THE JOURNEY BEGINS. BRINGING STORIES TO LIFE BEHIND THE LENS.
Film & Television Studio International Appoints Acclaimed Director, Writer and Producer Pino Amenta to Helm Prestigious Directors Program.
With a career spanning decades and a body of work that has shaped the landscape of Australian screen storytelling, Pino brings a level of expertise, vision, and industry gravitas that is unparalleled. His directing credits include some of the country’s most iconic television dramas, earning him widespread recognition and respect both locally and internationally. This strategic appointment marks a bold new chapter for Film & Television Studio International, further solidifying their position as a powerhouse in screen industry training and development. Under Pino’s leadership, the program will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of directing talent—offering a rare blend of creative mentorship, practical on-set experience, and high-level industry insight. Pino’s legacy of excellence, his deep understanding of narrative craft, and his commitment to fostering emerging voices make him the ideal choice to lead this flagship initiative.
“I want emerging directors to embrace the full responsibility and joy in the craft of storytelling/directing. Too often, new directors are lacking the knowledge to visualise a scene, to work with actors, to block a scene, to seamlessly blend scenes into the complete story. The director needs the confidence to steer the project within the confines of the budget. To understand all the complexities of filmmaking is vital, and the best way to learn the craft is at the coal face like I did.”
-Pino Amenta (Producer, Director, Writer)
Supporting Pino is a powerhouse lineup of entertainment industry leaders—among the most respected and influential professionals working today. Their participation brings unparalleled value to the initiative, offering emerging directors direct mentorship and career-defining guidance from top-tier experts across the field. This level of support ensures that new voices in filmmaking are nurtured by those who have shaped the industry at its highest levels.
By the end of the Directors Program, you’ll walk away with:
- A professionally produced short film or television teaser
- The foundational elements of a TV Bible or pitch deck
- A rare opportunity to pitch your work for exclusive agent representation
- Public Screening of your work
Industry Access & Representation Pitch
At the conclusion of the program, you’ll take part in a formal pitch session designed to connect you directly with agents and industry professionals across both local and international markets. These exclusive opportunities are made possible through our long-standing relationships within the film and television industry.
Your journey culminates in a public screening at Cinema Nova in Carlton, where your work will be showcased to an invited audience of industry leaders, creatives, and peers. It’s an exciting platform to celebrate your vision—and launch your career.
Photo courtesy of FremantleMedia Australia. Director Kevin Carlin on set with Susie Porter. Wentworth. Produced by Pino Amenta. Photo courtesy of Damian Walshe-Howling. David Gulpilil in MESSiAH.
⚠️ Cultural Advisory Notice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website contains images and names of deceased persons. We acknowledge the deep cultural sensitivities around this and offer our respects to all Elders past and present.
THIS ISN’T JUST A COURSE. IT’S A PROFESSIONAL LAUNCHPAD.
Over an intensive 30-week program, participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in writing, directing, editing (using Final Cut Pro), packaging, and producing film and television projects—all under the mentorship of some of the most accomplished professionals in the Australian screen industry. This structured and immersive journey ensures that by the end of the three program blocks, you’re not just creating television—you’re mastering the craft of directing and storytelling with a professional edge.
Students will have numerous opportunities, as emerging directors, to work with accomplished and award-winning screen actors, directing them under professional guidance. Each project is supported by a dedicated editor and a skilled crew—including camera, sound, and grip departments—ensuring high production values that reflect industry standards. To celebrate and showcase your work, a special screening will be held at Nova Cinemas in Carlton, with invited industry professionals in attendance—an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure and build connections within the screen community.
2026 Directors Program: May 4 – December 16, 2026
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays: 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Block 1: May 4 – July 8, 2026
- Block 2: July 27 – September 30, 2026
- Block 3: October 12 – December 16, 2026
Showcase Screening January, 2027
THE FOUNDATIONS OF DIRECTING
10 Weeks // 30 Days
Immerse yourself in the director’s craft as you learn to interpret and elevate a story from script to screen. This intensive block hones your skills in visual storytelling, leadership, and collaboration — the core responsibilities of a working director.
What You’ll Learn:
- Script Breakdown: Uncover the visual, emotional, and thematic layers within a script.
- Industry Collaboration: Engage with key creatives, including the First Assistant Director and Director of Photography.
- Creative Meetings: Participate in dynamic sessions with writers and producers to shape your unique directorial vision.
- Practical Tools: Master essential techniques such as scene blocking, visual interpretation, and director-actor collaboration.
- Hands-On Experience: Shoot test scenes, review your edits, and refine your creative approach.
- Field Collaboration: Work alongside Warwick Fields and Shot Class students for real-world, on-set training.
- Final Project Development: Conclude with a collaborative writers’ room, where you’ll begin developing your own short film or TV script.
Whether you’re aiming to direct narrative films, series, or branded content, this block builds the creative and practical foundation you’ll need.
FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN
10 Weeks // 30 Days
Transform your script into a production-ready project through a comprehensive, hands-on process:
- Conduct location surveys and casting sessions to align your vision with practical production elements.
- Collaborate closely with your Director of Photography and Editor to plan and prepare for an efficient shoot.
- Manage budgeting and logistics, developing key producing skills to keep your production on track.
- Lead your own short film shoot, directing over two focused and intensive days.
- Support your peers by assisting on their shoots, fostering a collaborative and professional working environment.
- Monitor post-production progress as the editor works on the first cut, aligned with the shooting schedule, allowing your story to begin taking shape.
This structured approach ensures you gain practical experience from script development through to the initial edit.
THE FINAL CUT & SHOWCASE
10 Weeks // 30 Days
This phase focuses on completing your short film or television teaser with a structured approach to post-production and final preparation.
- Overlap the start of this term with your final shooting days to maintain continuity and momentum into editing.
- Collaborate closely with your editor to refine the initial cut, focusing on pacing, narrative clarity, and overall flow.
- Commit to focused editing sessions where you can concentrate on fine-tuning each aspect of the project, including picture, sound, and timing.
- Ensure your script and edit are fully production-ready, prepared for distribution, festivals, or pitching to industry stakeholders.
- This structured process supports a clear path from production to a finished project.
The Directors Program culminates in a formal screening of each participant’s finished film or teaser at Cinema Nova in Carlton, Melbourne. This prestigious event features a Q&A session with each Director, offering an opportunity to discuss their creative process and vision. The screening is attended by an invited audience of industry professionals, special guests, and peers—providing invaluable exposure and networking opportunities in a professional cinema environment.
MEET YOUR MENTORS
The Directors Program is led by a powerhouse lineup of world-class, cutting-edge industry professionals who bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and insight to every session. Acclaimed director and producer Pino Amenta offers decades of experience across film and television, while visionary storyteller, Special Guest Tony Ayres brings his unique voice and global perspective as a trailblazing writer, director, and showrunner. Diana Reid, a prolific Film & Television Director, brings a bold, cinematic sensibility and a strong command of narrative form to her work, making her an inspiring mentor for emerging directors. Renowned actor and director Damian Walshe-Howling shares invaluable on-set insight, complemented by the seasoned eye of Kevin Carlin, known for his masterful command of story and performance. With a prolific career spanning genres, Peter Andrikidis offers hands-on expertise in dynamic visual storytelling. Special guest Laura Waters, an award-winning producer, contributes strategic industry knowledge and creative development skills, while cinematographer Warwick Field and editor Philip Watts round out the team, ensuring our participants gain a comprehensive, collaborative understanding of the director’s craft from pre-production to final frame. In addition, you will have the opportunity as emerging directors to direct (with professional guidance) marquee Australian actors.
PINO AMENTA
Film & Television Writer, Director & Producer
Pino Amenta is one of Australia’s most prolific and enduring film and television Directors and Series Producers. Winner of an AACTA Award for Best Television Drama for Wentworth, he then went on to become the series producer in 2016 from the 4th season onwards. Most recently directing Home and Away, and series producing Five Bedrooms, and TV Mini-Series Darby and Joan, Pino began his career as a television director in the mid to late-1970s, through shows like The Sullivans (1976). Since then, he has directed 800 Words; Winners and Losers; The Doctor Blake Mysteries; Worst Year of My Life, Again!; Packed to the Rafters; Conspiracy 365; City Homicide; All Saints; Mortified; Holly’s Heroes; Last Man Standing; Silversun; Noah & Saskia; Always Greener; Marshall Law; Beastmaster; Crash Palace; The Lost World; Flap Chat; Chuck Finn; Crash Zone; Farscape; Blue Heelers; Good Guys Bad Guys; Snowy River: The McGregor Saga; Us and Them; All Together Now (92 Episodes); Acropolis Now; The Flying Doctors; Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Nancy Wake; Sons and Daughters; My Brother Tom; Anzacs; Carson’s Law; All the Rivers Run; Taurus Rising; Bellamy; Cop Shop; Young Ramsay; and many more.
Pino has directed and/or series produced some of Australia’s finest actors (some in award winning performances), including Leah Purcell, Susie Porter, Ryan Corr, Marta Dusseldorp, Aaron Jeffery, Orpheus Pledger, Danielle Cormack, Kate Jenkinson, Kate Atkinson, Katrina Milosevic, Celia Ireland, Socratis Otto, Sigrid Thornton, Robbie Magasiva, Georgie Parker, Erik Thomson, Denise Scott, Craig McLauchlan, Nadine Garner, Roger Corser, Anna McGhan, John Wood, Pamela Rabe; Tammy Macintosh, Nicole Da Silva, Bernard Curry, Rebecca Gibney, Michael Caton, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Jessica Marais, James Stewart, Jessica McNamee, Zoe Ventoura, Brooke Satchwell, Shane Bourne, Noni Hazelhurst, Daniel McPherson, Libby Tanner, Judith McGrath, John Howard, Marny Kennedy, Kate Box, Zoe Terakes, Maia Mitchell, Matt Passmore, Damien Bodie, Kat Stewart, Michala Banas, Scott Major, Nathanial Dean, Grant Bowler, Lisa McCune, Alison Whyte, William McInnes, Anne Phelan, Francis Greenslade, Radha Mitchell, Kerry Armstrong, Jane Hall, Gary Sweet, Caroline Gilmer, Bryan Brown, John Waters, Stephen Peacocke, Brooke Shields, Mickey Rourke, Dennis Hopper and so many more. Too many to list. His contribution to the Australian film and television industry has been incredible.
