Former company behind Aus Idol, The Voice, to produce ARIA Awards
Acclaimed programme maker Julie Ward, whose production company ZigZagTV produced the ARIA Awards from 2005-2007, has been brought back into the fold.
Ward will join CEO of Endemol Shine Australia (and former boss of MTV Australia) Mark Fennessy to work on the 30thanniversary of the Awards.
Fennessy, who was appointed the Awards’ Creative Director back in April, has previously worked alongside Ward on both the Awards and on the launch of The Voice Australia in 2012, when the pair helped break ratings records.
Ward’s production credits also include Australian Idol (2004), So You Think You Can Dance (2014), Australia’s Next Top Model (2011, 2013) and Rove Live (2001 – 2002).
Speaking to TMN, Ward said: “Starting in the record library at Channel Ten, I have seen so many technological changes in both music and television that have given tools for creativity to flourish.
“Never in that 30 year history has this been more true and Mark and I are working with some incredibly exciting partners to create a stage for a spectacular anniversary celebration.”
“I started in the industry about the same time as the ARIAs began and as my career in TV has mostly been about music, this means a lot on many levels,” said Ward. “Most notably, the opportunity to join forces again with Mark Fennessy who shares the same passion for the Australian music industry means this will be a celebration worthy of the milestone.”
Mark Fennessy added: “From great people come great things and Julie is a super talent. It’s an enormous boost for ARIA’s 30th Anniversary to have an exceptional creative such as Julie Ward leading the production team.”
Ward and Fennessy will work alongside long-time event producer Michael Long on the Awards, who has been working with ARIA for the Awards in some form or another for around 15 years.
Dan Rosen,chief executive officer of ARIA, said: “Julie is a hugely talented and experienced producer,who has a wealth of expertise working on big productions, including several previous ARIA Awards shows.”
ARIA will announce a range of TV and live events to celebrate the milestone.