News

NASH EDGERTON in conversation with Rowan Woods

Wednesday March 4, 2026, 5pm to 6-30pm

UTS Bon Marche Studio

755 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney

Nash Edgerton is a director known for propulsive, character-driven storytelling with a sharp edge. Mr Inbetween , created by and starring Scott Ryan, became a standout Australian series for its dark humour, emotional restraint and grounded violence, following Ray Shoesmith as he juggles work, family and a code of loyalty in Sydney’s underworld. Nash's direction and creative stewardship across the series helped shape its signature tone: intimate, unsentimental, and consistently surprising.

The Australian Directors Guild with the University of Technology Sydney present the Directors’ Deep Dive 2026 series featuring Australian screen directors in conversation, introduced by Associate Professor Alex Munt (UTS) and moderated by acclaimed director Rowan Woods (ADG).

 

FREE FOR ADG MEMBERS! Register here.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nash-edgerton-with-rowan-woods-directors-deep-dive-mr-inbetween-tickets-1984279911631?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

Daniel Nettheim

Ordinary Director 

I’ve been an ADG member for over 20 years and previously served on the board in 2007/2008. I’m also a member of Directors UK, the British equivalent of the ADG, as I’ve been working regularly in the UK for over a decade. I intend to focus on creating new opportunities for Director's attachments within our local industry, in a way that benefits both mentor and mentee. In an industry where the work load for Directors is very high and we don’t usually have the budget for Director’s assistants, I’ve learnt through experience that attachment schemes can be a mutually beneficial opportunity. These schemes need to be more readily available and easier to access for both parties. 

 

Nadia Tass

Vice President Documentary

An acclaimed feature film director, second-time documentary director and long standing ADG board member with a passion for documentary, Nadia has been elected as VP Documentary. 

I look forward to working with you all to represent the documentary community.

The past twelve months have been a formative period for the ADG. The union has faced a mix of financial and industry challenges, and as you would expect from directors, the board worked collaboratively to meet them head on. We put long term strategies in place while progressing a number of existing plans.

Our most significant achievement has been the introduction of the Rate Card for Scripted Series, determining new fees and conditions for Australian screen directors. Although this work began before I joined the board, it was driven with remarkable persistence by Jonathon Brough. The rate card is the result of extensive consultation with international and Australian directors, along with likeminded organisations. It is the first comprehensive fees and rights document to be adopted in more than twenty five years, and it sets a strong foundation for the future.

I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our Executive Director, Sophie Harper. We do not always make the headlines, but Sophie has ensured the ADG is present at every major meeting about streaming quotas, authorship, royalties, and rights. She has represented our position with care and enthusiasm, making sure directors have a seat at the table and helping to drive real outcomes. Sophie has also had to steer the organisation through periods of financial uncertainty, supported enormously by the tremendous work of Board Member Victoria Thaine.

The ADG has also been involved in a landmark legal case regarding a disputed director credit after a producer attempted to claim it. The matter could have serious implications for director rights moving forward. We have offered our full support to the director involved and will report in full soon.

As many members know, the ADG continued to face significant financial hardship during the year. This required a further cost reduction plan to lower overheads and streamline spending. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to make our ancillary staff redundant. Our situation was made more difficult by a lack of timely funding support from ASDACS.

ASDACS has always been intended as an adjacent organisation to the ADG. It receives funds from working directors to operate, while carrying the crucial responsibility of distributing our hard-earned royalties. Many in the ADG felt that ASDACS was not sufficiently meeting its broader constitutional obligations to directors, particularly in terms of funding and championing our rights.

This led me to run a ticket at the ASDACS AGM with the aim of populating the board with working directors. As a result, all but one board member was replaced by ADG members. In particular, ADG board members Jonathon Brough and I were elected as Chair and Treasurer respectively. While the ADG and ASDACS must remain separate organisations, this shift has created a stronger shared mandate that aligns the two organisations more closely in the interests of directors. This alignment reflects the original intention of the founding members.

Looking ahead, we have several goals for the coming year. A key priority is developing fees and conditions for Factual and Documentary directors for the first time. Our colleagues in this sector face significant disadvantages in credits, royalties, and working conditions. We also plan to review our feature film agreements and to produce new television director agreements.

On the cultural front, we aim to reinstate our awards ceremony. Additionally, Rowan Woods is coordinating plans for a much needed industry conference that will examine the director’s role in an ever changing landscape, particularly around AI.  We’re also looking at ways to provide director attachments and opportunities for emerging creatives. 

