Georgia’s film career takes flight

“I started working in the film industry’s art department in 2018, but work was slow and sporadic after returning from overseas in 2023. So, when I saw the Diploma Screen and Media (Film and TV Production) (CUA51020), it felt like perfect timing to upskill,” Georgia said.

Studying at TAFE Queensland taught her the practical film, television, radio, and interactive media training she sought.

“I’d never formally studied film and often felt out of my depth communicating with other departments. Camera and Lighting would say things that I felt I was meant to understand, but I was winging it, smiling and nodding,” she explained.

Gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art studios under the guidance of passionate and industry-connected educators helped her succeed.

The 12-month course quickly gave Georgia a broad range of screen production skills she needed to thrive in the fast-paced film and television industry.

From directing and camera operation to lighting, sound, video editing, writing and producing, the immersive course gave her insights into working across multiple filmmaking roles as a camera operator, editor, sound engineer, content creator, and crew member.

“Studying the diploma gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to better collaborate on set and improve in my role.”

As part of her course, Georgia and her class also created her short productions and contributed to various TAFE-led film projects, building a portfolio ready for the real world.

“Writing and directing our own stories - that was something I hadn’t thought much about going in, but I ended up loving it. Working on other students’ projects was such a highlight, too,” she said.

A few months after graduating in July 2024, she worked in the set decoration departments on Apple TV’s Monarch television series in Hollywood and Russell Crowe’s film Bear Country after she returned to Australia.

Her next project saw her step up as a Production and Costume Designer, where she designed and produced dramatic re-enactments for a documentary about former Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

“I have so much more confidence now, thanks to studying this course with TAFE Queensland. Having worked as a set decoration department buyer on Monarch, then again on Bear Country and designing re-enactments for a political documentary after graduating in mid-2024 is wild.”

“I’ve got a better understanding of what happens in the sound, lighting, camera and editing departments, which means I can communicate better and do my job more effectively. It’s an essential skill when working on a set,” Georgia said.

As well as access to industry-standard facilities and equipment, Georgia’s confidence and skill grew from the supportive, hands-on approach that made a big impression from day one.

“I think we were using the cameras in the second week! It was intimidating at first, but it was such a great way to learn. The whole environment was so non-judgmental and unpretentious, and we learned tangible, objective job-ready skills,” she explained.

Having previously studied a Bachelor of Visual Arts at university, Georgia found TAFE Queensland’s approach to study refreshing.

“Uni was so theory-heavy. It started to feel like I was overthinking every creative decision. Studying at TAFE was supportive, fun, comprehensive, freer, more creative, and honestly, just a lot more fun.”

Georgia credits much of her positive experience to the tangible skills of TAFE’s inspiring and incredible teaching staff.

“Sonia, Charles, and Tom are some of the best teachers I’ve ever had. They’re funny, cool, approachable, and generous with their knowledge. They all bring different skills to the table and genuinely want everyone to succeed,” she said.

The support and hands-on learning she received while training state-of-the-art equipment helped Georgia get industry-ready and saw her post-TAFE career journey being fast-paced and diverse.

“I’m not going to become a professional soundie or editor, but learning those basics has helped me understand how the whole machine works, which means I’m better at my job,” she explained.

With passion, talent, and the right training, Georgia is now on her way to achieving her career dream. While not one to make bold predictions, she has a clear goal for her future.

“I’m in a much better place professionally, having done the diploma. My ultimate dream is to work with lovely, inspiring people, have a lot of fun, be as creative as possible… and hopefully make a few incredible movies that people love along the way,” concluded Georgia.