13 05 2016 - Media release
Two female Australian directors to join Ridley Scott on Alien: Covenant
Alien: Covenant
Screen Australia and the Australian Directors Guild (ADG) today announced that Brooke Goldfinch and Catriona McKenzie have been chosen as the director’s attachments on Sir Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant. They will work on the project for five weeks while the production films in Australia.
The Director’s Attachment Scheme is an incentive program funded by Screen Australia and managed by the ADG for emerging directors to develop their craft.
Both Brooke and Catriona are accomplished directors. In 2016 Brooke was nominated for Best Direction in a Short Film at the ADG Awards. She is a graduate of the Tisch School for the Arts in New York and was selected to direct a segment of the compendium feature film The Colour of Time, starring James Franco and Jessica Chastain.
Catriona is AFTRS alumni whose debut feature film, Satellite Boy (2012), won the Crystal Bear Special Mention Award for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival. Catriona’s other credits include Redfern Now and Dance Academy.
“A director’s attachment with Ridley Scott is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Across all genres, his films have a pure cinematic vision. I look forward to being a great big sponge – quiet and absorbing,” said Catriona.
Brooke said, “Shadowing one of my icons on one of my favourite blockbuster film series is an extraordinary opportunity. With over 40 years’ experience, Ridley Scott is a master. He has always nurtured the careers of women in front of and behind the camera and I'm happy to have the privilege of working with him”.
Alien: Covenant producer Mark Huffam said, “We are very happy with the choice of the two candidates, and hopefully they will both benefit greatly from the experience of shadowing a director of Ridley Scott's standing.”
Nerida Moore, Senior Development Executive at Screen Australia congratulated Brooke and Catriona. “Screen Australia is delighted to work with the ADG to facilitate the attachments of two talented directors, Brooke Goldfinch and Catriona McKenzie, on Alien: Covenant. It’s recognition of their work and drive and we look forward to following their extremely promising careers.”
Previous feature film attachments facilitated by Screen Australia and the ADG include Beth Armstrong on Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge, and Kelli Cross on Rachel Perkins’ Jasper Jones.
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