Brooke Goldfinch and Catriona McKenzie have been chosen as the director’s attachments on Sir Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant.
They will work on the project for five weeks while the production films in Australia.
The Director’s Attachment Scheme is an incentive program funded by Screen Australia and managed by the ADG for emerging directors to develop their craft.
Both Goldfinch and McKenzie are accomplished directors.
In 2016 Goldfinch was nominated for Best Direction in a Short Film at the ADG Awards.
She is a graduate of the Tisch School for the Arts in New York and was selected to direct a segment of the compendium feature film The Colour of Time, starring James Franco and Jessica Chastain.
McKenzie is AFTRS alumni whose debut feature film, Satellite Boy (2012), won the Crystal Bear Special Mention Award for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival. Catriona’s other credits include Redfern Now and Dance Academy.
“A director’s attachment with Ridley Scott is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Across all genres, his films have a pure cinematic vision. I look forward to being a great big sponge – quiet and absorbing,” said McKenzie.
Goldfinch said shadowing one of her icons on one of her favourite blockbuster film series was an extraordinary opportunity.
"With over 40 years’ experience, Ridley Scott is a master. He has always nurtured the careers of women in front of and behind the camera and I'm happy to have the privilege of working with him," she said.
Alien: Covenant producer Mark Huffam said, “We are very happy with the choice of the two candidates, and hopefully they will both benefit greatly from the experience of shadowing a director of Ridley Scott's standing.”
Previous feature film attachments facilitated by Screen Australia and the ADG include Beth Armstrong on Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge, and Kelli Cross on Rachel Perkins’ Jasper Jones.