The film and television industry is in mourning following the death of acclaimed Australian writer and director Amanda Brotchie. She passed away this week after a battle with cancer.
A Creative Legacy Across Continents
Brotchie's significant career spanned both Australian and British television. Her credits included co-creating, co-writing, and directing the ABC series Lowdown with her husband, actor and writer Adam Zwar. She also directed the 2018 television reboot of the iconic Australian story Picnic At Hanging Rock.
In the UK, she was known for her work on major BBC productions. She directed episodes of Doctor Who, Disney+'s Renegade Nell, and the comedy series Riot Women. Her versatility also saw her contribute to shows like Gentleman Jack.
A Heartbreaking Farewell from a Husband
Adam Zwar shared the devastating news with followers on Instagram on Friday. He posted a series of photographs celebrating her life alongside a moving tribute. "I’m so sad to tell you that today we lost our beautiful Amanda," he wrote.
Zwar highlighted not only her professional achievements but her multifaceted personality. He noted she held a doctorate in linguistics and was a member of the seminal 1980s band Not Drowning, Waving. Above all, he remembered her as a fiercely loyal supporter of friends and family.
"Her priority was to cheer on her friends and family. If you were a member of this group, rest assured, your successes brought her the greatest joy, and you were very, very loved," he wrote.
He fondly recalled their first meeting, which sparked 23 wonderful years together. Zwar's tribute painted a picture of a brave, adventurous, and talented partner, mentioning her fearlessness with spiders and snakes, and her skill in the kitchen which mirrored her directorial style—"with perfect balance, effortlessness, and a lightness of touch."
An Outpouring of Industry Tributes
The announcement prompted an immediate flood of condolences from colleagues and friends across the entertainment world. Patrick Brammall, star of Colin From Accounts, expressed his sorrow, calling Brotchie "incredible" and "an inspiration."
Kate Mulvaney from Hunters offered deepest condolences, noting the "brilliant legacy" Amanda leaves behind. Julia Zemiro, who starred in Lowdown, shared her sadness, recalling Amanda as "a delight" and thanking her for a wonderful experience on set.
Perhaps one of the most significant tributes came from Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies. He posted on Instagram praising Brotchie's directorial precision and imagination on her two episodes, Lux and The Well.
"God, we adored her," Davies wrote. "She was so much fun! Bright and sharp and kind and questioning and always determined to make things better, better, better." He added that her insightful critiques of scripts were always valuable.
Professional guilds also paid their respects. The Australian Writers’ Guild said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of a long-time member and double AWGIE Award winner for Lowdown. Screen Producers Australia commended her "lasting contribution," creative vision, generosity, and commitment to storytelling.
Amanda Brotchie's passing leaves a profound void in the creative community, remembered as much for her impactful work as for her vibrant and supportive spirit.
