The Bond University campus recently became a ‘mini-Hollywood’, with more than 300 budding directors, producers and actors gathering for the Future Filmmakers event in the lead up to the Gold Coast Film Festival.
Bond University Film and Television Director, Dr Michael Sergi, said Future Filmmakers was designed to inspire students and ultimately produce the next generation of creative talent.
“We were delighted to have a range of high-profile industry guests generously give up their time to attend Future Filmmakers. These professionals are at the forefront of the film and television industry in Australia, so it was a great opportunity for students thinking about a career in this field to get first hand knowledge, tips and insights,” he said.
The day began with a Meet The Filmmakers session with leading Australian producer Jonathon Shift, the creator and producer behind Mako: Island of Secrets and Reef Doctors, about the role of Creator/Producer in the Australian film and television industry.
Other sessions included Dr Sergi discussing how students can take advantage of the Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA), which is Australia's most prestigious short film competition for aspiring filmmakers in years 11 and 12 nationally.
The budding filmmakers also took part in a panel discussion with industry practitioners, whose jobs are essential, but often go unnoticed, including Location Manager Gareth Price (The Pirates of the Caribbean, San Andreas, Battleship, X-Men Origins – Wolverine), Stunt Supervisor/Performer Philippe Deseck (Pirates of the Caribbean, San Andreas, Drive Hard, Spartacus), and Production Manager Jade Van Der Lei (The Fear of Darkness, The Landing, Crawl).
“The opportunities that exist for young people in the film and television industry are enormous and the Future Filmmakers Day has hopefully opened some doors and broadened the thinking of the students who took part,” said Dr Sergi.
ENDS