Producer honoured with industry honorary degree

Producer and former Head of SBS Independent Bridget Ikin has been named recipient of an Australian Film Television and Radio School Honorary Degree.

She was conferred with a Doctorate of Arts, Film and Television in recognition of her significant contribution to the screen industry by AFTRS chair, Russel Howcroft at a graduate ceremony yesterday. She joins a select group of  industry practitioners including, Dr George Miller, Baz Luhrmann, John Edwards, Darren Dale, Jan Chapman and Phillip Noyce.

Ikin, a principal of Felix Media, has produced award-winning films, short films, documentaries and moving image projects over many years in both Australia and New Zealand, including An Angel at My Table, directed by Jane Campion; Look Both Ways, directed by Sarah Watt; Sherpa, directed by Jen Peedom and Crush, directed by Alison Maclean. She also collaborates with artists on multi-screen projects, including with Angelica Mesiti and Hossein Valamanesh.

Ikin has been Head of SBS Independent, commissioning more than 400 hours of programming, and was the Associate Director – Film, of the Adelaide Festival 2002. During 2005-2006 she was a feature film Evaluation Manager at the FFC (now Screen Australia). She has also been a long-serving board member of the South Australian Film Corporation.

“It means a great deal to me to be recognised for my contribution to the cultural fabric of Australia, since I was born in New Zealand and didn’t move here until I was 35. I continue to thrive on facilitating exceptional projects, in supporting women, and advocating for diversity,” she said.

Neil Peplow, CEO of AFTRS, said: “Bridget is a role model for future screen makers and we are thrilled to award her this honorary degree She has made a remarkable contribution to independent screen and broadcast production in this country and her commitment to supporting women behind and in front of the camera has been outstanding.”

 

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