DAINA REID
Film & Television Director
Daina Reid began her film career as a comedy writer and actor before making the move behind the camera. Her psychological thriller feature Run Rabbit Run, starring Sarah Snook, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, screened at the Sydney Film Festival and reached number one on Netflix’s Top Ten less than a week after it’s release on the platform. Recent US work includes The Veil, which premiered on Hulu in April 2024 and stars Elizabeth Moss. Daina directed The Shining Girls (Apple) starring Elizabeth Moss, which earned Daina a nomination for Best Episode of a SVOD or TV Drama Series at the Australian Director’s Guild Awards (ADGS). Previously, Daina directed episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu). Her episode “Holly” of The Handmaid’s Tale received an Emmy® and a Director’s Guild of America nomination. In 2021, the series was nominated for “Best Streaming Series – Drama” at the Hollywood Critics Awards. Daina directedThe Outsider (HBO), Upload (Amazon), Space Force (Netflix) and David Makes Man (OWN/Warner Television), which won the 2020 Peabody Award in the Entertainment category. David Makes Man was nominated for Best Drama Series at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards. In 2015, she directed Hunters, produced by Gale Anne Hurd (Syfy). Her UK credits include The Spanish Princess (Starz). In Australia, Daina directed the series remake of the classic film Romper Stomper (Stan); Sunshine (SBS), a 4-part miniseries set in Melbourne’s South Sudanese community which won the 2017 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award (Best Telefeature or Miniseries) and the Australian Directors Guild (ADG) Award for Best Direction of a TV Miniseries. Daina directed the mini-series adaptation of The Secret River by Kate Grenville, which premiered at the Sydney Film Festival and screened at the Festival International De Programmes Audiovisuels in Biarritz, France. Daina is a frequent collaborator of award-winning producer John Edwards. Their projects include Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo and Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War, both of which received AACTA Award nominations for Best Direction. Following the success of The Birth of Cleo, Daina directed the follow-up miniseries Paper Giants: Magazine Wars. In 2013, she set up Nowhere Boys which won the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Television Series. Other credits include The Wrong Girl; The Dr Blake Mysteries; Offspring; Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS; Ready for This; Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries; Rush; and City Homicide to name a few. Her first feature film, I Love You Too, starred Yvonne Strahovski and Peter Dinklage, and told the story of a commitment-phobe and a New Ager who buddy up to win the women of their dreams. In 2017, Daina received the Michael Carson Award at the Australian Directors’ Guild Awards, in recognition of her excellent contribution to Television Drama Directing. She currently has a number of projects for television in development.
KEVIN CARLIN
Film & Television Writer, Director & Producer
Kevin Carlin is a producer, director and writer of film and television in Australia. In 2015 he directed the Mini Series Molly for which he received the ADG Award for Best Director. Molly also received 5 AACTA nominations including Best Drama. He also was the set up Director for Wentworth, which in 2018 received 4 AACTA nominations for best television drama including Best Director for Kevin. He has also been nominated 4 times for the ADG Awards for Best Director for his work on Wentworth. He has directed, written and produced some of the most notable television drama and comedy over recent years. He has established many shows from the ground up including Always Greener for the Seven Network which opened to a record number of viewers and achieved a nomination for an INTERNATIONAL EMMY for BEST DRAMA. Kevin directed and co wrote the feature film The Extra and also directed the telemovie Little Oberon for the Nine Network which received an AFI nomination for Best Telemovie. In 2006 he directed the very successful Feature Film Boytown. He then went on to produce and direct the acclaimed political satire series Newstopia starring Shaun Micallef for SBS and then the critically acclaimed Killing Time, Kevin followed with the 6 part series Outland for the ABC. Kevin also co- produced and directed Big Girls Blouse and Something Stupid, the former being nominated for THE GOLDEN ROSE OF MONTREUX AWARD for comedy. He also co-produced, directed and co- wrote the series Eric, a sketch comedy starring Eric Bana. Other directing credits include Full Frontal, Fast Forward, Blue Heelers, All Saints and Stingers. He’s won an AWGIE award for his writing on Fast Forward and an AWGIE nomination for his co-writing on Introducing Gary Petty. Other directing credits include the very successful series, City Homicide, Sea Change, Winners & Losers and the highly acclaimed ratings juggernaut Packed to the Rafters. More recently he directed Nine Networks Seachange: Paradise Reclaimed (Season 1), prior to that, Kevin directed the harrowing final episodes of Wentworth (Season 7). In addition to those, Kevin directed 26 of the most challenging and exciting episodes ever seen on Wentworth from 2013 to 2021, followed by Ms Fisher Modern Murder Mysteries & High Country (Season 1).
