Press release from Department of Education and Training – Queensland
Two aspiring feature film makers from Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE could be the next big names in Australia’s film industry thanks to an opportunity to work on home-grown film One June Afternoon, shot in South East Queensland.
Certificate IV in Film and Television (Screen and Media) students, 22 year-old Ryan Unicomb from Rochedale and 17 year-old Jordan Bailey from Regents Park, have proved they have the skills and qualities to break into the highly-competitive film and television trade.
Ryan and Jordan participated in the national Origin8 Film Festival held in Toowoomba earlier this year, taking part in a team challenge to write and produce a short film within 24 hours.
The result, Paper Plane, was voted 11th from 63 entries and received excellent feedback from the competition’s judging panel.
Paper Plane was then seen by Sarah Dinsey, writer and co-producer of One June Afternoon, who was impressed with Jordan and Ryan’s work and hired them as camera operators for the Saw Studios production.
Both students attribute their skills and knowledge to the industry-trained teachers at MSIT.
“I didn’t have any prior skills or knowledge of the film and television industry before I began my training at MSIT,” Ryan said.
“I was so excited to work on the set of One June Afternoon – it was truly unbelievable. My role as camera operator was to shoot some of the personal scenes including close-up facial shots of the main characters.
“Being part of a real film production was an amazing opportunity and we’re really excited to be working with Saw Studios on another film.
“I wouldn’t have received these opportunities if it hadn’t been for my teachers at MSIT. They told me about the Origin8 Film Festival which led to our eventual involvement in One June Afternoon.
“My goal is to work my way up from camera operator to eventually become a producer and director. The film industry isn’t as glamorous as people think, but I love being part of it and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given so far.”
Jordan’s role in One June Afternoon included working as camera assistant and clapper loader.
The former Chinchilla student said he moved to Brisbane to study Film and Television (Screen and Media) at MSIT as he was attracted to the creativity of filmmaking.
“Being part of filming a real movie made me realise that it’s much harder than it looks,” Jordan said.
“Ryan and I really enjoyed ourselves and the best part was making new friends and contacts in the industry. It made us feel proud to be offered more work after showing that we were dedicated and determined to learn as much about the industry as possible,” Jordan said.
MSIT Screen and Media teacher Sue Cake said it was pleasing to see industry representatives enthusiastic about employing MSIT students.
“It’s good to know our students are industry ready, even before they complete their studies. Being able to network and establish a group of contacts for the future is invaluable for our students and I congratulate Ryan and Jordan for taking those steps and getting a foot in the door,” Ms Cake said.
“MSIT students are enthusiastic and willing to learn. They’re prepared to put in the time and effort and they’re thankful for the experience, which many industry representatives find refreshing.
“Working on a real movie set allowed Ryan and Jordan to learn social skills and gain a greater understanding of working with others.
“They’ve set an example for their fellow students by showing that their willingness to get out there and have a go has proved fruitful and opened many doors for their future in the industry.”
Filming of One June Afternoon has now finished and it is set for release in 2012. Jordan and Ryan will soon be participating in another Saw Studios movie in November for Tropfest Australia.