| Formation | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Type | Film and television industry organization |
| Purpose | Promotion of Australian filmmakers and performers in the United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles |
| Location |
|
Region served | Los Angeles |
Membership | 600 |
Official language | English |
President | Kate Marks |
| Website | australiansinfilm |
Australians in Film (AiF) is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that serves the Australian community working in the film and television industry. It awards the annual Heath Ledger Scholarship to emerging Australian actors, as well as several other programs which help actors and filmmakers to develop their careers.
Australians in Film was founded in Los Angeles, California, in May 2001, to celebrate and support Australian film and TV makers and their work.[1]
In 2008, Australians in Film established the annual Heath Ledger Scholarship, named in honor of Australian actor Heath Ledger,[2] who was an ambassador of the group.
In 2012 the organization established an Annual Benefit Dinner to raise funds for scholarships and career development programs. The honorees at the first event included John Polson, Liam Hemsworth and Yvonne Strahovski. In 2013, Australians in Film launched the Orry-Kelly International Award for Australians who have achieved in the film and TV business overseas.[citation needed]
In 2015, Australians in Film announced that Foxtel will become the naming rights sponsor of the Breakthrough Awards.[citation needed]
AiF is based at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, occupying a shared workspace known as Charlie's.[1]
As of May 2022[update] AiF has over 700 members, who included actors, filmmakers and people from the U.S. film industry.
As of May 2022[update] producer Emma Cooper is chair of the board that oversees the organisation.[1]
AiF is supported by Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Film Victoria, AFTRS and the University of Melbourne (Victorian College of the Arts), as well as commercial partners including Ausfilm, Animal Logic, Bird in Hand winery, Yowie Chocolates, Penfolds and Raynor & Associates.[1]
AiF runs a number of programs to help Australian actors and filmmakers to develop their careers, including the Heath Ledger Scholarship (for actors), Untapped (for emerging writers and directors); Gateway (for established writers and directors); Exchange (for producers);[2] Mentor LA, Animal Logic Entertainment Internship, and Charlie's Labs.[1]
The Heath Ledger Scholarship includes a $US10,000 cash prize; a return economy flight to the US; and administrative and educational support for the actor's career.[3]
Winners include: