The Film Maker Studio is taking screen buffs and aspiring screen makers behind the camera in a new TV series produced by the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Channel 44 at UniSA’s Magill campus.
In each episode, host and UniSA Creative Industries student Sid Christie interviews an Australian screen professional, including cinematographer David Gregan, colourist and online editor Jade Robinson, scenic artist Johnnie Haratzis and writer/director Vicki Sugars.
Sid explores not only how experienced these professionals got into the screen industry but how they stay up to date and maintain career momentum. They also share inspiring and relatable stories about how they once saved the show or created a look that we all remember.
The four-part series of half-hour episodes was recorded entirely in the Magill campus studio where numerous UniSA and Channel 44 co-productions have been made, including Our Time, The Divide and SA Sports Show. Under the guidance of UniSA Creative and Channel 44 staff, a student team produced the series from concept to broadcast, developing the concept of the series, designing an original set, conducting and recording the interviews, through post-production of four episodes that provide rare insights into the careers of Australian screen creatives in very different roles.
“I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the pilot series of The Film Maker Studio and to have been its host,” said Sid Christie. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to translate my research skills and love of film into a practical, tangible product. The internship granted me valuable new experiences, interacting with distinguished creatives in the filmmaking industry that I otherwise would not have had the pleasure of meeting.”
UniSA Creative lecturer and Supervising Producer of the series Caroline Man said: “The Film Maker Studio saw UniSA film students creating their own studio-based series on leading Australian key creatives and learning insights into the cinematic experiences of these industry professionals. The series shares the drama of the behind-the-scenes of Australian films and what it takes to build a successful career, while enhancing the learning experience and skill development of the UniSA students.”
Channel 44 General Manager Lauren Hillman said: “New series The Film Maker Studio demonstrates the importance of the Channel 44 and UniSA partnership as it provides students with hands-on television industry experience, creating original content for broadcast. It also fosters local talent while promoting South Australia’s key creatives.”
UniSA Film and Television student, Interning Producer at Channel 44, and Project Manager of the series Trinity-Lee Brown said: “I was fortunate to shadow Caroline Man, who headed the project, and she gave me plenty of freedom and trusted me to work independently. As Project Manager, my main responsibility was managing the team of nine other students. This meant organising group meetings and shoot days that worked with everyone’s schedules, making and posting call sheets, assisting with cross-department communication, and ensuring deadlines were set and met. Developing my leadership skills was not expected, but (was) by far my most significant improvement. This experience has taught me how to manage my ego and self-reflect when placed near the top of a hierarchy. This is incredibly beneficial going forward for my final university courses and entering the film industry.”
UniSA Creative Team Leader, Technical Services, Andrei Gostin said: “The Film Maker Studio is a clever way to capture snapshots of Australia’s rich film history and its makers, while simultaneously educating our next generation of film creatives. It will have a broad appeal to all film lovers, with its insights to this fascinating industry.”
The Film Maker Studio premieres on Channel 44 at 8.30pm on Sunday 3 November and will be available on-demand on community TV streaming service CTV+.
