Sunny wins AACTA Pitch: Action! initiative

Emerging Melbourne actor Sunny S. Walia has been announced as the winner of a talent initiative, AACTA Pitch: ACTION!

A record-breaking 466 submissions were received in the home-made screen-test competition held by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

On offer were opportunities in mentoring, head shots, awards tix and casting memberships. Noni Hazlehurst, casting and agents Kirsty McGregor and Aran Michael reviewed ten finalists. Walia is a fulltime student at the Australian Film & Television Academy, and has undergone courses at Brave Studios with Damian Walshe-Howling, Daniela Farinacci, Tyler Coppin, and Penny McDonald.

The Melbourne based actor says he thought of his fresh approach to the text while in the bathroom which is where he decided to film the scene.

“I’ll be completely honest and say I came up with the idea to do the screen test in the bathroom whilst…in the bathroom,” he said. “Also, the fact that the script had no cemented directions in terms of actions or location I figured that could be any place in the house and realistically we had all the freedom in the world on how to deliver it. And with all the toilet paper shortage and the topic of germs, COVID in the script, why not work that in?

“Thanks to AACTA for giving us a chance to perform and play in this time of unknown. And to win?! Wow! Not too sure what to say. Amazing experience and looking forward to reaping the rewards.”

Launched in 2018, AACTA Pitch has grown into one of Australia’s premier talent and content initiatives, linking industry to emerging creatives and fast tracking the development of new productions and careers. Across web series, TV Drama, short film and feature film, AACTA Pitch has collaborated with organisations such as car brand MINI, the Australian Writer’s Guild and Screenworks to shine a light on a host of new voices, leading to production and meaningful development and marketplace interest.

TV Tonight is a partner of the AACTA Awards.