Based in Western Sydney, this leading community arts organisation has strategically addressed shortages in below-the-line jobs in the local screen industry, offering significant support to First Nations, multicultural, and individuals from diverse backgrounds in Western Sydney.

In its pilot year, the Screen Trades program has seen a remarkable achievement. From the Assistant Camera courses, 34 participants were trained, and impressively, 18 of them landed paid gigs, working on high-profile television commercials, television series, and digital series. These projects included big names such as McDonalds, Aldi, Tooheys and the Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary. The Production Accounting courses and Note-Taking workshops also saw participants securing full-time employment and internships.

Barry Gamba, Screen Cultures Producer at ACE, said, “Our mission at ACE has always been to use creativity to reverse disadvantage and foster social justice. The successes from our Screen Trades piolet programs over the last 12 months are testament to this commitment, proving that when we invest in diverse talent and provide the right opportunities, the entire Australian film industry benefits.”

ACE is now working in collaboration with industry partners to roll out the next phase of the Screen Trades courses. 2024 will see Year 2 of the Assistant Camera skills working with Panavision Australia, and Production Accounting with Entertainment Partners powered by Moneypenny, as well as piloting new skills sets Location Scouting & Management with Ecomlocations, and Production Design with the Australian Production Design Guild. Interested individuals are urged to register their interest for the upcoming classes at www.aceinc.org.au/upskilling/screen-trades.

While the Screen Trades program stands as a flagship initiative, ACE’s broader Screen Cultures programs have also seen phenomenal successes. ACE-supported talent have achieved international recognition, from David Vuong attending the prestigious Jackie Chan Training Camp in Beijing to the ground-breaking SBS and Screen Australia Digital Original horror anthology Night Bloomers premiering at SXSW Sydney in 2023.

Furthermore, ACE’s dedication to nurturing diverse voices and storytellers is evident through their support of projects like the SWANA Film Festival, the forthcoming AfricaFilm Fest, and a myriad of other initiatives.

ACE’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive Australian screen industry doesn’t end there. The organisation actively backs numerous creative projects and residencies, ensuring that a myriad of voices, stories, and talents are represented on screens both locally and internationally.

With Screen Trades at the forefront and a rich history of community involvement, ACE is poised to continue its role as a key pillar in the Australian screen industry’s development. By championing diversity and creativity, ACE ensures that Australian storytelling remains unique, vibrant, and representative of its rich multicultural landscape.

ACE’s Screen Cultures Program is supported by Screen NSW and Screenrights Cultural Fund.

ABOUT ACE

Established in 1984, Arts & Cultural Exchange is a Western Sydney-based community arts organisation with five program pillars: First Nations, Youth Engagement, Multicultural Women, Artists with Disability and People in Aged Care, and Screen. We have a longstanding reputation for three things: we are committed to social justice, we use creativity to reverse disadvantage and we produce ground-breaking interdisciplinary, intergenerational collaborative projects co-devised with the communities with whom we work. ACE’s hard-won funding comes through grants from government departments and foundations, venue and equipment hire and donations. ACE is an ACNC-registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status. Any donation over $2.00 is tax deductible. By supporting ACE, you are investing in the creative empowerment and sustainability of some of Western Sydney’s most under-represented communities.

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