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Celebrating 25 Years of EP Australia

rph@epaustralia.com.au (Ruby Ph) — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:46:48 GMT

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

OF EP AUSTRALIA

Journalist Anne Fulwood once wrote, “In an industry littered with acronyms, there are few greater compliments than being given your own, and PPH (Patricia Powell-Hughes) and EP (EP Australia) sit solidly alongside the other recognised abbreviations in the Australian entertainment industry.”

EP Australia is celebrating 25 years in business in 2024. It’s a milestone we’re incredibly proud to share with you. Our journey since our start in 1999 has led us to become a leading specialist executive search agency in the screen & creative industries. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved in these 25 years, so we hope you’ll indulge us in sharing just a few snippets of our story so far.

A LITTLE AD
IN THE PAPER

The year was 1999. Originally called “Entertainment Personnel,” EP Australia was founded by Patricia Powell-Hughes and her mother, Catherine Powell. With a vision and Vonder Shepherd's “Searching Her Soul” playing repeatedly on the CD player. The business began with $5000 in start-up money, a fax machine, and a printed ad titled “Jobs in Film & TV.”

EP Australia was the first recruitment agency dedicated solely to the entertainment business. At the time, a bulky IMB computer displaying a static dot com page took up half a desk. Resumes arrived by post or fax and word spread quickly. Everyone wanted to be on this new recruitment company’s radar. We soon had Santa sacks filled with resumes and we began matching candidates with roles in film, television, and music.

TWO THOUSAND
AND WHAT ?!

Leanne Bushby joined us in early 2000 when we specialised in administrative and support roles for film and TV. As the industry evolved, so did our team: a little old thing called the Olympic Games caused massive growth and opportunities as hundreds of new roles exploded in everything from sports broadcast to promo producing. By 2001, the soundtracks from Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge had taken over the office. We were madly discussing this new GST tax and who to vote out of the Big Brother house.

As CGI started to cement itself in filmmaking, we found ourselves recruiting everything from visual effects to post-production and senior management roles while constantly adapting to technological advancements and industry shifts. The dot-com boom saw a mad rush from web developers to create the No.1 online job site. These sites were seen as a fast and cheap alternative to recruitment. We never sought to compete with them; instead, we maintained our trusted position by staying true to our passion and understanding of the creative industries and the people who powered them.

BRAND
EVOLUTION

We’ve evolved a few times over the years, reflecting the industry and the people we work with, even down to our name. When we began, our focus was primarily on the screen industry, but as we’ve grown and changed, so have the people we’ve worked with. In 2019, we officially changed our name to EP Australia to acknowledge the places we’ve come from and focus on the broader scope of creative industries in which we work Australia-wide.

Our very first logo from 1999, back when letterheads were still printed.

We had a hot update with the arrival of our first website. The flame motif stayed around for 8 years.

Our first proper “rebrand” - complete with a launch party & pun related merch.

Our evolution to date. Nods to the past, focused on the future.

CHAMPIONS
FOR STORIES

In 2007, EP Australia was invited to lead the search for the CEO position of the newly established National Indigenous Television Service (NITV) in Sydney and Alice Springs. NITV aimed to amplify Indigenous voices and stories. Over the next four years, we recruited the CEO, the Head of Television, and 70 other key positions. This contract marked the start of our HR consulting services, with PPH tackling organisation-wide structuring and strategy in the screen sector.

PEOPLE FIRST

The job market has fluctuated dramatically over the years, reflecting events including 9/11, the GFC, the introduction of LinkedIn, COVID-19’s major workplace shifts, the current cost-of-living crisis, and the rapid integration of AI tools we see today.

EP Australia has seen every pattern and change in the job market as it’s happened. Through all this, we’ve always prioritised connecting good people with great businesses through a deep understanding of each unique client and candidate. Nothing can replace or undermine the power of good people in the right position. By staying committed to our people-first recruitment process, we’ve maintained a 98% placement success rate for our clients, no matter the state of the market.

WHAT'S NEXT?

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that brought us here and look forward to the future. We continue reinventing ourselves, responding to each new cultural landscape and advising companies on emerging trends, new industries, and roles.

The creative industries are ever-evolving, and so are we. We extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, candidates, and partners who have been part of this journey. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our success. This is an exciting time for Australian screen, media, arts, sport, and entertainment industries — let’s shape them together.

