George Liddle APDG

Welcome to the APDG’s spring newsletter. Excitement grows as we approach the 2018 APDG Awards. This year, I’m delighted to report that our awards managers have indicated that we have received over 160 entries, a record to date. This response reinforces our design community’s support for and recognition of the value of the awards. We all love to see the inspiring work of our colleagues and honour their excellence.

A timely reminder to all our established designers and design professionals that you have until 6 October to apply for APDG accreditation. APDG accreditation is granted to full members who have consistently demonstrated high standards in design and design innovation, as well as having actively promoted design’s value and contribution to Screen and Live Performance industries. Read more here.

The Thelma Afford Award for costume design for stage and screen is a wonderful award that the APDG has managed for the last two years in conjunction with Perpetual Trustees. The award was established to promote the further study of theatre, film or TV costume design. High school students, drama or art school students and professionals wishing to pursue further education in costume design are encouraged to apply by 16 November. Read more here.

In recent months we have mounted a number of events showcasing design and designers.

• In July, the Melbourne committee put on a Picnic at Hanging Rock screening, followed by a Q&A afterwards, with Production Designer Jo Ford, Art Director Simon McCutcheon, Set Decorator Rolland Pike and Costume Designer Edie Kurzer.
• Paul Edwards orchestrated another Think Tank for emerging designers in August that was well attended. He has provided a report for the newsletter.
• Stephen Curtis hosted a wonderful event at NIDA in September titled Musical Chairs: Designing the Screen / Stage Musical Adaptation. APDG members were fortunate to hear from an exceptional panel: Director Jim Sharman, Producer Gary McQuinn and Stage and Screen Designers Tim Chappel, Gabriela Tylesova and Melinda Doring.
• Melbourne members attended a showcase of the Wonderland touring exhibition in September, where Concept Designer Anna Tregloan and Creative Lead Clair Evans discussed their unique collaboration on this installation.

Coming up very soon is the APDG and ADG event at Event Cinemas in Sydney on 6 October. Production Designer Felicity Abbott and Costume Designer Wendy Cork along with one of Australia’s iconic directors, Bruce Beresford, will share their experiences on the making of Ladies in Black. This event is not to be missed.

The mentors and mentees for the 2018 MENTORAPDG have been announced. This is the second year of the programme and I would like to acknowledge the work that Diaan Wajon and Tobhiyah Stone-Feller have done in conceiving this initiative and getting it up and running. A fabulous effort.

Live Performance: Set and Costume Design
Stephanie Howe will be mentored by Anna Tregloan
Charlotte Lane will be mentored by Jonathon Oxlade
Mel Liertz will be mentored by Imogen Ross
Anna Gardiner will be mentored by Tess Schofield APDG

Live Performance: Lighting Design
Ben Brockman will be mentored by Paul Jackson

Screen: Production Design
Josephine Wagstaff will be mentored by George Liddle APDG

Screen: Art Direction – Supervisor
Sarah Glaoua will be mentored by Scott Bird APDG
Loretta Cosgrove will be mentored by ????????

Screen: Costume Design
Julia Gorman will be mentored by Edie Kurzer
Ellen Stanistreet will be mentored by Xanthe Huebel

Screen: Make-up and Hair Design
Liz Sharp will be mentored by Lesley Vanderwalt APDG

As a final note, we have seen over the last couple of weeks the disturbing circus swirling around the ABC and are reminded that we as designers and design professionals need to defend the ABC and SBS from government budget cuts and interference. We must protect these platforms for Australian stories and voices. MAKE IT AUSTRALIAN

George