ABOUT THE PROGRAM 

ON THE RISE – ACTORS EDITION, is a unique professional development initiative designed to support the next generation of Australian acting talent on the global stage.

What does the ON THE RISE program offer? 

• Two in-depth masterclasses included in acting reel submission for actors seeking industry exposure
• A “masterclasses-only” registration option, allowing participants to access the educational content without submitting an acting reel

EXCLUSIVE MASTERCLASSES

Masterclass #1

Embodying the Character
Jean-Louis Rodrigue
Alexander Techworks

Internationally renowned movement coach Jean-Louis Rodrigue from Alexander Techworks joins us for a unique one-hour workshop exploring how physicality shapes character. Based in the Alexander Technique, this interactive session will help actors become more present, connected, and expressive in their bodies, even through Zoom. This class will be a great first look at how movement, posture, and awareness can unlock your performance through practical exercises and demonstrations you won’t find anywhere else. This is a rare chance to delve into the character movement work that has helped actors like Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale and Rachel McAdams bring unforgettable performances to screen. 

OPTIONAL REEL SUBMISSION 

ON THE RISE – ACTOR’S EDITION offers Australian actors not currently signed in the U.S. a rare opportunity to place their work directly in front of leading U.S. talent managers. Up to 100 applicants may submit a reel for review by representatives from M88 MACRO, Mosaic Media Group, Justice & Ponder, Inc., Arise Artists Agency and new judges from previous management company participants, Echo Lake Entertainment and Artists First, with one standout participant awarded:

• 30-minute one-on-one general Zoom meeting with casting director Kellie Roy 
• A spotlight feature on AiF’s social channels and website
• Unparalleled international exposure and industry recognition

Every applicant also gains access to the exclusive masterclasses—delivering invaluable insight, access, and a front-row view into what it takes to break into the highly competitive U.S. acting market.

ABOUT JEAN-LOUIS RODRIGUE
ACTING COACH & MOVEMENT DIRECTOR

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Jean-Louis Rodrigue is an internationally recognized acting coach, movement director, and teacher of the Alexander Technique, and a specialist in its application to theater and film.

For more than forty years, Jean-Louis has taught actors, directors, musicians, and performers around the world the art of the Alexander Technique. He is a faculty member at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and for seventeen years mentored emerging filmmakers and actors for Berlinale Talents at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Renowned for his work in character development and movement, Jean-Louis has collaborated on numerous acclaimed productions, including Barbie, The Power of the Dog, Lovecraft Country, and the Academy Award-winning Life of Pi. His distinguished roster of collaborators includes Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Rachel McAdams, Paul Dano, and Keanu Reeves.

ABOUT KELLIE ROY
CASTING DIRECTOR

Kellie Roy is an acclaimed casting director and partner at Engine Casting, one of Hollywood's leading casting companies, where she collaborates with Annie McCarthy, Morgan Robbins and their team on acclaimed film and television projects.

Since beginning her career as an intern, Kellie has risen through the ranks to become a respected industry leader, known for her exceptional eye for talent and her collaborative approach to casting.

Originally from Simi Valley, California, Kellie's passion for storytelling was shaped by an early love of film, television and competitive athletics. After earning a basketball scholarship to San Francisco State University, where she studied Film, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in casting.

Over the course of her career, Kellie has cast a diverse range of projects, from independent features to major studio blockbusters. Her casting director credits include Aquaman, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Fast 7, Insidious and The Conjuring. Passionate about discovering new talent, Kellie is committed to championing authentic storytelling and assembling casts that bring depth, nuance and humanity to every project.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Applications/Registration Open: 

Monday, July 13 at 5:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. AEST (in Australia) 

Applications/Registrations Close):

Tuesday July 21, at 5:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. AEST (in Australia) or when 100 submissions have been reached

Masterclass #1: Jean-Louis Rodrigue - Thursday, July 23 at 5:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Friday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m AEST (in Australia)

Masterclass #2: Kellie Roy - Wednesday, August 19 at 5:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Thursday, August  20 at 10:00 a.m. AEST (in Australia)

Capacity for reel submission: 100 submissions accepted - first in, best dressed

Capacity for both Masterclasses: (NO REEL) - none

Eligibility for reel submission only: 

Must be an Australian citizen over 18 at the time of application

Can have Australian representation 

Must NOT already have U.S. representation

Cannot have a lead or series regular in a U.S. production 

Submission Requirements:

You’ll need; a 2-minute maximum acting reel, headshots, credits

You’ll receive a link to create a free account on AiF’s application platform upon registration completion.

Fees:

Reel submission + masterclasses

$150 USD 

Masterclasses ONLY

$75 USD

The Judging Panel:

For those who submit a reel, your work will be reviewed by an elite panel of representatives from top U.S. talent management companies, M88 MACRO, Mosaic Media Group, Justice & Ponder, Inc., Arise Artists Agency and new judges from previous management company participants, Echo Lake Entertainment and Artists First. Every submission will be viewed by all judges. 

The Prize:

30-minute general meeting with a leading U.S. casting director

Feature on AiF website and social channels

Announcement of the winner the week of February 16, 2025

Australians in Film is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Australian screen talent at every stage of their careers. Proceeds from this and all AiF programs are fully reinvested into the development and delivery of our initiatives, including education, mentorship, and industry access—creating meaningful pathways for Australian creatives to build sustainable international careers.