Acting scholarship named in Heath Ledger's honour

Melbourne, Sep 26 : A scholarship named in the memory of Heath Ledger has been offered by the late actor's family and a L.A. based entertainment organisation.

The scholarship will give an Australian actor a shot at making it big in Hollywood.

Los Angeles-based entertainment organisation, Australians in Film (AIF), and Ledger's family unveiled details of the Heath Ledger Scholarship yesterday.

"As a result of this scholarship, a talented Australian actor will gain valuable assistance to support their personal goals and an opportunity for recognition in the very tough US film industry," The Daily Telegraph quoted Heath's father Kim Ledger, as saying.

The scholarship is aimed at Australian actors with "initiative and exceptional talent" and an "ability to convert ambitions to reality".

The selected actor should be above 18 years of age and the winner will receive 12,017 Australian dollars plus a return airfare to LA from Australia.

Australian director Jordan, who cast Ledger in 'Ned Kelly', has agreed to be a part of five-person judge panel.

"Broke Aussie actors in LA form a tradition that goes all the way back to Errol Flynn," Jordan said.

"Heath was definitely part of that tradition and this scholarship is something he would have been proud to have his name associated with," he added.

ANI