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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).

Presented by RMIT’s School of Media & Communication
in partnership with the Australian Directors Guild (ADG) & Women in Film and Television (WIFT Vic.)

RMIT Kaleide Theatre
360 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Doors open 5:40PM | Conversation 6:00-7:00 PM

Free entry

Join us for an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ with acclaimed director Kate Woods, whose career spans decades of powerful storytelling across Australia and the U.S. Her debut feature Looking for Alibrandi celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and her new film Kangaroo premieres in cinemas this September.

From directing The Lincoln Lawyer, The Umbrella Academy, and The Good Lord Bird, to beloved Australian series like Changi, Farscape, and Wildside, Kate will share insights into her creative process, navigating international screen industries, and her return to feature filmmaking with Kangaroo—a heart-warming outback adventure with big laughs and big heart.

Moderated by:
Mark Poole, Chair of ADG Victoria, filmmaker and screenwriter

All directors, filmmakers, students, screen professionals, and film lovers welcome. 

Bookings here

Diverse voices and inclusive storytelling triumph at Australian Directors’ Guild Awards

The Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) Awards has highlighted the extraordinary breadth and depth of talent among Australian screen directors, with this year’s winners comprising screen legends, emerging voices and innovative storytellers. 

George Miller, one of Australia’s most celebrated filmmakers, added to his legacy with a win for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5M or over) category.

Tying for equal first with Miller for the top award were Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett for Uproar, a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in New Zealand during the controversial 1981 South African rugby tour that sparked nationwide protests against apartheid and racism.

Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget under $1.5M) went to Haydn Butler for Home Kills, a dark comedy that follows a young butcher’s apprentice who gets entangled in a web of crime when she discovers a body in a meat chiller.

Australian Directors’ Guild Executive Director Sophie Harper said distinct voices and inclusive narratives were a recurring theme among the winners announced tonight at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre, reflecting Australia’s vibrant cultural diversity. In addition to best directing awards across 19 categories, two special ADG awards were presented in recognition of extraordinary contributions to directing.

Best Direction of a Debut Feature was won by Natalie Bailey for Audrey, a heartfelt drama about a young woman struggling to find her place after a personal tragedy disrupts her life. Annelise Hickey’s Hafekasi, which explores mixed-race identity, was recognised for Best Direction of a Short Film, while Best Direction of a Student Film went to Veniamin Gialouris for Gorgo, which follows a Greek bride set to marry a man in Australia she’s never met.

Best Direction in Online Longform went to Jessica Smith for Videoland S1 E1 & E2, about 17-year-old Hayley, a video store clerk exploring her lesbian identity. Best Direction of a Documentary Series Episode or One-Off was awarded to Serge Ou for RUNN, chronicling Nedd Brockmann's remarkable journey as he runs across Australia to raise funds for homelessness.

Best Direction of a Feature Documentary went to Frances Elliott and Samantha Marlowe for Renee Gracie: Fireproof, which shines a light on former Supercars driver Renee Gracie’s unconventional career pivot, while Best Direction of a Drama Series Episode went to Emma Freeman for Fake S1E5.

The first of the Australian Directors’ Guild special awards, the Cecil Holmes Award, was presented to acclaimed Australian screen director, producer and writer Robert Connolly in recognition of his remarkable career and advocacy for Australian cinema.

“Robert Connolly has shaped the industry through groundbreaking works and relentless support for emerging talent. He has established a reputation as a brilliant producer and mentor to directors with ‘difficult to finance’, diverse Australian feature film projects,” ADG President Rowan Woods said. 

“He is an important critical thinker and thought leader who has been able to cut through institutional, financial and creative blockages to the financing, development and production of Australian screen stories. This award is a very loud thank you to Robert for his bravery, generosity and advocacy for Australian screen directors.”

The inaugural Baz Luhrmann Pathfinder Award, celebrating a director who has carved out a unique creative path, was presented to Indigenous director Dylan River – known for his deeply personal and innovative work across scripted and documentary forms.

“From directing Mystery Road: Origin to co-creating Thou Shalt Not Steal, Dylan River’s mastery of cinematography and dedication to truth-telling have earned him widespread acclaim. As the first recipient of this award, Dylan embodies the spirit of finding new and exciting ways to tell screen stories,” said Mr Woods.

