Current Silver Logie nominee, Gyton Grantley, otherwise known as Carl Williams in Underbelly, will speak at this year’s Sirens Masterclass, a one day creative seminar that provides keynote speakers and interactive sessions on how to best write and produce radio commercials.

Grantley, a 2008 AFI winner for best lead actor in Underbelly, will provide insights into his experience as an actor across film, television and theatre. He joins fellow actor, writer and director, Rob Carlton, best-known for his work in The Hollowmen and the comedy series, Chandon Pictures, who will speak at the Sirens Masterclass, about his extensive experience with production and direction of comedy.

The Masterclass, with the title “Getting radio off the Page” will focus on writing and production of radio ads, and will be held in Sydney at Waters Edge, Walsh Bay on May 8. Other speakers at this year’s Masterclass include casting director, Anousha Zarkesh, who has over twenty years experience working in the industry and has cast many Australian films.

Also speaking is commercials director, Tim Bullock, who has worked in advertising and is renowned for his directing skills, particularly with comedy. Advertising radio specialist and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the speakers at this year’s Masterclass were excellent and combined extensive acting, writing and production experience: “This is a great line-up of speakers with some of the best Australian talent providing their insights – a great opportunity for everyone attending,” Ms Warner said.

The Masterclass will follow a breakfast at the same venue, where the best radio ads for 2009, the winners of the Siren Awards, will be announced. The hosts of the breakfast will be Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman and Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson, from the drivetime show, “The Jono & Dano Show", on-air on WS-FM (Sydney), GOLD 104 (Melbourne) and 4KQ (Brisbane), as well as many regional stations across Australia.

Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at Waters Edge, Sydney on May 8. The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined. Tickets for the breakfast only are $65 and a table of ten is available for $595. For a booking form and more information visit the Sirens website, www.sirenawards.com.au