Give Back and Gain Experience: Volunteering in the Australian Film Industry
If you're looking for ways to increase your exposure to the film industry or give back to the community, consider volunteering with not-for-profits, social enterprises, film festivals, educational institutions or by mentoring the next generation of talent. Here are some suggestions you might want to explore:
Not-For-Profits and Social Enterprises
Bus Stop Films: Bus Stop Films is an organisation that teaches film studies to adults with disabilities and marginalised communities who have an interest in the film industry. You can volunteer as a tutor, helping to teach film-related skills, or as part of the crew on student film productions. This provides an opportunity to support and empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in their creative pursuits.
Outside the Box Studios: Outside the Box Studios is an initiative developed in collaboration with Jigsaw Australia, providing training and work experience in video editing and visual effects for Australians with disabilities. As a volunteer, you can contribute your expertise in these areas, helping individuals develop their technical skills and creative talents.
Film Schools:
AFTRS (Australian Film Television Radio School): AFTRS offers a range of volunteering opportunities across diverse student productions. By volunteering, you can collaborate with emerging filmmakers, gain hands-on experience in various roles, and contribute to the development of their projects.
Film Festivals:
Sydney Film Festival: The Sydney Film Festival relies on the support of a large number of volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. As a volunteer, you can assist in various areas such as ticketing, venue operations, guest services, and promotions. This provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a renowned film festival while contributing to its success.
Melbourne International Film Festival: The Melbourne International Film Festival greatly depends on the contribution of a dedicated team of volunteers, whose support is essential in ensuring the festival's success. Volunteer positions encompass a variety of roles, including customer service duties like ushering, ticket scanning, queue management, and providing information and guidance. Additionally, volunteers also play crucial roles in providing support throughout the festival venues.
Mentoring:
While not a formal volunteering opportunity, mentoring can be a valuable way to give back and support the next generation of industry talent, particularly in addressing shortages in below-the-line capacity. As an established professional, acting as a mentor can involve sharing your industry knowledge, experience, and insights with aspiring filmmakers. By fostering their career growth and offering guidance, you can make a lasting impact on their professional development. Mentoring also provides personal benefits, such as enhancing your interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and network connections. Ultimately, your efforts as a mentor contribute to the sustained growth and success of the film industry.
By exploring these volunteering opportunities, you can meaningfully engage with the film industry, make a positive difference in the lives of aspiring filmmakers, and contribute to the overall development and positive social impact of the sector.