Whirld, shot in the Illawarra,is a web series produced in 2021 by 2Kats Productions.(Supplied:Noel McLaughlin)
From Baz Luhrmann'sblockbuster biopic ElvistoRussell Crowe's vision for Aussiewood, Australia is gaining popularityas a locationfor long-form TV drama and film productions.
Morebelow-the-line workersare needed to manage large-scale productions both in studio and on location, buthow realistic is it to find work behind the scenes and what is the formula forsuccess?
The 2020-21ABS Film, Television and Digital Games Surveyhighlights significant employment growth within Australia's screen industry — a jump of 37 per centsince 2015-16.
The Australian film industry is booming, and we acknowledge that alongside the rise in production has come staffing challenges, leading to increased demand for below-the-line roles, says Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia.
This demand also creates exciting employment opportunities for our talented workforce, which will ultimately provide career pathways and employment opportunities in the screen industry.
Screen Australia is committed to supporting the industry in meeting these demands.
Behind the scenes on Frances, a film shot on Sharkies Beach in theIllawarra, by Eye Candy Films director Sharon Lewis.(Supplied: Sharon Lewis)
Who are below-the-line workers?
Louise Hodgson, industry programs manager for Screenworks in Ballina, saysit's a brilliant time to get into the industry.
Australia is crying out for crew members now, she says, adding that below-the-line workers can beanyonewho isn't a director, writeror producer.
There is a shortage of below-the-line crew across Australia, Hodgsonsays.
We need people to wrangle the animals, source locations, work in hair and makeup, create props, perform stunts, FX artists.
The Kiama workshop was hosted by representatives of Cato Logistics, Screen NSW, 2Kats Productions and Screen Illawarra.(ABC Illawarra: Sarah Moss)
Opportunities in regional areas
Conferences, industry events and workshops facilitate opportunities for writers, producers and directors to meet up and talk shop, but where do you go for support if you are keen to work as a regional screen practitioner?
Both Screen Illawarra and Screenworks in Ballina are examples of howgrant funding, specifically from Screen Australia, is helping to boost workshops across NSW.
The workshops aim to address a shortage of location managers on film sets in New South Wales.(ABC Illawarra: Sarah Moss)
A recent, well-attended workshop held by Screen Illawarra in Kiama, with funding from Screen NSW, provided an opportunity for experienced location managers Keiran Cato, Lisa Scope and Karen Illesca to talk about the role.
Screen NSW have recognised a lack of locations people in NSW, particularly in regional areas, which is why they are running workshops, Illesca says.
Illesca was a stay-at-home mum before participating in a short film course and then volunteering at the Australian Film and Television Radio School (AFTRS).
I did some scouting initially and a short course with Screen NSW where I met people from the film industry, she says.
Doing the non-creative stuff in a creative world
Keiran Cato delivers traffic management, security, safety and vehicles on location.(ABC Illawarra: Sarah Moss)
After a decade in the film logistics business, Keiran Cato is enthusiastic about the growth of the Australian screen industry, especially as it spreads into the regions.
The industry has been growing, especially the last couple of years pre-COVID and then once COVID hit, it has absolutely boomed, he says.
It comes down to what the location requires so, Poker Face with Russell Crowe, they were looking for undulating road locations.
I spoke to the team about doing stuff down in Gerringong and Nowra way.
The rolling green hills of Kiama and Gerringong provide a luscious rural backdrop.(ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
Over the past few years the Illawarra has supported productions such asPoker Face (2022), the Invisible Man (2020) and the yet-to-be released Planet of the Apes, which was shot in Jamberoo.
TheAppleton Ladies' Potato Race(2023)was also filmedin the Southern Highlands.
Cato didn't start at AFTRS, he focused on networking and events to meet people in the industry, starting out as a personal assistant to Toby Maguire in the Great Gatsby and continually networking at events until moving into logistics.
Screen credits are gold on your CV
Louise Hodgson agrees that attending AFTRS is not the only way to get a job on set.
She saysit's about looking for opportunities beyond education.
Education is brilliant, and you can get certain skills in certain areas for certain departments, but other departments you can take a school leaver, train them up properly, give them an opportunity and they can be working.
Screenworks, which is in itssecond year of a regional crew trainee program, isassisting people to find work.
Crew members whose names appear in the creditsat the end of the show can use thisas currency to get ahead and forge a career in the industry.
I've got three school leavers on set up on Troppo, shooting on the Gold Coast, and they are amassing credits, which are gold for them, Hodgson says.
Networking opportunities
Lambs of God (2018) was partly shotin the Illawarra.(Supplied: Screen NSW)
In July, Screen Australia announced $1.7 million in funding to meet the production needs of the industry.
Programs like Screenworks' Set for Success aim to reduce workforcegaps through mentoring, guidance and training.
Illesca says theyare a valuable experiencefor people who want to get a foot in the door in the industry.
Networking through industry events and workshops facilitates respect and establishes trust that you will be reliable, she says.
So it's a really good opportunity to make new relationships, catch up with old friends, learn something new and share knowledge.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-19/australian-film-tv-industry-booms-jobs-for-below-the-line-crew/102640564