Strategic HR, Executive Search and Recruitment across the Screen, Arts and Entertainment industries.

Bada Bing, Bada Boom! Victoria's Investment in SongMaker Program builds momentum for the Creative Industries

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:39:23 GMT

Taylor Swift's Eras tour delivers big dollars to the Aussie economy . A staggering $174 million boost in spending in Victoria with approximately $86 million into accommodation, hospitality, and tourism sectors and Sydney set to come, the expected spend on merchandise alone is $66 million.

The Australian live music sector plays a vital role in the nation's economy, with research indicating contributions of $5.7 billion in industry value last year. However, local artists face challenges competing with international superstars.

That’s why we’re encouraged by the news announced on Sunday, February 18th, that the Victorian Government is investing $2 million in the high school songwriting program, SongMakers , signalling a significant commitment to nurturing the local creative economy.

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said Australian contemporary music is fast becoming the nation’s biggest cultural export:

“When we build Australia’s songwriting capacity, we build our intellectual property, creating careers and generating income for the nation.”

APRA Chair, Jenny Morris, captured the essence of this investment perfectly:

"A good song creates jobs, lots of jobs. And a good song builds Australia’s intellectual property assets, generating big incomes that include export earnings, because a good song travels the world finding new performers and new audiences."

With Taylor Swift's Melbourne chapter coming to a close, the spotlight shifts to Sydney.

Are you ready for it?

EP Australia is the premier Executive Search & Recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities, or reach out to our team if you are hiring and need support on your executive search and recruitment requirements.

Article sources: The Music Network , ABC News , and Women's Agenda .

Why Taylor Swift Is Good For The Economy

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 23:15:27 GMT

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the impact of the creative industries on our broader economy cannot be overstated. It's a symphony that not only resonates with Arts enthusiasts but also contributes to a thriving economy.

Investing Beyond the Ticket: Fusing Creativity and Job Growth

Attending a concert, show, or event offers an experience that extends beyond the ticket—it's an investment in memories, emotions, and local economies. Fans travelling for these events drive up demand for accommodation, dining, and various local services, positively impacting nearby businesses. Moreover, these gatherings catalyse job creation within the creative economy, contributing to employment opportunities.

Taylor Swift's Tour Strikes a Financial Chord

Here’s a good example: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour, a juggernaut of creativity, not only enraptured fans but also reverberated through the U.S. hotel industry, injecting a whopping $208 million into room revenue. Highlighting the substantial economic potential within the creative arts that transcends the concert venues to echo through local businesses, communities, and broader economies.

Encore of Economic Vitality: Extending Beyond Applause

The positive aftermath of a remarkable show extends beyond the applause—it translates into spending and stimulates job growth. So, the next time you attend a concert event or a film, remember that you're not just witnessing an exhilarating performance; you're participating in a virtuous cycle that fuels the engine of our economy.

Let's continue to support the arts and acknowledge the jobs it creates as we continue to elevate our communities through the magic of creativity.

#EconomicImpact #CreativeIndustries #JobCreation

EP Australia is the premier executive search & recruitment consultancy dedicated exclusively to the creative economy across Asia Pacific. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with news, insights and career opportunities.

Article Sources: Yelp, QuestionPro, Camoin Associates, Warner Bros Pictures, Box Office Mojo

Celebrating Excellence at the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:39:24 GMT

The spotlight was shining bright on Wednesday night at The Tivoli in Brisbane/Meanjin as the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) celebrated and honoured the incredible talent within the music industry. The event saw the recognition of 23 outstanding female artists, musicians, and music practitioners in various categories.

The two-day extravaganza on September 26-27 kicked off with a conference program, forums, 'In Conversation' sessions, and a remarkable First Nations showcase. The grand finale, the Awards Ceremony and Concert, was a star-studded affair with captivating performances by several of Australia’s leading and emerging artists.

AWMA, an initiative of the non-profit Charity Cicada International Ltd, has become a powerful advocacy body, championing gender equality in the music industry. The event emphasised the need for inclusivity and representation , urging the industry to make gender equality a core music industry value.

As a Board member of AWMA, EP Australia’s MD, Patricia Powell-Hughes attended the event and said the highlight for her was the stunning finale of one of Australia's most iconic and most loved songs- AC/DC's 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll)', performed by Vanessa Amorosi, Sarah McLeod, Veronique Serret, Camille Layt, and supported by the AWMA House Band. It rocked alright!”

