20 – 24 October 2014. Come with an idea. Leave with the opening pages of your novel, and the inspiration you need to keep going. Take part in intensive workshops designed to get you thinking about the main components of any novel – character, setting, voice, plot – and […]
Sydney Writers’ Festival – Is REDFERN NOW changing landscape of Australian TV?
Now in its second season, this highly acclaimed drama series doesn’t shy away from the big issues, tackling homophobia, depression, alcohol abuse, heartbreak and more. It has been particularly lauded for its powerful storytelling and tightly woven narratives. In this panel the writers of REDFERN NOW, Steven McGregor and Jon Bell, discuss how they have […]
2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – Betty Roland Prize Winner Announced
As judge on the Betty Roland Scriptwriting Panel, I am pleased to announce that this year’s Betty Roland Scriptwriting Prize and $30,000 goes to Kris Mrksa for his sensational mini-series on the James Hardie asbestos cover-up, DEVIL’S DUST. Read more for my comments on this year’s winner: Betty Roland Scriptwriting Prize 2014 THE WINNER: DEVIL’S […]
Sydney Writers’ Festival – Three Australian Storytellers Conquer the World: Small Start, Global Finish
In a panel discussion on what makes a story universal, film producer, Ross Grayson Bell (FIGHT CLUB), talks to: award-winning author Graeme Simsion, about the success of his novel THE ROSIE PROJECT; author Hannah Kent about her sensational, debut novel, BURIAL RITES, which has just been optioned in Hollywood by Jennifer Lawrence, and film producer […]
2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – Complete List of Winners Announced
A total of $275,000 in prize money was awarded across 12 prizes in recognition of the achievements of leading Australian writers at a presentation ceremony at the State Library of NSW tonight. Presided over by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, the awards celebrate and foster our vibrant literary […]
2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – Betty Roland Prize Shortlist Announced
Completing my third and final year as a judge on the Betty Roland Scriptwriting Award, I am pleased to announce the six screenwriters who made it onto this year’s shortlist and include the judges’ comments: Betty Roland Scriptwriting Prize 2014 – Shortlist ▪ Blake Ayshford, AN ACCIDENTAL SOLDIER (Goalpost Pictures/ABC TV) ▪ Jane Campion & […]
2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – Announcing This Year’s Complete Shortlist
Twenty-four judges considered hundreds of entries across nine prize categories to arrive at today’s shortlist. As Senior Judge for this year’s Premier’s Literary Awards, I am proud to announce this year’s shortlist, honouring our dynamic literary community: CHRISTINA STEAD PRIZE FOR FICTION • The Secret Lives of Men, Georgia Blain (Scribe Publications) • The Narrow […]
46th AWGIE Awards – Presenting the Monte Miller Award
It was a fairytale finish for the winners of the Annual AWGIE Awards, which were held last Friday night 4 October at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. Hosted by Sammy J, the awards now in their 46th year, celebrate the integral role of the writer in Australian film, television, theatre radio and interactive media. The AWGIE […]
Premiere of DEADBEAT DADS – Winner of the MTV Optus ONE80 Competition (2012)
Success of my mission to create stronger concepts for film and television came when two former screenwriting students, Kent Pearson and Shelly McLaren (Graduate Diploma Screenwriting 2011), partnered with current screenwriting student Ben Matthews (also a graduate of the Directing course), and won over $180,000 in the MTV/Optus One80 Competition to make a TV pilot […]
State Library of NSW Names Ross Grayson Bell as Senior Judge for 2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
I am honoured and thrilled to accept the position of Senior Judge at the 2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. At the same time I will also act as a judge on the Betty Roland Scriptwriting Award for my third and final year.