by FilmInk Staff

Australians in Film Launches Inaugural Emerging Producers Program

Australians in Film (AiF) is proud to announce the launch of its Emerging Producers Program, a series of four exclusive online masterclasses, aimed at aspiring producers looking to break into the feature film industry or work with producing partners in the U.S. market. This exciting new initiative, powered by leading Los Angeles and Sydney-based production companies Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, will take place from February 18th – March 11th, 2025, and is free to all AiF members.

Designed for emerging producers, this program offers participants a rare opportunity to engage with top-tier industry professionals who are currently working in the U.S. film industry. Speakers include writer and co-executive producer, Erin Cardillo (Isn’t It Romantic, Virgin River); acclaimed producer and co-founder of Aggregate Films, Michael Costigan (Hit Man); award-winning producer and president at Pinky Promise, Kara Durrett (The Last Showgirl); producer and partner at Dirty Films, Coco Francini (Fingernails); executive producer, Jonathan Hludzinski (Peter Rabbit 1 and 2); writer, Ellen Shanman (Voltron); literary manager and producer at Lit Entertainment, Kendrick Tan (The Promised Land); manager and producer at Fourward, Sean Woods (If You Were the Last); and senior vice president of production and distribution for Miramax, Yvette Zhuang (The Holdovers).

Over four 90-minute sessions, participants will gain invaluable insights into the key aspects of producing, including:
● Sourcing IP and Developing an Idea
● Strategy and Understanding the Marketplace
● Creating a Winning Film Pitch
● What Makes a Great Creative Producer

Moderated by Amal Baggar, former executive at MTV Entertainment Studios, the program promises to be an engaging mix of dynamic discussions, case studies, and practical industry tips. This is a unique opportunity for Australian producers to better understand the U.S. film landscape and get the tools and knowledge they need to make their projects pitch-ready.

“We are thrilled to offer this new program, exclusive to AiF members,” said Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of Australians in Film. “The Emerging Producers Program joins AiF’s long-standing commitment to artist development, providing participants an intimate learning experience with some of the most respected producers and executives working in Hollywood today. We are incredibly grateful to Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures for their unwavering support, which has made this initiative possible.”

Zareh Nalbandian, CEO of Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, added, “We are proud to partner with AIF in creating pathways and opportunities for Australian content creators to succeed globally. The Emerging Producers Program is a vital initiative that equips emerging Australian producers with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the evolving and competitive U.S. film industry.”

The Emerging Producers Program will cover essential topics ranging from development and packaging to financing and production in the U.S., focusing primarily on feature films. However, future editions may expand to cover television production as well.

AiF members can register for this free masterclass series by joining AiF at https://australiansinfilm.org/

About Australians in Film

Australians in Film is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the careers of Australian filmmakers, creatives, and screen professionals within the global entertainment industry. Through a range of programs, networking opportunities, and resources, AiF connects Australian talent to international markets, particularly in the U.S. film and television industries.

About Animal Logic Entertainment

Animal Logic Entertainment (ALE), founded in 2006, is a leading storyteller known for its innovative visual work and creative partnerships. Specializing in animated and hybrid family films, ALE collaborates closely with filmmakers and studios like Netflix, Paramount, DreamWorks, and Sony. With teams in Sydney and Los Angeles, ALE continues to build a legacy of iconic storytelling, producing successful feature films and TV series for both theatrical and streaming platforms.

About Truant Pictures

Truant Pictures collaborates with Australian and international talent to develop, finance and produce high-quality content across film, television and digital platforms. With teams based in Sydney and Los Angeles, Truant’s mission is to create artistic, thought-provoking and socially-relevant stories that embrace diverse perspectives and can resonate with audiences worldwide.

Image: Coco Francini, Michael Costigan, Yvette Zhuang, Jonathan Hludzinski and Kara Durrett

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