Certificate Extension - Cinematography, 1992; Master of Screen Arts and Business, 2014
Chantal Abouchar started her career in the camera department at the ABC, specialising in factual and documentary. A dual Australian-French citizen, she subsequently relocated to Europe and worked for international broadcasters including the BBC and NBC.
In 2015, Chantal founded The Studio Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation based on findings from her thesis research at AFTRS. The Studio is Australia’s first media incubator, designed to support technology start-ups across communications, design, games, music and creative industries. The Studio supports the development of businesses adopting advanced technologies, accelerating the creation of new jobs, brands and intellectual property.
In its first three years of operations, The Studio incubated more than 250 start-ups—which collectively raised in excess of $88 million and created hundreds of new jobs.
AFTRS HIGHLIGHT
My relationship with AFTRS has been longstanding—from the mid 1980s when it was located in an old toothpaste factory in Ryde. My highlight would still be my first encounter with the school, working as a volunteer on the production slate. This was my introduction to filmmaking and started me on a journey that still continues today. I’ve engaged with AFTRS each subsequent decade and it has been pivotal in my career development and in resetting my compass. At its heart, it’s the school’s culture, the networks, and the people that are fundamental to what AFTRS is.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
My current work establishing and launching The Studio Ltd (while challenging and rewarding) is a highlight and there are still many twists and turns to come!