As we move into 2026, the ADG board is energised and determined to bring about meaningful improvements to our working conditions. We are committed to reframing the imbalance around authorship and addressing the unequal funding of guild organisations. As always, we welcome your feedback and look forward to serving the directorial and broader creative community with real vigour.

 

Darren Ashton

ADG President and working director

We’re we’re moving the ADG Awards to later in 2026.

We’ll open entries and announce the event date soon. In the meantime, rest assured: any projects released since entries closed for the last awards will be eligible to enter

We can’t wait to see and celebrate your latest work! More soon.

DIRECTORS' DEEP DIVE into the making of AUSTIN, the ground-breaking ABC series:

DARREN ASHTON in conversation with Rowan Woods.

The Australian Directors Guild with the University of Technology Sydney present the Directors’ Deep Dive 2025 series featuring Australian screen directors in conversation, introduced by Associate Professor Alex Munt (UTS) and moderated by acclaimed director Rowan Woods (ADG). This new series will focus on the working life of Australia’s screen directors in the face of rapid technological change and reconfiguration of the’ screenscape’, across film, streaming television and digital media.

As the ADG continues to advocate for sustainable careers and recognition of directors as co-authors, this session will provide insights for both established and emerging practitioners, not least on the need to protect directors’ creative rights amid shifting production models and AI-driven disruption.

UTS 'Rizzo' Theatre

702 Harris Street Ultimo

Building 6, Level 3, Room 022

Darren Ashton (ADG President)

Darren is a highly experienced award-winning director and producer across television and film. He is currenty a Creative Executive with Northern Pictures. Previously he was set up director for the hit series Here Come the Habibs! for Jungle and the Nine Network and associate script producer on Season 2. Other television credits include The Wrong Girl for Network Ten, Wonderland for Fremantle Media, Worst Year Of My Life Again for the ABC and BBC, and Rush and Offspring for Endemol and Network Ten. Darren co-wrote & directed the feature films Thunderstruck (Icon) and Razzle Dazzle (2007) which went on to compete in over 20 international festivals, and was EP on the feature film Not Suitable For Children starring Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) and Sarah Snook (Succession).

Darren joined Northern Pictures to direct Hardball which went on to win a number of prestigious international awards including an International Emmy. In his Creative role at Northern Pictures directed co created the Darren co-created  and was the set up director on the hit comedy series, Austin, (now in it’s second series) and Spreadsheet (with Kala Ellis based on her original script) and went on to be set up director. He is currently developing several projects with the scripted team at Northern Pictures.

Rowan Woods (ADG Vice President Features)

DIRECTORS' DEEP DIVE into the making of AUSTIN, the ground-breaking ABC series: DARREN ASHTON in conversation with Rowan Woods.

Premium series for TV and streaming are increasingly led by directors who are also credited as creators and executive producers.

In UTS ADG Deep Dive 3, Rowan Woods is in conversation with Darren Ashton - creator, executive producer and director of Austin - a ground-breaking series in its second season on ABC TV.

Darren Ashton is the current President of the ADG. He has a distinguished career in TV and feature film as a director, creator, executive producer and writer. In this Deep Dive we explore his creative leadership in the series Austin with reference to the creation of unique and compelling screen language.

Click here for tickets

ADG Online Webinar Presentation 

FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

10:00AM – 12:30PM AEST 

ADG MEMBERS FREE

Don't forget to join us and your fellow directors, as we explore some of the business, legal and industrial issues facing Australian screen directors today. Your rights, obligations and entitlements will be the focus of this Australian Directors’ Guild online presentation and discussion – free to our members! Contributing their expertise and insights to the discussion, and ready to take your questions will be: 

Darren Ashton - ADG President and Working Director

Darren is a highly experienced award-winning director and producer across television and film. He is currently a Creative Executive with Northern Pictures. Previously he was set up director for the hit series Here Come the Habibs! for Jungle and the Nine Network and associate script producer on Season 2. Other television credits include The Wrong Girl for Network Ten, Wonderland for Fremantle Media, Worst Year Of My Life Again for the ABC and BBC, and Rush and Offspring for Endemol and Network Ten. 

JONATHAN BROUGH –Director and ADG VP (Television)

Aotearoa/New Zealand-born Jonathan Brough is the director of Rosehaven, The End, Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane, Ronny Chieng: International Student and, most recently, Playing Gracie Darling for Paramount+. He is also the VP of Television for the ADG.

