Bridget Ikin.
Innovative producer Bridget Ikin has received an accolade from the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Ikin joins a select group including Dr George Miller, Baz Luhrmann, John Edwards, Darren Dale, Jan Chapman and Phillip Noyce as recipients of an AFTRS Honorary Degree – Doctor of Arts, Film and Television.
She received the award in recognition of her significant contribution to the screen industry from AFTRS chair Russel Howcroft.
“Bridget is a role model for future screen makers and we are thrilled to award her this honorary degree,” said AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow.
“She has made a remarkable contribution to independent screen and broadcast production in this country and her commitment to supporting women behind and in front of the camera has been outstanding.”
Ikin has produced multiple award-winning films, short films, documentaries and moving image projects in Australia and New Zealand, including Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table, Sarah Watt’s Look Both Ways, Jen Peedom’s Sherpa and Alison Maclean’s Crush.
She also collaborates with leading artists on multi-screen projects and is currently producing Angelica Mesiti’s multi-screen work for the Venice Biennale, which runs from May-November 2019.
The exhibition is supported by the Australia Council and will be eventually be presented in Australia.
Among her earlier roles she was head of SBS Independent, commissioning more than 400 hours of Australian programming; associate director – film, of the Adelaide Festival 2002; and evaluation manager at the FFC (now Screen Australia).
Ikin said: “It means a great deal to me to be recognized for my contribution to the cultural fabric of Australia, since I was born in New Zealand and didn’t move here until I was 35. I continue to thrive on facilitating exceptional projects, in supporting women, and advocating for diversity.”