MELL TUNES UP F OR LA AUDITION
MORE than a million counterfeit DVDs, with an estimated street value of $ 21 million, have been destroyed in Sydney.
Actor Roy Billing, who starred in the popular Underbelly police drama, was on hand to help police carry out the court order to shred the pirated movie and TV show DVDs yesterday.
The discs are believed to be the largest seizure of copyrightinfringing DVDs in Australia.
Mr Billing said it was a good day for Australia’s film and television industry because counterfeit DVDs and illegal downloading were undermining its growth and sustainability.
“It’s show business and people have to make money out of it for it to continue.”
He said many production companies relied on the extra money DVD sales brought in, after theatrical release, to cover their costs and fund projects. A LOCAL star is on her way to the top after being selected to attend an exclusive artists gathering in LA to audition in front of agents and music producers in December.
Mell Boyce from North Shore, who is a vocal coach at The Voice Singing School, as well as a performer said she cried when she first heard the news.
“My inner child was just screaming. I was so excited because it’s just such an exciting opportunity,” she said.
“The competition allows you to sing in front of various producers, so I’m hoping to get an agent in LA who I can work with from Australia.
“There is not much of that big industry in Townsville, so to bring back the experience will be awesome, regardless of whether I get an agent or not.”
The opportunity came for Mrs Boyce when a Melbourne- based talent agency, Oz Link Talent, held auditions in Townsville for the first time.
“I thought, what’s the worst that could happen if I audition,” she said.
Mrs Boyce has been a singer for 10 years. She is married to husband Mitch and has a two- year- old son, Zeb.
Mrs Boyce is fundraising to help cover costs with a fund me page and special “Wine Mixer” event on September 2.
The funds raised will go towards travel, accommodation, event fees, and living expenses while she is away in December.