PETER ANDRIKIDIS
Film & Television Director
Peter is the Winner of 3 Australian Film Institute Awards for Best Direction and 4 Australian Film Institute Awards for Best Drama. Also 10 Australian Film Institute Award Nominations for outstanding Directing and Producing. Wildside, the groundbreaking drama series, is Peter’s greatest directing achievement. Two episodes, which Peter directed, won a total of eight AFIs including Best Direction. He then went on to direct the entire ABC series Grass Roots written by Geoffrey Atherden. This series went on to win seven AFI’s over two seasons including Best Direction. It also won a New York Festival Award. Peter directed the telemovie My Husband, My Killer starring Colin Friels and David Field, which also won numerous awards and his third AFI for Best Direction. In 2002/3 Heroes Mountain (drama telemovie about the Thredbo Rescue) and Jessica (mini-series with Sam Neill) each won a Silver Hugo for Best Direction and a Gold/Silver Plaque for Best Drama at the Chicago International Television Awards. Sam Neill also won a Silver Logie along with the Jessica production for Best mini- series. Peter directed five telemovies of Black Jack for the Ten Network, which featured Colin Friels solving ‘cold crime cases’, which again won numerous awards including best direction. 2006 saw Peter direct the $15 million-dollar co-production with the Granada – ITV The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant with Romola Garai, Jack Davenport and Sam Neill. This screened to eight million viewers in the UK. It won an AFI, a Logie, and a New York Festival Award for Best TV Mini-series and a Silver Plaque for Best Direction at the Chicago Awards. In April 2006, he was voted one of the Top Ten Directors in Encore Magazine ‘Celebration of the Industry’s Finest’. The list included Baz Luhrmann, Gillian Armstrong, Phillip Noyce and Rolf De Heer. Peter has also completed work on the SBS mini-series East West 101, a drama about what it means to be Muslim in Australia after September 11, 2001. The cast includes Don Hany, William McInnes and Susie Porter. He also completed production with The Informant for Channel 10 & Killing Time for Fremantlemedia. Peter has directed episodes of Underbelly and Wog Boy 2 (starring Vince Colosimo and Nick Giannopoulos), Love Child; Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Catching Milat, Fat Tony & Co, Janet King, Serangoon Road, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms, The Straits; Rescue Special Ops; Bite Club; Underbelly Files: Chopper, and mini-series Reckoning. Most recently he directed The New Legends of Monkey; Harrow and Eden.
https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/p/peter-andrikidis/422
DAMIAN WALSHE-HOWLING
Film & Television Writer & Director
Damian Walshe-Howling is one of Australia’s most accomplished actors, best known for his critically acclaimed role as Andrew “Benji” Veniamin in Underbelly. His diverse film and TV credits include He Died with a Falafel in His Hand, Mystery Road, The Reef, Secret Life of Us, East West 101, Jack Irish, Wilfred, Blue Heelers, Bikie Wars, Janet King, and Last King of the Cross. As a writer/director, Damian won the prestigious Lexus Short Film Series, leading to the award-winning Messiah, starring David Gulpilil and Stephen Hunter. His earlier shorts The Bloody Sweet Hit and Suspended screened at top international festivals and sold globally. His latest short, Unspoken, won Best International Film at the Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival.
TONY AYRES / Special Guest
Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer & Director
Tony Ayres is one of Australia’s most prolific and award-winning showrunners, writers and directors. He is one of the founding members of Matchbox Pictures, now owned by NBCU. In 2018 Tony established his own production company Tony Ayres Productions (TAP), developing and producing feature films and television for global audiences and international marketplaces. Tony executive produced and co-wrote the hit Netflix miniseries Clickbait, nominated for Best Drama Series at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards. Tony executive produced the ABC miniseries Fires. Fires won the AACTA Award for Best Miniseries or Telefeature and the TV Week Silver Logie Award for Most Outstanding Miniseries or Telemovie. Tony’s recent releases have followed on from the great success of Stateless, (ABC) a miniseries starring Cate Blanchett that Tony executive produced and wrote. Stateless was the winner of Best Miniseries or Telefeature at the AACTA Awards. Tony was an executive producer on Creamerie, Wanted, Glitch and The Family Law, and produced miniseries Barracuda and Seven Types of Ambiguity. Tony also executive produced Old School, and the contemporary reimagining of The Devil’s Playground. Tony created and executive produced Nowhere Boys and the telemovie based on the series, Nowhere Boys: The Book of Shadows, which had a cinematic release in 2016. The series is internationally- acclaimed, winning the AACTA for Best Children’s Television Series, a Logie Award, a Prix Jeunesse International Award, and a nomination for a Children’s BAFTA Award. Tony’s other television credits include The Slap and its US remake, Underground: The Julian Assange Story, The Straits, and Saved. Tony’s first feature film, Walking on Water, won the Teddy Award at Berlin in 2002, and five AFI awards, while his second feature, The Home Song Stories, premiered at Berlin and won 24 Australian and international awards, including eight AFI Awards. His third feature, Cut Snake, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2014 and screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Tony just released, The Survivors, with Tony Ayres Productions, Matchbox Pictures, and Universal International Studios.
