Are you watching NIDA alumni?
Above from left: Deborah Riley (Design, 1996) hosts Making It Australia, which included George Buchanan (Properties and Objects, 2008). (Photo courtesy Network 10).
NIDA alumni continue to shine across our TV screens, tablets and mobiles – both behind and in front of the camera.
Channel Ten’s new competition reality series Making It Australia features NIDA alumni and four-time Emmy award winning production designer and art director Deborah Riley (Design, 1996).
Deb is best known for her incredible work as Production Designer on the worldwide phenomenon Game of Thrones, as well as art direction for the Sydney 2000 Olympics closing ceremony.
In this fun, crafty new series Deb steps in front of the camera as judge.
Also on Making It is George Buchanan (Properties and Objects, 2008) – one of the makers. George has worked in film, television, and corporate events including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Vivid Sydney.
Amazon Prime Video’s big splash into the Australian drama content market sees the return of the beloved multi award-winning series Packed to the Rafters – in a brand-new update – Back to the Rafters. The series that in 2008 launched the careers of NIDA students Hugh Sheridan (Acting, 2007) and Jessica Marais (Acting, 2007), is back for a new season picking up six years since viewers saw the beloved Rafter family.
Both starring on screen and as crew, there’s a slew of talented and successful NIDA alumni as part of the sequel, including Hugh reprising his role as well as actors Felix Williamson (Acting, 1991) and Merridy Eastman (Acting, 1983).
Behind the scenes, Production Design is by Fiona Donovan (Design, 1992) and Costume Design by Lisa Meagher (Design, 1987), and a few episodes are directed by Jeremy Sims (Acting, 1990).
Screening on ABC TV and iview is Fires, a the six-part anthology drama inspired by extraordinary accounts from people who survived the catastrophic fire season in Australia of late 2019 and early 2020. Each episode is set in a different location as the fires spread and build to a terrifying onslaught across the country through Christmas and New Year.
The well-reviewed new series features an all-star NIDA graduate ensemble cast including Richard Roxburgh (Acting, 1986), Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990), Anna Torv (Acting, 2001), Sam Worthington (Acting, 1998), Kate Box (Acting, 2003), Ian Bliss (Acting, 1993), Sally McKenzie (Acting, 1977) and Anna Lise Phillips (Acting, 1996).
The ABC’s Head of Scripted Production, Sally Riley (Directing, 1993), is an Executive Producer.
When Rick Donald (Acting, 2009) attended NIDA, he used to get work as a tradie in his hometown of Brisbane during his breaks to pay for his course. Some might suggest that was inspiration for his new series which is currently available on 7plus.
Rick created, wrote, directed and stars in Australia's Sexiest Tradie - a single camera mockumentary that follows Frankie Wood, a very rough around the edges plumber who hears about a radio station contest to find Australia’s sexiest tradie. In a desperate attempt to impress his Dad, Frankie puts everything into winning the title.