MICHAEL FRANKEL AM – Partner, Frankel Lawyers

Michael Frankel BA, LLB, AM, has been practising law for 45 years. He works extensively in Intellectual Property, Film, Television, Theatre, Music, Media, Defamation, and Indigenous rights, Publishing and Public Interest law, and the firm litigates in those areas. The firm provides pro-bono assistance to the ADG. Michael is a member or director of numerous industry related committees and organisations. Michael was awarded Order of Australia AM in 2007 in recognition for service to the law, particularly in the areas of cultural and intellectual property rights, to film and performing arts organisations, and to a range of media industry associations. He was honoured with Life Membership to the Australian Society of Authors in 2003.

DEB JACKSON – Executive Director, ASDACS

Deb Jackson has led a decade of strategic growth, expanding international partnerships, increasing revenue, and modernising operations. Her leadership introduced a new membership model that boosted domestic income and streamlined members payments. Deb has held roles at Screen Australia, NFSA, and AFTRS, and brings industry knowledge across production, distribution, and governance. She holds a BA in Film Studies from Sydney University and serves on several international CISAC audio-visual committees, championing the rights and recognition of screen directors globally.

James Green – Education Specialist Media Super

James has an extensive background in the financial services and superannuation industry. He enjoys the opportunity to speak to members about all things super – wherever there is an audience, you’ll find James assisting members to help them understand how to make the most of their super to maximise their retirement outcomes, and make their hard work pay off.

SOPHIE HARPER – Executive Director, ADG

Sophie Harper was the senior fund manager at Screen Canberra, where she oversaw programmes including the A$5m (US$3.3m) CBR Screen Fund for the Australian Capital Territory government. Sophie has a European screen background having been based in Denmark from 2009 to 2015, holding a variety of roles at the European Film College. Prior to that she worked at both Screen Australia and the Australian Film Commission in various roles, including in governance and compliance. Harper is also a content creator, developing and hosting successful podcast Not By Accident. 

Get your FREE ticket here

SCHEDULE

10:00AM – SESSION 1:DIRECTOR’S RIGHTS AND AGREEMENTS 

This session will look at Directors Rights: contracts, moral rights, royalties, type of employment, liability, financial responsibility for the production and much more.

• Directors’ rights & protections in Australia       
• Creative rights
• Directors’ rates of pay
• Contractual obligations as screen content platforms evolve
• International production environment 
• The emergence of AI
• Do I need a lawyer?
• The steps in negotiating a director’s agreement

11:20AM – 10-MIN BREAK 

11:30AM – SESSION 2: ALL THINGS SUPER 

This session features Media Super’s Super Basics presentation, with Q&A to follow. Whether you’re working as an employee, contractor or self-employed, we don’t think you can afford to miss it!     

• Media Super / fund overview     
• How Super works       
• Contributions – how to contribute as a freelancer      
• Contractors vs Employees (carve out in the act for some creatives)      
• Taking your Super with you      
• Investments and Insurance       
• Ethical investment of your Super     
• Advice and support

PARTHO SEN GUPTA IN CONVERSATION WITH ROWAN WOODS 

DIRECTORS' DEEP DIVE 

Wednesday 10 September, 6pm - 7.30 pm, Sydney

The Australian Directors Guild with the University of Technology Sydney present the Directors’ Deep Dive 2025 series featuring Australian screen directors in conversation, introduced by Associate Professor Alex Munt (UTS) and moderated by acclaimed director Rowan Woods (ADG). This new series will focus on the working life of Australia’s screen directors in the face of rapid technological change and reconfiguration of the’ screenscape’, across film, streaming television and digital media.

As the ADG continues to advocate for sustainable careers and recognition of directors as co-authors, this session will provide insights for both established and emerging practitioners, not least on the need to protect directors’ creative rights amid shifting production models and AI-driven disruption.

UTS 'Rizzo' Theatre

702 Harris Street Ultimo

Building 6, Level 3, Room 022

Get your FREE Ticket here

Partho Sen Gupta

Partho Sen-Gupta is a film writer, director and producer. He worked as Art Director and Production Designer on feature films, TV series and commercials in India. He studied Film Direction at the FEMIS in Paris. After making short films and documentaries, he has made three feature films ‘Let the Wind Blow’ (2004), ’Sunrise’ (2014) and recently ‘Slam' (2018). His films have screened in major international film festivals like the Berlinale, Tribeca, BFI London, Sydney, Rotterdam, Tokyo, Busan, Munich etc, won awards and critical acclaim.
Website

Rowan Woods

Rowan Woods is an Australian screen director and Board Member of the Australian Directors Guild (ADG). He is also Coordinator of the Australian Coalition for Cultural Diversity (ACCD), ), consisting of major Australian screen organizations, guilds, and collection agencies. He recently completed a 6-year stint as Head of Directing at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and is currently completing a PHD at the University of Technology in Sydney. Rowan Woods’ debut feature film THE BOYS premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival (1998) and won Best Director at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards. His second feature film LITTLE FISH (2005) starred Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving and was nominated for 13 AFI Awards. Rowan Woods has also directed many TV and streamed series. Highlights include: an ADG Award for Best Direction in a Telemovie for THE BROKEN SHORE (2013); Special Jury Prize at Series Mania for THE KETTERING INCIDENT (2016); and a BAFTA for NOWHERE BOYS (2019).