TONY AYRES / Special Guest
Future Vision Summit (Co-Chair)
Tony Ayres is also the Co-Chair of Future Vision, a major annual television summit held at ACMI in Melbourne that brings together leading creators, showrunners, and industry professionals from around the world to explore the future of premium television storytelling. Alongside producer Bruna Papandrea and Creative Director Rebecca Yeldham, Tony helps shape the summit’s direction, programming, and international outreach. Since its launch in 2024, Future Vision has grown into a flagship event for the Australian screen industry, with each edition focusing on a central theme—“Courage” in 2024 and “Optimism” in 2025. Under Tony’s leadership, the summit has hosted acclaimed speakers such as Lee Sung Jin (Beef), Joanna Calo (The Bear), Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer), Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley), and Soo Hugh (Pachinko), providing both public symposiums and private workshops designed to inspire bold, globally resonant storytelling. Tony’s vision and commitment to creative risk-taking have been key in establishing Future Vision as a vital international platform for Australian television makers.
LAURA WATERS / Special Guest
Founder of Princess Pictures
Laura Waters is the founder of Princess Pictures, the genre-defying production company she launched in 2003 to champion distinctive creative voices and stories that shift cultural perspectives.
Originally from the U.S. and a graduate of Boston University, Laura began her career producing current affairs and documentary television in London and Los Angeles before moving into scripted content. She is best known for producing all five of Chris Lilley’s internationally acclaimed comedy series — We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys, Ja’mie: Private School Girl, and Jonah From Tonga — for ABC/HBO/BBC, as well as his Netflix series Lunatics.
In addition to comedy, Laura has produced a wide range of content, including documentaries, scripted series and animation, reflecting her commitment to storytelling in all its forms. Most recently, Laura’s company produced Last Days of the Space Age for Disney+ and the breakout Sundance hit Together starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Directed by first-time filmmaker Michael Shanks, the film ignited a bidding war at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and ultimately sold to Neon in one of the biggest deals in the festival’s history.
Her work has earned two TV Logie Awards, an AFI Award, the NYC Webfest Award, and dozens of international nominations, solidifying her as a driving force in bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
PHILIP WATTS
Television Editor & Animator
Philip Watts is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading television editors—a highly respected creative with over 25 years of experience shaping some of the country’s most iconic screen stories. Based in Melbourne, he has edited more than 200 episodes of high-profile dramas, including Wentworth, Black Snow, Five Bedrooms, The Pacific, Seachange, Nowhere Boys, Offspring, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, and East West 101. His work is recognised for its clarity, emotional precision, and narrative drive—qualities that consistently elevate performances and deepen audience connection.
Philip’s contribution to the craft of editing goes well beyond technical skill. He brings a distinctive creative sensibility to every project, with a deep understanding of story structure, tone, and pacing. His editorial instincts have helped define the tone and success of numerous series, making him a trusted collaborator for producers, directors, and networks alike.
