Australians in Film (AiF) has announced the opening of a bespoke hub for the Australian film-making community in Los Angeles, offering a multi-purpose, communal workspace for its industry members to conduct business, collaborate and network.
The space is named ‘Charlie’s’ after Charlie Chaplin and is located at the historic Raleigh Studio in Hollywood, where Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks made films and frequently played cards.
‘Charlie’s’ has been co-funded by Screen Queensland, Screen NSW, AFTRS and Film Victoria.
AiF chairman Simonne Overend said it was an essential part of AiF’s mission to provide career opportunities and nurture a vibrant community for Australians working in Los Angeles.
“‘Charlie’s’ provides a supportive workspace for both up-and-coming and established Australian content creators to cultivate their ideas in an environment that is inspiring and encouraging. AiF has provided a sense of community and a home-away-from home for over a decade through our screenings and various social and educational programs. ‘Charlie’s’ is another structured way we continue to provide this,” she said.
The space will include four hot desks, two belonging to Screen NSW, one to Screen QLD and one to AFTRS. The spaces can be booked through the AiF office, in addition to a meeting roomed named the Mermaid Lounge after Annette Kellerman. The lounge will be also open to Victorian practitioners as well as AiF members.
CEO Screen NSW Courtney Gibson said "Our two hot desks at ‘Charlie’s’ will allow NSW-based practitioners the chance to hang their shingle out in Hollywood. Whether they're individuals in town for meetings, or developing projects in teams of two, we will aim to offer our people maximum flexibility and support and are very pleased to be doing so in partnership with Australians in Film, AFTRS and the other agencies."
CEO Tracey Vieira, CEO Screen Queensland said Queensland practitioners will have an anchor point at Charlie’s where they can conduct and grow business, and said she hoped the space would potentially open up greater opportunities to forge professional relationships with US commissioners and financiers.
“Although relationships can be made and established on the phone and online, there is a time in a project’s lifespan that a handshake and face to face meeting can advance business and seal a deal,” said Vieira.
AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow said it had taken a desk space to provide alumni a home to work from in LA.
“By being part of the Australian community in the US they will gain valuable support, insight, and much needed friendly faces as they pitch their wares to the largest entertainment industry in the world,” he said.
‘Charlie’s’ will open its doors today, as a selection of visiting high-profile Australian filmmakers and government agency heads including Gibson, CEO of Screen Australia Graeme Masona and CEO of Film Victoria Jenni Tosi are in LA for Ausfilm meetings.