We at the ADG and ASDACS are greatly saddened this week by the passing of Australian writer, director and industry leader, Mark Poole. 

Mark was a long-time Victorian Chapter Head for the ADG, always supporting and uplifting Australian screen directors. His creativity and commitment to the ADG as a union and a cultural institution was exceptional. Mark organised and participated in many ADG events, representing us at festivals, conferences, industry forums and high-level meetings with other guilds and screen agencies.  Mark was committed to gender equality and directed a broadcast of the ADG Awards. He was mentor to emerging directors for whom he curated events and attachments through Film Victoria, Screen Australia and RMIT. Mark created and led St Kilda films with his devoted partner Lisa French, Dean of Media and Communication at RMIT. Mark and Lisa, individually and as a wonderful team, have been trusted friends and advocates for the ADG and Australian screen directors.

Mark was an award-winning Australian writer and director whose career spanned feature film, television drama and documentary. His screenwriting credits included the AFI Award-winning feature A Single Life (1987), released in Australia and the UK and broadcast on ABC and the BBC. He wrote more than 20 hours of television drama, wrote and directed scores of broadcast documentaries, and worked with ABC, SBS and major independent production companies. At ABC Television, he wrote, directed and produced documentaries and children's drama.

On a personal note, I remember Mark very fondly in my roles as President of the ADG and as a board member. He was always on the front foot, calling me whenever there was something urgent that he felt needed attention or with an offer of support for our awards, seminars, policy positions or solutions to the ADG’s often-times difficult financial situation. He has been a beacon of advice and support to our current Executive Director, Sophie Harper, and to ADG and ASDACS board members, past and present. Mark was a creative talent and a champion of Australian directors, our industry and our culture. He was smart, eloquent, and caring. We will miss him dearly.

Rowan Woods on behalf of the Board, staff and members of the ADG

A celebration of Mark's life will be held on 31 July in Melbourne. Email admin@adg.org.au for details.