PRESIDENT’S LETTER
And just like that 2024 is coming to an end. Throughout the year there has been many structural changes to the guild and we are looking forward to spending the early months of 2025 planning for our next adventures and to review our evolution as an organisation.
Firstly, congratulations to all the successful MENTORAPDG applicants and a big thank you to those that will mentor over the next twelve months. The program continues to be a valuable initiative, connecting seasoned designers with their emerging counterparts to share knowledge, skills and experience. Thank you to Tobhiyah Stone Feller and Lien See Leong for coordinating the program for another year.
The implementation of the Costume Supervisor Pathway Program is in full swing, thanks to the efforts of Liz Keogh-Palmer and the Screen Australia’s Skills Development Fund. Assisting Costume Supervisor Barbara Pinn completed her placement earlier this year. Beyond the immediate program, many other aspiring costume supervisors have been placed on local productions due to the flags raised by this program.
Many of our screen members attended The Gathering in Septses, Greece again this year, where production designers globally met for four days of panels, workshops and conversations, with a number of our members participating in panels and leading sessions.
The APDG was excited to take part in the Powerhouse’s Sydney Design Week events in September. Exploring the theme ‘In Between Worlds’, Powerhouse Senior Exhibition Curator Keinton Butler interviewed APDG member Colin Gibson. Jacinta Leong, Imogen Ross, and Eamon D’Arcy, conducted a popular workshop at the Powerhouse in Castle Hill that explored the theme ‘Building Worlds’.
The live performance committee met quarterly throughout the year and restarted the more informal regular meet-ups to discuss and formulate strategies on the challenges and opportunities facing live performance designers. You can read more about what they have been working on below.
In collaborative efforts, in 2024 the APDG have established an AI Taskforce, an Accreditation Review Committee and the Emerging Designers are working towards an Emerging Designer Think Tank in early 2025. If you are interested in joining any of these efforts or assisting with the APDG website or APDGreen, I encourage you to get in touch with Rebecca. Led and co-created by Daniel Willis, the new Starting in the Industry resources are now available on the APDG website.
One of the biggest highlights of the year was holding the 2024 APDG Awards in Brisbane. Our members from across the nation were warmly welcomed to the Sunshine State and host Wesley Enoch’s passion for design shone through making the celebration of our talented members and their work an evening to remember. Congratulations once again to all those who were nominated and received awards.
While on the topic of awards, all over the country APDG members have been awarded and recognised. Back in January 2024, APDG live performance members Isabel Hudson, Benjamin Brockman, Morgan Moroney picked up Sydney Theatre Awards for their work. In April 2024, APDG members Bronwyn Pringle, Sidney Younger, Sabina Myers and Lisa Mibus were awarded at the Green Room Awards.
The 2024 AACTA awards saw a plethora of APDG members nominated, and congratulations to our members Zed Dragojlovich, Melinda Doring, Amy Baker, Rebecca Buratto, Paul Katte and Nick Nicolaou who took home awards that night. Earlier this month, Clayton Jauncey and Terri Lamera for their WA Screen Culture Award and congratulations to Eliza Stafford and Fraser Whitehead both picked up awards at the 2024 South Australian Screen Awards.
The 2025 AACTA nominees have been announced, congratulations to all the nominees. APDG Members nominated for costume design include Kerry Thompson, Rita Carmody, Marion Boyce, Cappi Ireland, Steph Hook and Terri Lamera. In production design, Michelle McGahey, Marni Kornhauser, Michael Rumpf, Matt Putland, Otello Stolfo, Katie Sharrock with Colin Gibson and Lisa Brennan with Joel Chang. In hair and make-up Angela Conte, Lynne O’Brien, Nick Nicolaou, Paul Katte, with Carol Cameron and Lesley Vanderwalt with Larry Van Duynhoven, Matteo Silvi, Luca Vannella. You can see a full list of nominees HERE.
I’d like to thank those who have supported the guild in 2024. All our wonderful sponsors and industry partners who not only ensure our viability – but who truly support designers and design. Thank you to our staff and a very big thank you to the national executive, state liaisons, those that hold operational roles and all the volunteers that have contributed this year. And finally, thank you, the members, who make our community brighter, stronger, and more resilient.
I wish you all a happy and relaxing festive season and may 2025 be overflowing with opportunities and exceptional design.
Warmest Regards,
Michael Scott-Mitchell APDG
Image: Lisa Penlington, Michael Scott-Mitchell APDG, Michael Rumpf APDG and George Liddle APDG at the 2024 Awards.