The Australian Directors Guild (ADG) has partnered with The Communications Council and seven advertising production companies to offer commercial and content directing mentorships to female directors.
As part of the support received from Screen Australia’s Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers initiative, advertising production companies from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will mentor up to seven female directors.
Funding received from the initiative will be administered by the ADG to the successful applicants as stipends in undertaking the mentorships.
Production companies participating include CPC members Finch, Photoplay Films, Revolver, Rabbit, Curious Films (all NSW), Otto Empire (VIC) and Beautiful Pictures (WA).
“In less than four months after being announced as a Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers recipient, we are thrilled to see the Australian Directors' Guild has so quickly turned their directing mentorship program into reality,” said Screen Australia senior development executive Nerida Moore.
“The commercial screen sector represents a fast-paced and varied learning ground for directors, and history shows careers in drama and documentary often follow. This ADG program has a modest barrier to entry, so I encourage women looking to take the next step in their career to not let this opportunity go by."
ADG CEO Kingston Anderson said many great directors have forged their careers in the television commercial sector .
“It is an important and exciting place for directors to show their skills as visual storytellers. This is a great opportunity to open this field up to more female directors,” he said.
The Communication Council CEO Tony Hale said the council was thrilled to partner with the ADG on the mentorship program.
“Diversity in its broadest sense across commercial creativity is critical to the development of insightful, relevant and effective ideas for business. We welcome the opportunity to work with our Commercial Producers Council (CPC) members in mentoring these talented female directors, and look forward to their future success as creative leaders,” he said.
Applicants must demonstrate an elementary level of skill and experience as a director.
Applications will be open from October 14, and close November 30.
The following application materials must be supplied and sent via email to development@adg.org.au:
• An application form downloadable from the ADG website or available upon request
• A two minute show reel demonstrating the applicant's visual style
• Up to two additional pieces of work the applicant has directed which can include any screen content such as short films, documentaries, commercials, branded content, corporate videos, music videos, animations etc.
• A one minute piece-to-camera pitch explaining why the applicant should be chosen for the mentorship
• CV including awards and festivals won or participated in
• A reference from a screen industry practitioner