The Nine Network has announced a new three-year sponsorship deal to support students at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the WA Screen Academy for their Short Film Program. The WA Screen Academy and WAAPA are part of the Edith Cowan University.
Channel Nine Perth Managing Director, David Mott, said: “We are delighted to support the unique film collaboration between WAAPA and the WA Screen Academy.
“By sponsoring this acclaimed program we aim to nurture local Australian screen talent and create a sustainable source of industry professionals. We are excited at the creative possibilities this partnership will bring.”
In a joint statement, Andy Ryan and Jo Rooney, the Heads of Drama for Nine Network Australia, said: “As Australia’s leading drama network, Nine is thrilled to support Australia’s leading drama school. WAAPA has a knack of identifying and nurturing the most outstanding acting talent in the country.
“Their graduates have major roles in many of our dramas, including Kate Jenkinson who stars in Rebel Wilson’s new US show Super Fun Night currently on Nine, and Ben O’Toole who will play Constable Pete Tripodi in Nine’s new series, Love Child.
“Another graduate, Hollie Andrew, will star as Roberta Williams in Nine’s new underworld drama series Fat Tony & Co, which will launch in 2014, along with Love Child. We look forward to working even more closely with WAAPA students in the future.”
WAAPA graduates who have enjoyed outstanding success in Australia and overseas are Hugh Jackman, Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Frances O’Connor, Jai Courtney and Dominic Purcell.
As part of the sponsorship the Nine Network is supporting Australia’s next generation of film and TV professionals by introducing 10 awards that acknowledge excellence across all departments of screen production.