Newton-John Alumni Medal - 2022

With an extensive list of commercials, television shows and films under his belt, there is no question that Glendyn has made a significant impact on Australian film and television culture.

Originally from Tamworth, Glendyn has been working at Melbourne-based production company, Exit Films since 2000. During this time, he has established himself as a pioneer in the world of commercial and music promo directing and has directed award-winning commercials for clients such as Toyota, Heinz, Kellogg’s and QANTAS.

It was in 2003 that Glendyn’s career began to gain momentum with his first short drama Cracker Bag, based on a childhood experience of his own. The film was recognised with a Palme d’Or for short film at the 56th Cannes Film Festival and went on to be nominated for four Australian Film Institute Awards, winning Best Short Screenplay and Best Short Film.

Glendyn went on to direct two feature films: the Last Ride starring Hugo Weaving, and Penguin Bloom, starring Naomi Watts. Both films earned an Australian Directors Guild Award nomination for Best Direction in a Feature Film with Penguin Bloom also garnering a 2021 AACTA Award nomination for Best Film and Best Direction in Film.

Glendyn Ivin - 2022 Newton-John Alumni Medal

While earning a name for himself in the film industry, it is in television that Glendyn attributes some of his most creative work. Glendyn is behind some of Australia’s most celebrated television shows like Puberty Blues, The Beautiful Lie, Seven Types of Ambiguity, Safe Harbour and The Cry (BBC). A rather impressive resume.

He is at the forefront of the evolution of television. “TV is the new cinema. The work I have been doing in Australia and overseas is part of that innovation,” said Glendyn.

Glendyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Newcastle, which he credits with providing him the knowledge he needed to be a visual communicator and starting him on his creative journey.

“That time formed who I am as a creative. It prepared me for who I am today as a film director”.

Glendyn Ivin

Glendyn Ivin
Director (TV and Film)

Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) 1994

TV is the new cinema. The work I have been doing in Australia and overseas is part of that innovation

Alumni Excellence Awards

Newton-John Alumni Medal

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