Alongside his editing career, Philip is an award-winning animator and filmmaker. His debut short Bless You (2013) screened at over 25 international festivals, winning Best Animated Short at the Portland Film Festival. In 2014, his follow-up The Visitors took home the Kids Jury Prize at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. His animated work is known for its warmth, humour, and distinctive visual storytelling.
Equally at home in high-stakes drama and inventive animation, Philip Watts stands out as one of Australia’s most versatile and accomplished screen storytellers.
WARWICK FIELD
Cinematographer
Warwick Field ACS is an award-winning Australian cinematographer and ACS Hall of Fame inductee. His work spans IMAX documentaries, acclaimed TV dramas (Wentworth, Ride Like a Girl), and global commercials. Founder of ShotClass, he’s also a passionate educator, known for elevating the next generation of filmmakers through hands-on, world-class training in cinematic storytelling. https://warwickfield.com/about-warwick-field/credits-and-awards/
Family Next Door, All Her Fault, Lazarus, Wentworth, Mustangs FC, Ride Like A Girl, Jack Irish 2. Nowhere Boys, How The Light Gets In, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Stem, Lion. The King’s Daughter (USA). 2nd Unit A Cam Op. F (Dir: Paul Currie DP: David Eggby ACS). Vampir. DP. SF (Dir: Anya Beyersdorf) ACS Vic/Tas: Gold Award. The Earth Wins. DP. Imax F (Dir: Jerry Grayson) ACS National: Golden Tripod &ACS Vic/Tas: Gold Award – Cinema Documentaries. Sisters, Barracuda, Tomorrow When The War Began. 2nd Unit DP/Cam Op. TVS (Dir: Brendan Maher DP: Simon Ozolins ACS). Clive(Pre-Prod). DP. F (Dir: Natasha Pincus). The Elimination Game (Turkey Shoot) (2014). DP. F (Dir: John Hewitt) ACS Vic/Tas: Bronze Award. Partisan. 2nd Unit DP. F (Dir: Ariel Kleiman DP: Germain McMicking) Open Slather. DP. TVS (Dir: various). Bleak. Cam Op. TVP (Dir: Kate McLennan/Kate McCartney DP: Joanne Donahoe). Where The Wild Things Are (USA). Cam Op. F (Dir: Spike Jonze DP: Lance Acord ASC). Knowing (USA). Cam Op. F (Dir: Alex Proyas DP: Simon Duggan ACS). Pinball (Pre-Prod). DP. F.Neighbours. 2nd Unit DP/Cam Op. (Dir: various). Offspring. Cam Op. TVS (Dir: various). Healing. Aerial DP. F (Dir: Craig Monahan DP: Andrew Lesnie ACS ASC). Nightmares and Dreamscapes (USA). Cam Op. TVS (Dir: Various DP: John Stokes ACS). Arietta. DP. SF (Dir: Natasha Pincus) ACS Vic/Tas: Silver Award The Pacific (USA). 2nd Unit DP. TVS (Dir: Various DP: Remi Adefarasin AFC). Trapped In Space (USA). Cam Op. F. (Dir: Arthur Allan Seidelman DP: Nino Martinetti ACS). Human Resources. DP. SF (Dir: Jason Christou). Horseplay. 2nd Unit DP/Cam Op. F (Dir: Stavros Katsantidis DP: David Eggby ACS) Josh Jarman. Cam Op. F (Dir: Pip Mushin DP: Jaems Grant ACS). The Secret Life Of Us. DP/Cam Op.TVS. (Dir: Ben Lewin/Kate Shortland/Ian Watson). Wild Pacific BBC TV. Aerial DP. TVS. Ghost Rider (USA). Cam Op. F (Dir: Mark Johnson DP: Russell Boyd ACS ASC). Love’s Labour. DP. SF (Dir: Natasha Pincus) ACS Vic/Tas: Silver Award. Place Of The Dead (UK). 2nd Unit DP. TVM (Dir: Suri Krishnamma DP: Nino Martinetti ACS). HOME. Aerials Cineflex Specialist. F Doc. (Dir: Yann Arthus Bertrand). Blonde (USA). Cam Op. TVM (Dir: Joyce Chopra DP: James Glennon ASC). Dolphin Cove (USA). Cam Op. USA TVS (Dir: various DP: Nino Martinetti ACS). Mission:Impossible (USA). Cam Op. USA TVS. Subdivision.
