Make It, a two-day event for early career screen practitioners, is returning to Melbourne in late July.
Make It, presented by AFTRS with Principal Partner Film Victoria, is designed for people who want to develop their career in the flourishing local screen industry. The event is jam-packed with industry professionals who will give specialist career advice and inspire creatives about how to survive and thrive professionally.
Some of the best creatives in television, online, film, advertising, VFX and gaming, will share their secrets for success – and their mistakes. Also sharing their stories will be other early career practitioners who have gotten a break – and are now flourishing.
Confirmed speakers include factual producers Alison Black, Esther Coleman-Hawkins and Denise Eriksen, studio director John Olb, screenwriters David Hannam and Josh Tyler, Frank Bruzzese – Director of Production at Guesswork TV, Anna Reichard – Line Producer, ABC TV, Jake Barrow – Executive Creative Director at Y&R Melbourne, Ash Mustchin – Director of Digital and Experience at Principals, legendary quiz show producer Pam Barnes, Katie Roberts – Head of Video, Vice Media, Michael Bird – CEO, Social Garden, Joseph Betros – General Manager, RMITV, Houman BIgloo – Digital Recruitment Consultant, Creative Recruiters, Virginia Hodgson- Executive Producer, WTFN and Lee Naimo- Investment Manager, Screen Australia. Many more speakers and guests will be confirmed.
There will also be opportunities to meet other practitioners in speed networking events., and some limited-space coaching workshops will focus on project development, CV writing and career advice.
Sessions will include:
• What are the Industry roles that you might not have thought about – and how do you get them
• Where are the skills shortages – and how can you find those opportunities
• How to pitch yourself to employers
• Where to find vital industry information and the best networking opportunities
• The do’s and don’ts of CV writing and hustling for work
• How to operate as a freelancer and understand all the exciting stuff like insurance, setting up a company and tax.
• How to develop your own screen content
• Who’s hiring and what are they looking for
“The Make It event inspires new connections in the screen industries. It has already had a great impact and we’ve had lots of positive feedback about the outcomes for delegates in the 2017 program. It’s a great opportunity to network with experienced practitioners, explore creative ideas and find out about opportunities you didn’t know existed,” says AFTRS Acting CEO Georgie McClean.
Film Victoria CEO, Caroline Pitcher, said:
“Film Victoria is excited to once again support Make It. Fostering the next generation of Victorian screen practitioners is one of our key commitments and is absolutely vital to the future success of our industry. By bringing the best in the business together with our early career practitioners – for two jam-packed days of information sessions, panels, pitching and networking – we’re ensuring a future screen industry that is equipped with the knowledge, skills and networks to drive success.”
Previous participants have had this to say:
“I have worked as a Casting Producer on Married at First Sight and Pointless directly through the contacts I made. I am now working on a show – Metrosexual – with someone I met through Make It that has been pre-approved for funding by Channel 9.” – Georgina Love
“I’m currently working as a researcher on an exciting documentary series being filmed in Melbourne – the contact I made at Make It! was the sole reason I have this job today. I had just moved to Australia when I attended Make It! and knew nothing about and no one in the industry here. Attending the conference and meeting my contact was invaluable to me.” – Marta Jelec
“One of the speakers has been my boss ever since.” – Kevin Luk
Previous Make It participants are encouraged to attend to experience new sessions, panellists and opportunities and to reconnect with people and ideas.
Make It will be held at the St Kilda Town Hall on Saturday July 27 and Sunday July 28. Cost is $120. Register here.
Jillian Heggie, TM Publicity
Ph: 02 8333 9070