Women working in the film and television industry will be better supported to build their professional and leadership skills, thanks to an Andrews Labor Government program to improve representation in the sector.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced the latest round of Film Victoria’s Women’s Professional and Leadership Development Program, which will support 15 women working across Victoria’s screen industry to build their capabilities and advance their careers in the sector.
The program is part of the Labor Government’s Creative State strategy and offers tailored career and skill development to help women position themselves for future high-level leadership roles in the screen industry.
The recipients come from right across the sector – from producing and content development to marketing and exhibition, and will undertake activities including international placements, formal training, mentorships and job shadowing to help boost their careers.
Award-winning filmmaker Corrie Chen will participate in the acclaimed Joan Scheckle Lab in Los Angeles where she’ll dive deep into all aspects of filmmaking, while publicist Cathy Gallagher will complete an overseas placement to gain exposure to international markets and increase her influence with box office decision makers.
The leadership development stream, which is delivered in partnership with the Natalie Miller Fellowship, will develop three experienced Victorian screen professionals: Princess Pictures’ Andrea Denholm, Madman Entertainment’s Nicole Titheridge and Andrea Buck from The Picture Tank.
The program is one of the ways the Labor Government, through Film Victoria, is working towards increasing the number of female-led projects on screens – and has already surpassed its goal to see women represented as at least 50 per cent of all writers, directors and producers on Government-funded projects.
According to the latest Screen Australia data, only 34 per cent of producers, 15 per cent of directors and 22 per cent of writers in Australia’s feature film industry are women.
For more information about Film Victoria’s programs and initiatives, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Creative State strategy is all about backing and developing our local talent, and ensuring that our creative industries reflect the diversity of our community – both in terms of employment at all levels, and product.”
“Through Film Victoria we are working to redress the gender inequality in the screen industry, particularly when it comes to leadership roles. This program will boost the careers of 15 talented women across the industry.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
“Only when women are equally represented as creatives and practitioners will we see diverse and equal representation of women and girls in mediums like film.”
Quote attributable to Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher
“Every recipient has the ability to influence the industry in their chosen field and these development opportunities are a valuable way we can help them to make this happen.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020