Let's celebrate and congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards for their inspiring contributions that continue to strengthen our music industry and elevate the international reputation of our vibrant music scene. Here's to a future where talent and creativity know no bounds, and gender equality prevails in every corner of the music world.

2023 AWMA WINNERS

Studio Production: Robyn Lee Payne

Artistic Excellence: Vika & Linda

Diversity in Music: Cerisa Benjamin

Music Journalist: Jane Gazzo

Excellence in Classical Music: Celia Craig

Emerging Artist: Ashli

Creative Leadership: Claire Edwardes

Inaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer: Emily Collins

Inaugural Women in Heavy Music: Emmy Mack

Lifetime Achievement: Kate Ceberano, Clare Moore, Jeannie Lewis

Tina Arena Special Impact: Cana Gilbert (posthumous)

Honour Roll: Judy Stone, Renee Geyer (posthumous)

Music Leadership: Marianna Annas

Filmmaker: Triana Hernandez

Live Production Touring: Jenny Moon

Live Creative Production: Naomi Price

Music Photographer: Mia Mala McDonald

Humanitarian: Alison Hams

Songwriter: Toni Watson

Inspiration Award: Vanessa Amorosi

A full list of finalists can be found here .

Here’s how you can watch the Awards…

The 2023 AWMAs can be streamed on ABC iView here .

The event was made possible with extensive support from our incredible industry and AWMA’s wonderful community partners.

#AWMA2023 #embracing equality #womeninmusicaus #AWMA #AustralianWomeninMusic #AWMARegional

Breaking News: NSW Screen Programs Ensure Continued Support for the Industry

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 02:53:38 GMT

In a recent development, the screen industry in New South Wales (NSW) is breathing a collective sigh of relief. Screen Producers Australia (SPA) expressed a warm welcome to the announcement made by the NSW Minister for the Arts, Hon John Graham MLC, affirming the continuity of crucial screen industry programs. These programs, including the Post Digital and Visual Effects (PDV), the Digital Games Development Rebate Program, and the Made in NSW Fund, will persist with their existing terms for eligible projects.

SPA CEO, Matthew Deaner, acknowledged the significance of this announcement, stating, “This announcement is a huge relief to the screen industry, and we thank the Minister for his robust and deep engagement with SPA and the industry over the past few weeks and the opportunity to present the risk and harm that was being done to our sector.”

While recognising the need for further efforts to fully restore NSW’s standing in the industry, Deaner expressed appreciation for the Government’s attentive response. He emphasised the unity displayed across various facets of the industry in addressing this crucial situation.

Screen industry holds a vital place as a significant and growing sector that not only generates economic activity but also fuels employment, skills training, and nurtures cultural identity. The industry remains optimistic about advancing the NSW sector on a positive trajectory, ensuring that creative industries rightfully claim their spot in the national and international economic and industry landscapes.

In a recent meeting with the Minister, SPA had the opportunity to discuss several steps that could help secure and grow the state’s screen industry. These steps include collaborating with the Federal Government and the industry to develop a Screen Export Strategy, emphasising the need for additional infrastructure, focusing on skills development and training programs, and proposing the establishment of a dedicated 'Screen Hub' for the sector and the NSW public.

Additionally, many submissions to the State’s Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, including SPA’s, underscored the importance of Screen NSW being an autonomous agency with adequate resources to support and grow the industry. Presently, unlike many other states, this autonomy is lacking in NSW, to the detriment of the industry.

Commendations to Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia, MEAA, Screen NSW and the 1000s of industry practitioners for their incredible work this week to lobby to save the NSW screen industry funding.

This positive development sets the stage for a bright future for the NSW screen industry, as it continues to grow and thrive, reinforcing its vital role in the economic and cultural landscapes both nationally and internationally. Stay tuned for more updates on how this exciting journey unfolds!

Follow EP Australia on LinkedIn for more news, insights and advice on jobs, careers and recruitment within the creative sector.

EP Australia announced as a winner of the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:20:47 GMT

Australia's premier executive search and recruitment agency for the creative, sports and entertainment sector, EP Australia, has been named the winner of the Champion Recruitment Services category of the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards.

