Mark rewarded for his career

AFTER 32 years in the television industry, noted Coffs Harbour-based "live variety" director Mark Adamson has been acknowledged by his peers.

The recognition came at the Sydney Maritime Museum with the presentation of the Australian Directors Guild awards.

Mark was named the winner in the category of Best Direction in a TV Reality Program/Light Entertainment, along with the directors of Rockwiz, for his continuing work on the Freehand/Seven Network's Dancing with the Stars. It was one of 17 category awards handed out on the night to Australia's leading film, TV and documentary directors.

The award recognised one episode in particular from 2011 that featured live performances from both James Blunt and Jennifer Hudson as well as the 10 individual dance performances.

Mark said he was honoured to have been recognised by the guild.

"My first love is directing live event music and variety and I've been fortunate to have directed concerts from Kylie Minogue and Savage Garden, Diana Krall, several ARIA Awards, five series of Big Brother and the Sydney Olympics. I have been directing Dancing with the Stars for five series now and the buzz from doing live TV is an amazing hook.

"I am delighted to receive the award on behalf of the crew of Dancing with the Stars.

"Every single contribution from them, no matter how small, is vital in getting the show to air live each week. I am thrilled that our efforts have been recognised."