8 Week Program I Mondays OPEN PROGRAM I  7pm - 9pm I Commencing 18th of May 2015                 8 Week Program I Tuesdays BY INVITATION    I  7pm - 9pm I Commencing 19th of May 2015

We were beyond thrilled to have one of Australia's most influential Executive Television Producers, Jo Porter join us in Term 1, 2015. Jo is currently the Director of Drama at production giant: FremantleMedia Australia and executive produces many award winning television series including Wentworth, Wonderland and Neighbours. We are delighted to announce that yet another one of Australia's most prolific Television Producers, Andy Walker, will be coming to our Melbourne studio as part of our Text to Screen-Test Program in Term 2, 2015.

Andy Walker has produced hundreds of hours of Australia's most popular television series' and he continues to be one of the busiest television drama and narrative comedy producers around.  He is currently the producer of the highly anticipated $14 million television series, The Kettering Incident, starring Matt Le Nevez (Offspring; Love Child) and Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby).

Also joining us as a very special guest this term is Senior Casting Director of Maura Fay Casting & Associates, Lou Mitchell.  Lou has cast some of our most favourite Australian films and television dramas over her 30 years as Casting Director.  Her most recent project is the award winning drama series for the ABC Network, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, starring Craig McLachlan and Nadine Garner.

Conducted by Australian Film and Television icon Simone Buchanan, as well as invited industry guests Andy Walker and Lou Mtichell, the Text to Screen-Test Program has been meticulously shaped to guide and encourage students to work on their specific areas requiring development, whilst bringing forth their strengths when Screen-Testing for Prime Time Drama.  Simone will work with actors both individually and as a company, assisting students to POP from moment one of an audition. Please see below for a breakdown on what to expect from this fantastic program. Scenes are assigned to students each week (one week prior to their next class) along with an outline on the course content and prep work for each session.

For actors who participated in Term 1, 2015, they have another opportunity to work in this on-going manner with Simone, who is increasingly familiar with them and the areas in which they need to develop further. Continuing across the terms with Simone ensures stability in training & rehearsal, and consistency in terms of the guidance & feedback offered, with scenes selected to target specific areas of weakness and strength. The studio also welcomes actors to the program who did not participate last term as they can begin this process, leading to a stronger understanding of the requirements of screen testing.

In the final weeks, students will be able to put their hard work into practice during their one-on-one screen testing session with Television Producer Andy Walker and Casting Director Lou Mitchell.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our actors to meet and greet Andy and Lou, and to showcase their work to these professionals who are at the forefront of the Australian Film and Television industry.

***Please note that the Monday evening session is open to actors of all levels and experiences.  The Tuesday evening session is for graduates or by invitation only.

Award winning television Producer Andy Walker is currently producing Network Ten's Wonderland and The Kettering Incident for the SOHO Network on Foxtel.  Prior to this, Andy produced Mr & Mrs Murder, starring Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart; hit series A Moody Christmas; Laid; Woodley, and Judith Lucy's Spiritual Journey.  He also produced all three seasons of the award winning, cutting-edge drama series Satisfaction for Showtime, as well as hit police drama Stingers for the Nine Network. Alongside his producing knack, Andy has developed a fascination and skill for casting. This session with Andy will explore the role of casting director, the process of managing auditions and the variables in negotiating with acting talent.

Maura Fay Casting continues to introduce upcoming stars to national and international feature films, television series and pilots through close collaborations with noted industry leaders. The experienced consultants have a proven track record with an eye for new talent. Maura Fay Casting has an extensive credits list that includes casting for feature films (The Killer Elite, starring Robert De Niro, Clive Owen and Jason Statham), movies of the week, TV series (Packed to the Rafters; Crownies), TVC’s, musical theatre, music clips and short films. Lou Mitchell's most recent credits include Neighbours and award winning television series, The Dr Blake Mysteries for the ABC, starring Craig McLachlan & Nadine Garner.

Australian and International actors who have appeared in Maura Fay Casting projects include: Simon Baker, Benjamin Bratt, Bryan Brown, Rose Byrne, Helena Bonham Carter, Russell Crowe, Judy Davis, Michael Douglas, Robert de Niro, Joseph Fiennes, Isla Fisher, Kick Gurry, Martin Henderson, Paul Hogan, Stephanie Jacobsen, Hugh Jackman, William Hurt, Nicole Kidman, Christopher Lambert, Heath Ledger, Rob Lowe, David Lyons, William H. Macy, John Malkovich, Julian McMahon, Debra Messing, Poppy Montgomery, Olivia Newton-John, Frances O’Connor, Alex O’Loughlin, Miranda Otto, Teresa Palmer, Guy Pearce, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Roberts, Richard Roxburgh, Brooke Shields, Greta Scacchi, Yvonne Strahovski, Donald Sutherland, Magda Szubanski, Rachael Taylor, Anna Torv, Jack Thompson, Naomi Watts, Michael Weatherly, Andy Whitfield, Sam Worthington, Ethan Hawke, Aden Young, Billy Zane, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Richard E Grant, Rachel Griffiths, Charles Dance, among others.

Simone Buchanan is best known for her stunning portrayal of Lizzy Curtis on internationally acclaimed feature film Shame starring alongside Debra-Lee Furness. But it was her years on Sitcom Hey Dad that hold the fondest of memories in the hearts of most Australians when she played wacky Debbie Kelly. After many years of stage work, Simone returned to our screens in various roles on almost every Australian television drama including McLeod's Daughters, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, All Saints, G.P, Push, A Country Practice, Sons and Daughters, The Flying Doctors, A Good Thing Going, Secret Valley, Pacific Drive, and award winning feature film My Brilliant Career (Directed by Gillian Armstrong).  Simone’s more recent fans would know her as Samantha Fitzgerald on Neighbours, a role she has been enjoying playing for many years. She also completed filming on the Australian feature film Patrick, starring Rachael Griffiths, and guest starred on hit ABC Comedy Upper Middle Bogan.  Simone is a semi-regular guest host on Network Ten's popular morning talk-back show Studio 10.

To enrol, simply book via our website.  It will automatically be sent to enquiries@filmtv.com.au.  We will then process your application. If you send your application form and all placements have been filled we will be in touch to notify you.  If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on 1800 FILMTV (1800 345 688).

*All applications are processed on a first in first served basis.  Once your placement has been confirmed, you will recieve a full week by week breakdown on what to expect from your program, together with further course materials which are sent to you via email.

Melbourne Studio I 390 Clarendon Street I South Melbourne I VIC 3205 I www.filmtv.com.au