The announcement was made at the Awards’ glittering National Presentation Evening held at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre on Saturday, September 23, 2023, where MD and Co-Founder, Patricia Powell-Hughes from EP Australia accepted the award on-stage on behalf of her business before almost 1000 attendees.

EP Australia was presented with a customised statuette trophy and certificate and gained invaluable kudos as a nationally recognised recruitment industry leader.

Patricia, who was also a Finalist in the Influential Women category said, “Winning the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award for Recruitment Services is not only recognition for myself as a leader, but recognition for my family, all of whom have worked in the business over the 25-year history and who have supported me through many challenging times. And to my incredible team, especially to Leanne Bushby, who has been with me for 24 years, for your commitment to EP Australia; I couldn’t do it without you.”

“I have to especially thank my mum, Catherine Powell, who started EP Australia with me back in 1999. Over Yum Cha and with just $5k in our pockets, we set our minds to opening a recruitment business in the film, TV, and entertainment industries.”

Since the early 2000s, Patricia has been a passionate advocate for increasing and improving diversity and inclusion within the creative sector. As part of her commitment to building indigenous representation in the media sector, she joined Media RING (Reconciliation Industry Network Group) at its inception in 2009 and, from 2015-2020 served as the Vice Chair.

Patricia continues to mentor women in the Australian ﬁlm, TV, Arts & music industry and strongly believes in gender equality and diversity in the sector. She is a volunteer mentor for Mentor Walks, is on the Board of the Australian Women in Music Awards, and is an active member of Women on Boards, the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN) and the Screen Producers Association.

During 2020-2022, Patricia was on the Board of SPRUNG!! An integrated Dance Theatre is a not-for-profit and community-based organisation providing workshops and specialised dance and theatre training for people with disability.

About the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards

This year marks the second consecutive year of the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards, a prestigious and comprehensive program that celebrates the growing number of Australia’s most inspiring and influential women in small business.

“There's no doubting the rising success of female-led small businesses from all corners of this country,” said Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards.

“Just as the Matildas shone during this year’s World Cup, attracting the nation’s admiration, and highlighting the positive contribution of women in sport, the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards program has been specifically created to shine a spotlight on the rising economic and social contributions of women in small business — spanning all capital cities as well as rural, regional, and suburban towns.

“Precedent Productions has been running the Australian Small Business Champion Awards since 1999, so we're generally in tune with the country’s best-performing business operators. We created this standalone female-focused awards program because frankly, it's high time for greater recognition of Australia’s female business trailblazers who still face unique challenges with incredible grit and positively infectious entrepreneurial spirit,” added Mr Loe.

The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards saw thousands of entries this year and honoured the achievements of a total of 65 category winners from a broad cross-section of industries. Additionally, four individual category winners were recognised at the red-carpet event, which was hosted by accomplished journalist and popular broadcaster Deborah Knight.

The 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards is sponsored by Nine Plus, CUB, NOVAEmployment, Castaway Forecasting, Xcllusive Business Sales, and Big Clean.

For more information — including a full list of 2023 winners — visit: womensbusinesschampions.com.au.

About EP Australia

EP Australia is a boutique recruitment firm specialising in executive search, permanent and contract recruitment, and HR consulting, working exclusively with Australia's creative, film, TV, arts, music, sports, and entertainment sectors.

As industry pioneers, we redefine search and recruitment in the creative economy, setting industry benchmarks for excellence. We are a small business making a big impact with our extensive network, deep industry knowledge, and candidate intelligence. Our global reach has enabled us to access top talent globally, and we’re proud to have placed some of the industry’s most prominent decision-makers and those who have shaped the creative economy.

Our 25-year heritage and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven approaches help to set us apart. Our unique location within Sydney’s Disney Studios Australia, at the heart of film and TV production, fosters dynamic connections with our community, further differentiating us. We are deeply committed to DE&I, with a 100% staff retention rate showcasing our dedication to employee well-being.

Our core mission is to create a reliable talent pipeline for the creative economy by connecting businesses with individuals who not only meet job requirements but also share their values and passion. Our placement history and community involvement exemplify our commitment to diversity.

FOR ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES FOR EP AUSTRALIA — INCLUDING IMAGERY AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES — CONTACT:

Jeannette Borg

Mobile: +61-(0)409 870 377

Email: jeannette@yourvirtualcmo.com.au