatives at Screen Australia.
TALENT USA: NEW YORK 2020 CONTINGENT Belinda Chayko: A writer, producer and director, Chayko was the showrunner and lead writer for the International Emmy Award-winning SBS mini-series Safe Harbour which screened on Hulu and BBC. She was also co-writer/story producer on ABC drama Stateless starring Cate Blanchett and Yvonne Strahovski, which will make its world premiere at Berlinale and will be broadcast in March 2020. A former journalist, Chayko co-created and co-wrote two seasons of the political thriller Secret City which screened on Foxtel and Netflix, and the ABC mini-series Barracuda. A recipient of numerous scriptwriting accolades, including AWGIES and AACTA Awards, she has also directed two feature films - Lou, starring John Hurt (which she also wrote) and City Loop. Both films screened internationally at major festivals, including Toronto and Busan. Chayko is currently developing a number of series and a feature film.
Vanessa Gazy: An award-winning writer, director and creator, Gazy completed her Masters in Directing at AFTRS in 2014, winning the school's Kenneth B. Myer Award for Exceptional Talent. Gazy is currently developing her first feature Highway with Goalpost Pictures and Automatik (US). Her drama series Id is in development and was first developed through Endemol Shine's ROAR: Smart for a Girl Gender Matters initiative. Gazy's short films Foal, Highway and Shiloh have screened at over 30 film festivals internationally. Gazy is represented by Matt Rosen (Grandview LA) and WME.
Erin Good: A writer and director, Good created the hit Australian fantasy digital series Jade of Death which has amassed over 3.5 million views online. The series has been acquired by CBC and has won or been nominated for over 60 awards including; Best Drama Series from the International Academy of Web Television; Best Digital Series at the C21 International Drama Awards; and an Australian Directors' Guild Award. Good is in development on a long-form adaptation of the series with support from Screen NSW. Her pilot script was shortlisted for the 2020 Sundance Episodic Lab. Good is also in development on neo-noir teen vertical series Red, feature film Please Help with co-writer Huna Amweero, the magic realism feature film A Lovely and Terrible Thing based on an award-winning Australian story of the same name, and the comedy/drama series Squatters with co-creator Chris Squadrito.
Mithila Gupta: A prolific screenwriter, Gupta has written on iconic Australian television series including Five Bedrooms, Doctor Doctor, The Heights and more. She wrote the pilot and several episodes of ABC teen series The Unlisted which screened on Netflix globally and was the assistant script editor on acclaimed ABC drama series Cleverman. Gupta endeavours to diversify the Australian screen industry and believes true inclusion starts on the page. She's currently developing her own slate of projects aimed at a global market with a focus on India.
Alison James: James is an award-winning writer and director. Most recently she wrote and directed Judas Collar - a scripted, live-action short film. Judas Collar premiered at Sydney Film Festival with a Special Jury Mention for Best Director and went on to play at over 100 festival screenings, winning Best Narrative Short at the Austin Film Festival. James won the Australian Writers' Guild Award for Best Short Film and was also nominated for an Australian Directors' Guild Award and an AACTA. James has directed over 50 hours of internationally broadcast factual television. James is drawn to adventure and worked extensively in remote and punishing conditions while directing 24 epis