Ms Harper added that this year’s ADG Awards, supported by the Australian Screen Directors Authorship Collecting Society (ASDACS), showcased Australian directors’ versatility, whether creating heartfelt humour, gripping drama or innovative online stories that push the boundaries of interactive and immersive content.

“The winners demonstrate the incredible breadth of Australian directing talent, from seasoned icons to bold new voices, and the special awards for Robert Connolly and Dylan River highlight our industry’s dedication to nurturing creativity and recognising excellence at every stage of a director’s career,” Ms Harper said.

Full list of 2024 Australian Directors’ Guild award winners

Award	Winner
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5 M or over)	Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett Uproar  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5 M or over)	George Miller Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget under $1.5 M)	Haydn Butler Home Kills
Best Direction of a Feature Documentary	Frances Elliott and Samantha Marlowe Renee Gracie: Fireproof
Best Direction of a Debut Feature	Natalie Bailey Audrey
Best Direction of a Miniseries Episode	Bonnie Moir Exposure S1 E5
Best Direction of a Drama Series Episode	Emma Freeman Fake S1 E5
Best Direction of a Documentary Series Episode or One-Off	Serge Ou RUNN
Best Direction of a Short Documentary	Brietta Hague Compass S39 E10 - Not In My Name
Best Direction of an Animation	Alexs Stadermann 200% Wolf  (TIE)
Best Direction of an Animation	Tania Vincent and Ricard Cussó The Sloth Lane  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Short Film	Annelise Hickey Hafekasi
Best Direction of a Student Film	Veniamin Gialouris Gorgo
Best Direction of a Commercial Advertisement	Tim Bullock AAMI: Athletes In The Making
Best Direction of Commercial Content	Sarah Hickey Monster & Bear: The Perfect Brief
Best Direction of a Music Video	Mick Soiza Semiiré: Decisions
Best Direction of an Interactive or Immersive Project	Logan Mucha A Beat To Hold Back The Dawn
Best Direction in Online Longform	Jessica Smith Videoland S1 E1 & E2
Best Direction in Online Shortform	Kaius Potter Fluff - Before The Mirror
Best Direction of a Comedy Series Episode	Helena Brooks Population: 11 S1 E10 - Like Father, Like Son
Best Direction of a Children’s Series Episode	Rosemary Myers Beep and Mort S2 E2 - Today! The Musical
Cecil Holmes Award	Robert Connolly
Baz Luhrmann Pathfinder Award	Dylan River

The ADG extends a huge thank you to all our Awards Sponsors for their incredible support in showcasing the amazing talent of Australian Screen Directors at the 2024 ADG Awards. We could not do this without you!

Film director, animator, and artist Gregory was best known for his experimental award-winning animations. His career spanned three decades, starting with his first film, INFINITY, in 1992, which he made as a student of COFA at UNSW, and ending with his last, SUPERNOVA, in 2013.

Continuing the legacy of European and North American avant-garde filmmakers Jonas Mekas and Maya Deren and the more recent styles of Japanese and Czech animators Takashi Ito and Jan Švankmajer, Gregory’s in-camera effects and stop-motion techniques, not to mention his themes of the solace to the horror of the quotidian were highly influential for a new generation of experimental filmmakers.

His works were regularly featured on SBS’s Eat Carpet program, showcasing Australian short films from 1989 to 2005 and are part of ACMI and MUBI’s collections. Gregory was an active member of the local film community, advising on funding panels for Screen NSW and frequently contributing to the running of local arthouse screenings such as ‘Side On’ and exhibitions in Sydney’s Inner West. Gregory came into mainstream view when he became a Tropfest Finalist in 2006 with A ROOM WITH ASKEW.

Perhaps the best description of his filmmaking life is his own: “Born in Sydney, Gregory Godhard continues to (mis)spend his time as an animator, experimental film-maker and artist. He has produced, directed and animated twelve short experimental 16mm films. His films have screened in numerous festivals around the world, picking up the occasional award and funny-looking trophy.”(San Francisco Cinematheque 2010 https://www.sfcinematheque.org/)