Aerial DP. F (Dir: Sue Brooks DP: John Stokes). The Dish. Aerial DP/2nd Unit DP. F (Dir: Rob Sitch DP: Graeme Wood). Mathilda West. DP. SF (Dir: Khrob Edmonds). The Cup. Aerial DP. F (Dir: Simon Wincer 18 DP: David Burr ACS). Relationship Rehab. DP. SF (Dir: Ryan van Dijk). Any Questions For Ben? Aerial DP. F (Dir: Rob Sitch DP: Stefan Duscio). How To Change in 9 Weeks. Aerial DP. F. Rogue. Aerial DP. F.
The Actors Director
Students in the Directors Program will have the opportunity to direct award-winning, professional screen actors under expert industry guidance. This hands-on experience includes working closely with acclaimed performers such as:
Kim Gyngell (Love Me; The Artful Dodger; Black Snow; Crazy Fun Park; Wakefield; Back in Very Small Business; Brother’s Nest; Picnic at Hanging Rock; Sunshine; Top of the Lake; Rake; Jack Irish; Hiding; Upper Middle Bogan; The Librarians; The Straights; Underbelly; Wilfred; Love My Way; Macbeth; Sea Change; Full Frontal; All Together Now; Col’n Carpenter; Evil Angels; and so many other award-winning Australian Film & Television series),.
Eve Morey (NIDA Graduate; Gold Logie Nominee; Shayda; Neighbours; High Country; The Imposter; Surviving Summer; Spreadsheet; Lie with Me; More Than This; Total Control; Mystery Road; Ghosts of Time; Home & Away; All Saints; ),.
Katrina Milosevic (NIDA Graduate; Austin; Human Error; Population 11; Wentworth, Spreadsheet; Rosehaven; Seachange; Glitch; Seven Types of Ambiguity; Winners & Losers; Offspring; Twenty Something; Mr & Mrs Murder; Rush; City Homicide; Little Oberon; Stingers, AACTA Award Winner).
Kate Jenkinson (WAAPA Graduate; NCIS: Sydney; A Vintage Christmas; Five Bedrooms; Wentworth, Offspring, Super Fun Night, Five Bedrooms; Amazing Grace; Doctor Doctor; Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You; The Ex-PM; Offspring; The Time of our Lives; Tangle; House Husbands; The Straits; Killing Time; Satisfaction; Rush; Bogan Pride; Canal Road; Wilfred, and Whatever Happened to That Guy).
These accomplished performers bring decades of experience across television, film, and theatre— offering students unparalleled, real-world insight into directing top-tier acting talent in a professional setting.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 INTAKE ARE NOW OPEN.
Entry is by interview with Creative Director Pino Amenta and Artistic Director Craig McMahon.
Please fill out the Enrolment Form and we will be in touch shortly to confirm your interview date and time.
Following your interview, if you are not successful in gaining a placement in the 2026 Cohort, you will be issued a full refund immediately.
Strictly limited to 14 placements.
If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly on 1800 FILMTV (1800 345 688).
Course Fee Structure: Payment Options
- Weekly Direct Debit Plan: $750 (GST Inc) upfront payment to confirm/register your placement. $750 (GST Inc) due prior to the commencement date, then a weekly instalment plan of 44 weeks x $250 (GST Inc) upon course commencement.
- Paid in Full: $12,200 (GST Inc) *Discounted at $300
International Enquiries
For all international enquiries regarding the 8-Week Directors Intensive, please contact us directly at enquiries@filmtv.com.au.
May 2026 Intake
Rolling Admission from December, 2025.