Essential Screen Skills was proud to partner with Screen Queensland, Kolperi Outback Filmmaking and Screen Well to design and deliver crew development that models film sets within a safe learning environment.
The program was designed to leverage local Screen Industry Practitioners as mentors enabling emerging crew to build much needed connection and network to launch their careers in the Screen Industry.
We are proud to nurture talent from our Future Filmmakers Camp throughout the Film Intensive Script to Screen (FISS) program who have thrived from this opportunity.
Elleni Geena Adam says “The Future Filmmakers camp created a base network for me coming into the industry. I got to meet likeminded people who I hope will be lifelong friends. Essential Screen Skills allowed me to experiment more and in turn I built more confidence. I was able to follow film protocols such as roll calls which assisted me when integrated into FISS. ESS helped me find great mentors and gave me an insight into the industry. As well as amazing participants who I have continued to work with”
Ella Pearce reflects “The Future Filmmakers camp was a highly informative and a great learning experience. It was highly interactive as we were taught by industry professionals and had access to professional equipment. It taught me so much about the basics of filmmaking and gave me the confidence to use the skills I learned not just on my own projects but also with the FISS program. ESS has helped me massively, not only allowing me to take part in a High School program, but also giving me access through sponsorship for the FISS program, which allowed me to really apply the things I have learned up to that point.”
Screen Queensland “Our Film Intensive Script to Screen initiative recently wrapped with a final weekend of workshops and filming at Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns. The program supported 36 new and emerging practitioners from North and Far North Queensland to gain hands-on filmmaking experience under the tutelage of experienced industry mentors while creating a series of short films. FISS was designed to kickstart new careers in the region’s screen sector and many of the participants have already gained work in the local industry. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
This program is funded by Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and proudly supported by the Queensland Government through its Workforce Connect Fund and is delivered in partnership with Essential Screen Skills – QLD, Kolperi Outback Filmmaking and Screen Well.
August 2023, Launch
Screen Queensland in partnership with Essential Screen Skills has launched a bold new screen industry development program launching in Cairns to train new below-the-line crew from North and Far North Queensland.
The Film Intensive Script to Screen (FISS) program will support 30 new and emerging screen practitioners to gain job-ready skills and industry credits in roles and departments including camera, costume, lighting, production and locations.
The selected participants will be mentored by highly experienced local industry professionals to build hands-on filmmaking experience through a series of workshops and intensives, culminating in the production of three new short films.
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO said that FISS is a unique training program made possible with funding from the Queensland Government’s Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
“This is a fantastic entry-level program open to people with little-to-no screen industry practice, who will have the opportunity to be closely guided by industry experts to build their on-set experience during three training blocks between October 2023 and July 2024.
“Screen Queensland is proud to grow an inclusive screen sector across our state and the Film Intensive program has been developed to provide an accessible program for people from often under-represented backgrounds.
“We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as people living with disability. We also hope to build a talent pool reflecting North and Far North Queensland’s diversity across cultural and linguistic backgrounds, gender, sexuality, age and socio-economic status.
“Another exciting element of the FISS program is that the film scripts will be developed through a mentorship stream for emerging creatives who may be new to writing for the screen but have a story to tell.
“We look forward to the participants building their experience and confidence in the screen sector as the region begins to take advantage of new employment opportunities when Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns opens in 2024.”
Moneth Montemayor, Project Manager for Essential Screen Skills said that the program will provide school leavers, emerging filmmakers and people looking to change careers with the necessary bridge to the region’s growing screen sector.
“We have been working to strengthen opportunities that lead to screen industry careers for entry-level practitioners in North and Far North Queensland and we look forward to partnering with Screen Queensland to deliver FISS.”
Screen Queensland’s Film Intensive Script to Screen program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through its Workforce Connect Fund and is being delivered in partnership with Essential Screen Skills – QLD, Kolperi Outback Filmmaking and Screen Well.
