WHO WE ARE
Founded in May 2001, Australians in Film is a Los Angeles based non-profit film, television, and digital content foundation whose mission is to increase the quality and growth of Australian creativity globally by opening doors in Hollywood for its members and partners, via professional development programs, screenings, networking and industry sessions, either in person or online.
For our members, AiF hosts a number of screenings, online and in person networking events, and industry sessions.
During the COVID19 pandemic, AiF launched three tiers of Professional Development Programs – Untapped, Talent Gateway and Global Producers Exchange. These three programs, presented by Screen Australia, and supported by Screen NSW, VicScreen and South Australian Film Corporation, are available to anyone currently residing in Australia.
AiF also runs and manages the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship, which over the past 13 years have helped launched the international careers of a number of Australian actors. It is available to any Australian actor, 18 years or older.
AiF is based at Charlie’s, a shared workspace in The Writers Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood. Charlie’s is a bespoke hub for business, collaboration and networking for the Australian screen community in Los Angeles. It is funded by Screen NSW, VicScreen and South Australian Film Corporation. If you want to use the space, you need to contact our partners above.
Many AiF members are active voting members of groups such as: Academy of Motion Picture, Arts & Sciences; Screen Actors Guild; Hollywood Foreign Press Association and Director’s Guild of America.
AiF’s board of directors includes prominent industry executives and creatives.
AiF has the support of Screen Australia, Screen NSW, VicScreen, South Australian Film Corporation, as well as leading companies such as Ausfilm, Animal Logic and Raynor & Associates. AiF has more than 1500 members, mixing actors and filmmakers with key American industry members.
Leadership
Chair - Emma Cooper
Deputy Chair - Samantha Lang
Treasurer - Zareh Nalbandian
Executive Committee member - Simonne Overend
Board Members
Toby Borg - Head of Global Client Strategy Division, CAA
Jiao Chen VP of Creative Development Sony Pictures Entertainment
Emma Cooper - Producer
Zareh Nalbandian - CEO Co-Founder Animal Logic
Samantha Lang - Producer I am That
Nakkiah Lui, Creator, Actor, Publisher
Peter Scarf- Managing Director, Wyuna Ventures
Karen Robson - Partner, Pryor Cashman
Simonne Overend - Executive Producer
Penny Smallacombe - Manager Grow Creative Netflix
Richard Weinberg - CEO Terrace Tower Group
Australians in Film Foundation Board
Emma Cooper - Producer
Samantha Lang - Producer
Zareh Nalbandian - Producer
Simonne Overend - Executive Producer
Staff
Executive Director - Peter Ritchie
US Industry Consultant- Jennifer Kushner
Director of Membership & Programs - Isabel Pappani
Events & Partnership Consultant - Rachel Harvey
Brand and Marketing Consultant - Laura Baxter
Program and Office Assistant - Andrés Vergara
Finance
Jeff Duncan