Every year, students completing their final year in the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production have the opportunity to build their networks and apply their skills during industry placements, as they prepare to transition to work in the creative industry.
This year, 20 of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and production and post-production companies have taken 24 students on board to learn the inner workings of the screen sector as they prepare for graduation.
Students are getting first-hand experience in a wide range of roles – including post-production, development, animation and production management – at places including Paramount+, ABC, Endemol Shine, Easy Tiger Productions, ARC Edit, Channel 7, Mighty Sound, Grouse House, Sound Firm, Studio Gilay and Knuckles Animation,
Paramount Australia’s Head of Scripted and Comedy, Sophia Mogford, said: “We believe in nurturing talent across every facet of production. The film and television industry can be a hard nut to crack when you are starting out, which is why it’s vital to create an environment where the new generation of creators can learn from hands-on experience in how our world works. Equally, students bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and insights from an alternative perspective, which can be beneficial for all. I would thoroughly recommend it.”
Easy Tiger Productions Head of Scripted Content, Christopher Sharp, said: “[AFTRS student] Gilda (Khoshkhoo) has been a terrific addition to our development team at Easy Tiger. She’s joined us at a busy time when we’re in pre-production on a couple of shows, pitching to networks on some exciting upcoming shows, and responding to a lot of new project submissions.”
Mighty Sound Supervising Sound Editor & Director, Matthew Perrott ASSG, said: “Welcoming students and emerging practitioners into our space is an integral part of supporting their growth and experiencing real-world technical and creative challenges. It has been a real pleasure showing Chloe (Russell-Alexander) what it is we do across the entire work chain in audio post.”
Grouse House/Haven’t You Done Well Productions Head of Creative, Lee Naimo, said: “Chiara (‘Chess’ Metters) has fit right into the team at Haven’t You Done Well Productions, bringing a range of skills to the company. Chess is actively engaging across a range of different areas of our company in order to gain a broad understanding of how a multi-faceted production company works.”
Jungle Associate Producer, Charles Olsen, said: “Lara (Brighton) has been a pleasure to host at Jungle, where she has been assisting our development producers with scheduling and budgeting, evaluating scripts and writing coverage, and over the next few weeks will have opportunities to observe a writers’ room and also join a post producer working on an upcoming series.”
ARC Edit Operations Manager, Jess Ryan, said: “We’re proud to support young creatives entering the industry. It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm AFTRS students bring to the assistant desk, and we’re grateful for the chance to nurture that passion.”
Sound Firm Supervising Sound Editor / Senior Re-recording Mixer, Andy Wright, said: “The great thing about having an AFTRS placement is that the person always comes into the role with a solid knowledge of the processes involved and understanding of what’s required. Alexander Maxwell has been no exception. I look forward to seeing Alex’s knowledge grow over the next six weeks.”
Knuckles Animation Head of Production, Chris Sapones, said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer a space where up-and-coming stop motion animators, like Chanel (Bocman), can learn more about their craft.”
Students have also shared their reflections on the experience. From a dynamic pre-production period at Easy Tiger Productions, student Gilda Khoshkhoo said: “From the very beginning at Easy Tiger, the development team told me that my learning was their top priority, and they’ve really followed through by teaching me everything I’ve wanted to know about development. The staff are so kind and supportive that I’ve felt really taken care of, and I can honestly say I’ve never learned this much in such a short time.”
From the offices of Endemol Shine, student Kavyaa Gohil said: “Working at Endemol Shine Australia has been the experience of a lifetime. Have been lucky enough to gain insight into every aspect of reality television and how much goes into making our favourite shows. AFTRS provided me with the skills and confidence to make the most of this opportunity.”
In the Knuckles Animation studio, student Chanel Bocman said: “Interning at Knuckles Animation Studio gave me invaluable hands-on experience and insight into Sydney’s animation industry. Learning directly from leading professionals and contributing in a studio environment has been a game-changer for my growth. This placement was the perfect way to complete my AFTRS journey and step into the industry with confidence.”
From Studio Gilay, student Louis Vahl said: “My Industry Placement at Studio Gilay has opened the door for me to further my career in the screen industry. The program has given me invaluable access to talented professionals, positive work environments and given me the skills I need to flourish in the industry. I was lucky enough to receive further work opportunities as a result of my placement, and I firmly encourage that prospective and current students consider taking Industry Placement.”
AFTRS thanks all our industry partners for their mentorship and commitment to nurturing the next generation of screen professionals.
2025 Industry Placements:
ABC: Emma Fletcher and Chiara Hochstadt (studio and broadcast), Keona Lau and Louis Cheval (post-production), Loui Jaxx (radio and audio)
Arc Edit: Amelie Twyford
Blue Post: Petra Young
Channel 7: Poppy Grant (Home and Away)
Cheeky Little: Haylee Muir
Easy Tiger Productions: Gilda Khoshkhoo
Endemol Shine: Kavyaa Gohil
Flying Bark: Jonathan Nilsson
Haven’t You Done Well Productions: Chess Metters
Jungle: Lara Brighton
Knuckles Animation: Chanel Bocman
Lingo Pictures: Spencer Dejanovic
Media Stockade: Zabi Malik
Mighty Sound: Chloe Russell-Alexander
Paramount +: Paris Piccolo
Post Lounge: Christopher Deigan
See Saw: Kristin Beukes
Solid State: Vincent Vangi
Soundfirm: Alexander Maxwell
Studio Gilay: Louis Vahl