Join us for a special in-conversation event with Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America and legendary director of Homeland, Mad Men, The Morning Show, Twin Peaks, Gilmore Girls and Zero Day.

Lesli will be in conversation with acclaimed Taiwanese-Australian director Corrie Chen.

The ADG, DGA, VCA and VicScreen bring you this exclusive directing deep dive, offering ADG Members, industry and audiences a rare chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary television.

Together Lesli and Corrie will explore the craft of directing through Lesli's incredible body of work, and what it takes to lead creatively at the highest level in today’s global industry.

Refreshments 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Tickets available here

FED Hall, VCA.

Join us for a special in-conversation event with Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America and legendary director of Homeland, Mad Men, The Morning Show, Twin Peaks, Gilmore Girls and Zero Day.

Lesli will be in conversation with acclaimed Taiwanese-Australian director Corrie Chen.

The ADG, DGA, Screen NSW and AFTRS bring you this exclusive directing deep dive, offering ADG Members, industry and audiences a rare chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary television.

Together Lesli and Corrie will explore the craft of directing through Lesli's incredible body of work, and what it takes to lead creatively at the highest level in today’s global industry.

AUSLAN interpreted.

Drinks 5.30 to 6.30.

Tickets available here

Spaces are limited.

CHERIE NOWLAN

In conversation with Rowan Woods

The Australian Directors Guild with the University of Technology Sydney present the Directors’ Deep Dive 2025 series featuring Australian screen directors in conversation, introduced by Associate Professor Alex Munt (UTS) and moderated by acclaimed director Rowan Woods (ADG). 

Location: UTS ‘Rizzo’ Theatre 702 Harris Street Ultimo

Building 6, Level 3, Room 022

Tickets are for ADG members only, and available for FREE HERE

Cherie Nowlan is an awarding winning director and executive producer of film and television, working extensively in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Cherie is an Executive Producer and Director of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, THE SURVIVORS (2025), produced by Tony Ayres Productions. The series reached #2 on the Netflix global streaming charts. Cherie’s career has spanned film and television in Australia and the USA. Her many credits include some of Netflix’s biggest hits – YOU, OUTERBANKS, and CLICKBAIT, as well as Amazon’s SNEAKY PETE and THE WILDS, which was nominated for a GLADD award, and Hulu’s REPRISAL and HELSTROM (Marvel). She also directed two US pilots including MISTRESSES for ABC as well as SUITS, ANIMAL KINGDOM, SEAL TEAM, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, GREY’S ANATOMY, THE GOOD DOCTOR, LAW & ORDER ORGANISED CRIME, CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO PD, RIVERDALE and the comedy series, YOUNG ROCK, CLAWS and SPEECHLESS. Cherie’s Australian credits include the multi award-winning limited series, MARKING TIME, for which Cherie won an AFI (AACTA) Award for Best Director. Her 2007 feature, CLUBLAND (aka INTRODUCING THE DWIGHTS), starring Brenda Blethyn, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for 11 AFI (AACTA) awards including Best Director and Best Actress. Cherie’s first feature, THANK GOD HE MET LIZZIE (1997), starred Cate Blanchett, Frances O’Connor and Richard Roxburgh, and was nominated for 5 AFI Awards.

Rowan Woods is an Australian screen director and Board Member of the Australian Directors Guild (ADG). He is also Coordinator of the Australian Coalition for Cultural Diversity (ACCD), consisting of major Australian screen organizations, guilds, and collection agencies. He recently completed a 6-year stint as Head of Directing at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and is currently completing a PHD at the University of Technology in Sydney. Rowan Woods’ debut feature film THE BOYS premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival (1998) and won Best Director at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards. His second feature film LITTLE FISH (2005) starred Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving and was nominated for 13 AFI Awards. Rowan Woods has also directed many TV and streamed series. Highlights include: an ADG Award for Best Direction in a Telemovie for THE BROKEN SHORE (2013); Special Jury Prize at Series Mania for THE KETTERING INCIDENT (2016); and a BAFTA for NOWHERE BOYS (2019).