HLS 2024 Partners and Prizing
THE 2024 HEATH LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP AIRLINE PARTNER
Prize: round trip flight from Australia to LA
NO ONE BETTER CONNECTS THE WORLD
Through the warmth and service of Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) people and the power of innovation, Delta never stops looking for ways to make every trip feel tailored to every customer.
There are 100,000 Delta people leading the way to deliver a world-class customer experience on over 4,000 daily flights to more than 290 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and to each other.
Delta served more than 190 million customers in 2023 -- safely, reliably and with industry-leading customer service innovation – and was again recognized as North America’s most on-time airline by Cirium.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta operates significant hubs and key markets in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Bogota, Boston, Detroit, Lima, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seoul-Incheon and Tokyo.
THE 2024 HEATH LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP HOTEL PARTNER
An Urban Oasis of Modern Luxury in the Heart of Los Angeles.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
The recipient of the 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship will receive a cash prize of US$10,000 towards a living allowance, rent and transport assistance in Los Angeles, and the following:
BELLA HEATHCOATE
Prizing: One Year Mentorship
As part of their prize, the 2024 Heath Ledger Scholarship recipient will receive a mentorship from 2010 recipient Bella Heathcote. Since being awarded the HLS, Bella’s credits include films like DARK SHADOWS, THE NEON DEMON, FIFTY SHADES DARKER, PROFESSOR MARSTON & THE WONDER WOMAN, RELIC and THE MOOGAI, and TV series such as THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, STRANGE ANGEL, PIECES OF HER, C*A*U*G*H*T and SCRUBLANDS. Bella has starred alongside actors including Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Toni Collette, Lily James, Elle Fanning and Hugh Grant.
Her mentorship is an invaluable part of the HLS. As someone who has truly walked in the shoes of the recipient, Bella will be on hand for quarterly meetings to help guide the winner as they settle into life in LA. She’ll be able to offer advice on everything from the audition process to Hollywood sets and of course, where to get the best coffee.
“When I won the Heath Ledger Scholarship in 2010, a friend told me how he’d actually received the first (unofficial) Heath Ledger scholarship as Heath had let him crash on his couch when he came to LA, essentially providing him with his first place to call home in the U.S. And in a way, that’s what the scholarship did for me too. It provided me with a touchpoint, a connection… not just to home but to the first tangible credit in my career in LA.
I'd jumped on that flight here under the impression that I was one of a bunch of finalists but I’d already decided that no matter the outcome, I wasn’t going back. After I landed, I found out I’d won so it’s impacted my career in the U.S. since day one. I met people that night whom I remain friends with to this day. The scholarship spring-boarded me through every meeting and audition. It gave me something to talk about and take pride in. It provided me with a financial cushion and perhaps just enough faith that I could book that first US gig.
Almost 15 years have passed since that day and I’m still honored to have been a recipient of this scholarship and blown away by every subsequent winner. Australians in Film are providing the couches these days.
May the scholarship help you find the next stage of your career and ‘home.'”
CST
Prizing: Tax Advice & US Tax Return
CST is an international tax and accounting firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Singapore and London.
With a focus on international tax, CST manage the international tax obligations of Australians living abroad, with a particular focus on essential tax advice and services in USA and Australia.
Through their offices in both USA (New York & Los Angles) and Australia (Sydney), CST are uniquely positioned to ensure their clients are set up for success when making the move to the US, providing guidance and assistance to their clients as they grow their career and family.
LISA ROBERTSON STUDIO
Prizing: Private Coaching and Classes
A protégé of Larry Moss, Lisa Robertson has coached award-winning roles, and consistently broken out fresh talent into major careers for 20+ years across the globe.
Favorite coaching credits include: Alexis Bledel’s Emmy-award winning role as Emily/Ofglen in THE HANDMAIDS TALE (Hulu); Logan Browning, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (Netflix: NAACP), Nathan Stewart Jarrett’s series lead in CULPRITS (Disney+) and his feature lead in FEMME (BIFA Best Lead Performance Award 2023 won jointly with George MacKay, UK); Ashleigh Cummings (THE GOLDFINCH, NOS4A2, currently LONG BRIGHT RIVER with Amanda Seyfried). Lisa coached Hoa Xuande to his international breakout casting in THE SYMPATHIZER (Max) opp. Robert Downey Jnr (Nominated: 2024 Best Lead Performance, Gotham Award) and Josh Heuston in his global breakthrough role for DUNE: PROPHECY, the prequel series for MAX, as well as currently shooting feature, DANGEROUS ANIMALS.
In youth talent, Lisa coached Alyla Browne to her roles in EDEN, NINE PERFECT STRANGERS, THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING, and her title roles in THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART (AACTA Award Best Mini-Series) and George Miller’s FURIOSA (Young Furiosa).
