Press release from Australians in Film
Los Angeles-based Australians in Film (AiF), the preeminent organization for expatriate Australians in the entertainment industry, has announced that applications and guidelines for the prestigious third annual Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship (HLS) are available and entry deadline will be extended until December 22nd, 2010 at www.australiansinfilm.org.
The scholarship has expanded, and has added a one-year full-time scholarship to Stella Adler Acting & Theatre – Los Angeles to the winners package, in addition to two runner-up scholarship packages.
The annual Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship is named in honor of Ledger who was an Ambassador for AiF before his untimely death in January 2008 and has the support of the Ledger family and many of Heath’s friends and colleague in the entertainment industry.
Speaking on behalf of his family, Ledger’s sister Kate Ledger states, “We are so proud and honored to support the Heath Ledger scholarship through Australians In Film.
"With the help of our incredible sponsors we continue to offer recipients an opportunity to showcase their talents internationally.”
The primary scholarship will be awarded to an emerging Australian actor, for up to USD$10,000 cash, a one year, full time scholarship to Stella Adler Acting & Theatre – Los Angeles, a roundtrip airfare from Australia, and a SHOWCAST VIP Package to pursue their career in the United States.
Two runners up will each receive a roundtrip ticket from Australia plus a SHOWCAST VIP Package. Applications will be accepted until December 22nd, 2010.
The twelve month acting scholarship will give the winner the opportunity to further their craft with one of the most respected acting schools in the world who students include Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Mark Ruffalo to name a few.
The VIP Package from SHOWCAST, Australia’s leading and most respected casting service, and their partner Breakdown Services, LA will give incredible visibility to the winners to key casting agents, actors agents and entertainment industry decision makers in Australia and the US.
Benefactors to date include Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, Michelle Williams, Phil Noyce, Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin and Colin Farrell. Judges have included actors Jude Law and Rachel Griffiths, film director Gregor Jordan and casting agents John Pasidera and Anne Fay.
Judges and benefactors for 2011 will be announced in January 2011.
Past recipients are Oliver Ackland and Bella Heathcote. Previous Runners up are Firass Dirani, Veronica Sywak, Adelaide Clemens, Eamon Farren and Craig Stott.
Applications and complete scholarship guidelines are available on www.australiansinfilm.org.