CREATIVE DIRECTORS

ACTING CREATIVE DIRECTOR ALABAMA BLONDE (AKA EMMA FLEMING)

Emma Fleming is a casting director and acting coach who has worked in the film and television industry for over 10 years as an agent, casting director and coach in Melbourne, Sydney, Berlin, London and New York. Now based in Los Angeles, Emma recently wrapped assisting in casting ‘The Seventh Day’, starring Guy Pearce and ‘Til Death’ starring Jason Sudeikis and Evangeline Lily. As a Casting Director, she is currently in pre-production for two feature films set to begin production in late Summer 2020. Emma was nominated for the ‘Achievement in Casting Award’ by the Casting Guild of Australia in 2017 for the show ‘Testament’, she remains a proud member of the CGA.

Emma has trained in several acting techniques and methodology’s, namely the Meisner Technique and Alexander Techniques, she has also trained in the work of Michael Chekov, the Alexander technique and the Mike Leigh Method to name a few. Recognizing that no two actors are alike Emma offers a variety of techniques, methodology’s and practices to actors so that they can develop a process and approach to the work, which resonates with them as individuals.

In 2019 Emma was one of 15 teachers selected to train and work alongside Alexandra Billings (USC), Hugh O’Gorman (SCU/MICHA), Gregory Wallace (Yale), David Bridel (USC) and Kenneth Noel Mitchel (NYU) at the University of Southern California with the National Alliance of Acting Teachers. She is now a proud member of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers America.

DANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR RENEE RITCHIE

Renee Ritchie career began at Jeninaʼs Dance Workshop in Tasmania (Australia) at 17. After moving to Sydney NSW to study Full-Time at Brent Street Dance Studios, Renee continued to pursue her training and career all the way to Los Angeles in the USA. With hard work, persistence and continuing to put herself out their Renee made it onto television show SYTYCD Season 3 (Australia) Top 12 which catapulted her very successful career as dancer and choreographer.

Renee has worked with artists in Australia such as Kylie Minogue, Reedfo, Kelly Clarkson, Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Timomatic and more; and has performed on TV shows like X-Factor, Dance Academy, Australiaʼs Next Top Model, Mardi Gras, Footy Show Australia and Young Talent Time. Just to name a few. Renees dedication and perseverance, along with applying her skills and talents has successfully led her to work for international artists such as J-LO, Paula Abdul, Chloe Flower, Major Lazer, MO, J-Balvin, Farruko, Wisin, Nicky Jam, Omi, Fitz and the Tantrums and more. Renee has been also featured on The Ellen Show, James Corden, Latin Grammyʼs and Peoples Choice Awards.

Renee’s professional performance career also stems to being a renown choreographer! Having choreographed on seasons 4 SYTYCD Australia, Music Video for Australiaʼs pop star artist Dami Im “Fighting For Love”, Paula Abdul's 2018 "Straight Up" Tour and LA pride performance. Renee has been also been assistant choreographer on J-LO “All I Have” and Britney Spears “Domination” Las Vegas show. Travelling around the USA teaching and judging competitions for multiple companies, Renee continues to share her knowledge with the younger generation of today. Renee has a passion for teaching and mentoring anyone with the driving desire of becoming a professional dancer. Not only Australian wide but also internationally. Renee has mentored and guided many dancers such as Michael Dameski, Tash Marconi, Bec Morris, Chris Tsattalios, Laura Spence and more. Renee offers the tools and skill set it takes to become a professional in this industry, and looks forward to guiding many more young performers on their international journey’s.

YOUTH CREATIVE DIRECTOR ROBBIE RYDE

FILM CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONY GARDINER

Robbie is an international actor, film-maker and educator. He has studied extensively both Australia and the US and continues his acting studies with Upright Citizen Brigade ‘UCB’, Matthew Barry Teaches and under writer, director David Matalon. His acting career has seen a vast amount of commercial success as well as landing roles in both TV and film.

He started behind the camera helping as a 2nd camera operator and assistant editor simply filming acting showreels, he quickly learned the trade and was able to take over as DOP and senior editor under directors such as John Orcsik and Colin Budds.

Robbie continues to master his craft as a multi talented producer, director, cinematographer and editor with films such as ‘A Death Perspective’, ‘Veebess’, ‘Pass’, ‘Connected’ and ‘Banana Split’ winning him multiple awards for ‘Best Director & Best Short’ at Diabolic Film & ‘Best Indie Short’ at the Independent Film Awards to name a few.

He is extremely passionate about teaching and passing on his knowledge, establishing himself as an expert through his program ‘Create Your Own Content’

FILM CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONY GARDINER

The Film and Television industry is a family business for Tony, with both his father Calvin and grandfather Jack being accredited cinematographers. From a young age Tony knew he wanted to work in the family business. Starting in the camera department at Panavision Australia then moving up through the camera department to become a director of photography.

In his career as a DOP Tony has had many career highlights including winning best cinematography at the worlds largest short film festival "Tropfest". Tony has also won multiple Australian Cinematographers Society awards for his work in commercial and drama. After 5 years of shooting Australians highest rated drama "Home and Away" Tony turned his mind to directing. After a successful attachment on Home and Away Tony went on to direct 35 episodes of "Home and Away" and more recently moved to another Australian classic drama "Neighbours" with his most recent episode becoming the highest rating episode in several years both in Australia and the UK.

Tony is currently developing a series created by well known Actors Brenton Thwaites and Tai Hara.