Lisa was Eddie Izzard’s long-time coach on-set including THE RICHES (Fx), OCEAN’S 13, VALKYRIE; also, Chopard award at Cannes winner, Omar Metwally (Steven Spielberg’s MUNICH, RENDITION, VIRTUALITY).
From THE SOPRANOS, MAD MEN, BROTHERHOOD, THE PACIFIC, THE BRIDGE, THE SHIELD, to THE OC, there are not many landmark US series on which Lisa has not coached major roles.
Based in Los Angeles, Lisa is a long-time supporter of the Heath Ledger Scholarship and is passionate about supporting Australian talent both in the US and around the world.
ALEXANDER TECHWORKS
Prizing: Private Coaching, Classes and Special Workshops Taught by Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad
An internationally renowned acting coach, movement director, and professor. Jean-Louis Rodrigue has worked on many award-winning films, plays, television, opera and music events. His film and TV credits include BARBIE, BABYLON, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY, VICE, I, TONYA, BIRDS OF PREY, J. EDGAR, LIFE OF PI, and W. In theatre and music, he has worked at the Royal National Theatre, Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, San Francisco Opera, Cirque du Soleil, Verbier Festival, Getty Villa, and on and off-Broadway. He has taught at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television and at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
SALLY FLEGG
Prizing: Headshot and Publicity Look (Sydney)
Sally Flegg received her first SLR for her 13th birthday from her Father. It was a vintage Pentax and she loved it. She shot her first portfolio on it whilst studying Photography at the Sydney institute of technology. Studying traditional black and white photography and shooting on film for many years, Sally loved the darkroom and hand printing but she also loved technology so when the Digital revolution came she had a little cry and then went digital.
Sally is a Sydney based photographer who just loves to shoot with natural light and has a 3 level photographic studio In Pyrmont Sydney. It has beautiful natural light as well as studio light. People are Sally’s forte- she shoots stills for Headshots, press kits, on location stills for film, look books, portfolios, promotional materials, Editorial and personal publicity.
SOPHIA IVY LEE
Prizing: Hair and Makeup Looks (With Sally Flegg Photography)
Website
With over 20 years experience, Sydney based freelance artist Sophia Ivy Lee has earned herself a reputation for creating natural flawless skin. Highly skilled, creative, with attention to detail, Sophia has secured a strong following from photographers, directors and actors alike.
Sophia’s professionalism along with her calm and friendly nature means she is highly sought after as the make-up artist of choice for both private and professional clients.
JOY ELLISON
Prize: Private speech and dialects coaching
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Joy has been coaching actors from around the world for 30 years. Before attending theatre school, she took as many foreign language classes as possible, falling in love with the way sound works for an actor’s character. She trained at LACC Theatre Academy and ACT in San Francisco.
Joy has coached many Oscar/Tony/Emmy Award-winning films and performances, including Heath Ledger’s Oscar-nominated role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, THE POWER OF THE DOG, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, LIFE OF PI, and BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB just to mention a few. She has also had the honor of working with many of the industry’s best film directors. Joy’s passion comes from working with each actor to help discover the voice for their characters. She is a long-time supporter of the HLS.
KENNEDY BROWN
Prizing: Physical approach to Acting Voice De-structuring (Authentic Voice)
Kennedy Brown is a Los Angeles acting coach who specializes in Physical Acting Techniques & Voice Techniques for actors. He teaches workshops and coaches actors for Film, TV & Theatre in LA, as well as in Europe, Asia and Latin America. His creative and accessible approach allows actors to connect to their roles in a powerful and authentic way - to discover the life in the performance. For the past 12 years Kennedy has been Head of the Physical Acting Program at the Stella Adler Academy, in Los Angeles. In addition, he is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre & Dance at Cal State University, Fullerton.
Today, Kennedy is one of the leading instructors of the Lucid Body Movement Technique, collaborating for over 25 years with founder of the Technique, Fay Simpson. In LA, he has explored adapting the Technique- along with other compatible techniques to the world of Film & TV. He is passionate about bringing the transformational possibilities- as well as the depth and spontaneity that are accessible through this approach- to today’s actors.
KATE RAYNOR, RAYNOR & ASSOCIATES
Prizing: Immigration services
Immigration Attorney Kate L. Raynor has dedicated herself to the practice of USA Immigration Law. She handles all types of immigration cases on behalf of immigrants desiring to become lawful residents of the United States. Atty. Raynor has distinguished academic credentials and has worked in the entertainment industry for the past twenty years. She specializes in immigration issues for the entertainment industry. She has successfully represented thousands of foreign celebrities from all over the world. Kate Raynor’s dedication to her clients has earned her reputation as one of the top entertainment immigration attorneys in the United States.
