Applications open today for the 2024 Heath Ledger scholarship.
Now in its 12th year, the scholarship managed by Australians in Film is established in memory of award winning actor, Heath Ledger, for emerging Australian actors who show potential for great career longevity.
This year’s scholarship is the most significant in history with a prize package of USD $60,000 awarded to an emerging Australian actor 18 years and older.
In addition, 2010 recipient and leading Australian actress, Bella Heathcote (Pieces Of Her, Relic) will provide extensive mentorship to the 2024 winner.
Emma Cooper, Chair of AiF says, “Our commitment to HLS continues to grow and we’re delighted to be offering a scholarship that has proven time and time again to transform the career of emerging actors. As in previous years, judges are looking for a unique quality in an Australian actor who has potential for an international career. In keeping with Heath’s generous spirit of helping others, our aim is to support actors in their journey and encourage applications from all members, including those from diverse and underrepresented communities.”
Bella Heathcote says, “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.. 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. 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 honoured 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.”
The winner will be decided by a prestigious judging panel comprised of influential actors, casting agents and industry executives. Former judges include some of the most respected and high-profile people in Hollywood including Matt Damon, Gary Oldman, Ryan Murphy, Carmen Cuba, Naomi Watts, Rose Byrne, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. Judges to be announced at the end of July 2024.
The 12th Heath Ledger Scholarship Prize includes:
● US$10,000 towards a living allowance, rent and transport assistance in Los Angeles
● One-year mentorship from 2010 recipient Bella Heathcoate. Bella will be on hand for quarterly meetings to help guide the winner as they settle into life in LA.
● Private coaching and classes from Lisa Robertson Studio.
● Private coaching, classes, and special workshops taught by Jean-Louis Rodrigue and
Kristof Konrad of Alexander Techworks.
● Private speech and dialects coaching from Joy Ellison.
● Headshot and publicity look from Sally Flegg Photography (Sydney).
● Hair and Makeup Looks by Sophia Lee (with Sally Flegg Photography).
● Physical approach to Acting Voice De-structuring (Authentic Voice) from Kennedy Brown.
● Immigration Services from Raynor and Associates.
● Virtual Line Rehearsal Service with Professional Actors from Audition Genie.
● Actor Headshot and On-Location Portrait Session’ in Los Angeles from Greg Doherty Photography.
● Self-tape sessions from Stella Tape Studio.
● All Finalists will receive a US$100 voucher to Bluestone Lane Coffee.
● All Finalists will receive a bag courtesy of 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.
This year’s applicants will be reviewed by nine US and Australian casting directors who will select five finalists, announced late September 2024. Casting directors include; Ann Fay (Australia) Patron of the Heath Ledger Scholarship (The Artful Dodger, NCIS Sydney), Amanda Mitchell (Australia) (Thor Love And Thunder, Heartbreak High), Barbara McCarthy (USA) (The Spectacular Now, Mother’s Day), Alyssa Weisberg (USA) (Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker, No Activity), Anousha Zarkesh (Australia) (Shayda, Firebite), Jason Wood (USA) VP, Casting A&E Networks, Danny Long (Australia) (Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes, Eden), J. Mcalary (USA) (The L Word: Generation Q, Cargo), Gail Goldberg (USA) (10 Things I Hate About You, Ted).
The five finalists will be flown by Heath Ledger Scholarship Airline Partner Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles where Australia’s hottest young acting talent and influential Hollywood A listers and executives will come together at an exclusive event for the unveiling of the winner. The event will be supported by valued and long standing partners Bluestone Lane, Penfolds and Vogue Australia.
In addition to Bella, former recipients include Cody Fern (American Horror Story), Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel), Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight), Ryan Corr (Hacksaw Ridge, Ladies In Black) and Rahel Romahn (Furiosa: A Mad Max Story) among others.
Recipient from 2017, Mojean Aria (Shayda, Reminiscence) says, “Since the HLS I’ve been able to work on so many fantastic projects with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Antonio Banderas and other heroes of mine. Whenever I’m having these ‘pinch me’ moments, I always think none of this could have been possible without the Heath Ledger Scholarship”.
Patrons of the Heath Ledger Scholarship are Kim Ledger, Susie Dobson, Ann Fay, and Gregor Jordan.
Applications open Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. AEST and close on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. AEST in Australia.
You must be an Australian citizen over the age of 18 to apply.
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