Kate Raynor’s clients include numerous Academy and Emmy award winning A-list celebrities in Hollywood today. Kate Raynor’s clients have starred in such huge Hollywood Blockbusters as BARBIE, THE AVENGERS, SPIDER-MAN, STAR WARS, and HUNGER GAMES franchises, and television hits such as GAME OF THRONES, STAR TREK, DANCING WITH THE STARS, CSI and many more. She has also represented leading television networks, studios, and production companies including CBS, Paramount Global, MGM, Lucky Chap and many more.
GREG DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY
Prizing: Actor Headshot and On-Location Portrait Session (Los Angeles)
Greg Doherty discovered a passion for photography from his Dad. Growing up in England, family slideshows and flipping through family photo albums became a regular event and watching Dad document years of overseas living and travel, Greg found himself fascinated by the craft and the tools. From his earliest photo shoots of his family he found shooting people was his passion and 40 years later he's still shooting people.
Greg, with camera in hand, found himself with a growing portfolio of actors, celebrities and personalities, and his passion for shooting people remains. You'll have seen a lot of his work as a contributing Getty Images photographer, at major award shows, events, and as a unit stills photographer and through his print and editorial work. Greg splits his time between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
STELLA SELF TAPE STUDIOS
Prizing: Self Tape Sessions
Stella Self Tape Studios is Los Angeles's go-to destination for actors seeking exceptional self-taping, voiceover, Zoom audition, and video editing services. Located in the heart of Hollywood in the historic Hollywood Athletic Club, our state-of-the-art facility features 4K cameras, color-tone adjustable lighting, blue and gray backdrops, multiple teleprompter setups, and a crisp overhead mic system.
Open 7 days a week, our pricing is fully inclusive, with no surprise extras, providing you with everything you need for a seamless self-tape experience: personalized coaching, a talented working actor as an expert reader, meticulous editing and color grading, and upload and delivery services completed before you leave (and free on-site parking!).
Stella Self Tape Studios caters to all experience levels, from beginners to A-Listers. First-time clients receive 20% off self-tapes – we are that confident that you will love the services we provide!
We are here to help you succeed! Join the countless actors who have experienced the difference that professionalism and expertise can make to your auditions.
TRAINING MATE
Prize: Gym Classes
The best HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout you’ve ever had with a fun Aussie twist. Our HIIT classes are a unique 45-minute circuit of high-intensity interval training that combines cardio and resistance exercises to burn up to 1,000 calories per class. Sounds hard, right? Well, it is. But no worries, with your mates by your side, you’ll enjoy every minute. Point is, when you train hard, we bring the fun. When you’re happy, we’re happy. And when everyone’s having a good time, you’ll feel like part of a family – one that you’ll actually want to visit every day.
AUDITION GENIE
Prize: Virtual Line Rehearsal Service with Professional Actors
Get prepped for your audition, fast... with Audition Genie. Book to rehearse lines with professional actors, at any time, anywhere around the world. Armed with world-class memorization techniques and incisive script breakdown tools, we'll get you off book and equipped with strong choices, so you can do your best work in the shortest time.
The way you learn material, shapes the way you express it. Audition Genie gives you an edge with kinesthetic learning processes. Because the best way to learn a scripted conversation, is in conversation, with another person. Making your on-screen performances feel more grounded, natural, and with inherent cadence. Full body engagement with real-time energy transfer creates work that feels vibrant and dynamic, rather than self tapes that feel disembodied, cerebral or like "talking heads".
There are a range of payment options to suit any actor's budget - single sessions, multipacks and membership subscriptions are available.
BLUESTONE LANE COFFEE
Prize: US$100 gift vouchers to each HLS finalist
Bluestone Lane is a New York-born, Australian-inspired lifestyle and hospitality brand, renowned for its premium coffee shops and cafés across the United States. Embracing a philosophy centered around superior coffee, elevated experiences, and healthier menu options, the brand is at the forefront of revolutionizing American coffee culture. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and world-class hospitality, Bluestone Lane treats its patrons as locals, not customers, offering a more personalized and engaging experience. Founded by Melbourne native Nick Stone, Bluestone Lane was created to bring a meaningful connection to the café culture in America, transforming daily routines into cherished rituals.
STATE OF ESCAPE
Prize: State of Escape bag for each finalist
State of Escape is an international design brand connecting the contemporary woman with her curiosity through an intuitively created collection of bags.
Simple, effortless, and beautifully handcrafted; made to order in Sydney, Australia.
It all began with two curious minds and a desire to explore untapped destinations near and far. Brigitte MacGowan and Desley Maidment began their shared journey with a single-minded idea: to evoke in others the desire to escape back to your true self.
Get ready to disrupt the life you were expected to live and rejoice in your chosen State of Escape.
Lifetime membership to Australians in Film, including access to the workspace “Charlie’s” at the AiF offices on The Lot in West Hollywood.