Two Griffith Film School students have scored an exclusive internship on the set of a new SBS TV series shot in Alice Springs.
Final year Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Productionstudents Daniel Patterson and Sean Abnett got the chance to work alongside AACTA-winning directors, writers and crew onRobbie Hood.The new six-part live actionreworking of the classic adventure tale is set in an Aboriginal community in Australia’s red centre.
The online project will screen on SBS On Demand later this year, and was produced by Griffith Film School alumni Daley Pearson and Meg O’Connell, from Brisbane’s Ludo Studio.
A once in a lifetime opportunity
The pair of film students were given the chance to hone their technical skills and make valuable industry connections during the month-long placement in Alice Springs. Daniel Patterson described the experience as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“We spent a month on set doing a little bit of everything – camera work, lighting, gripping and production,” he said.
“We were on set first every morning and the last to leave, so it was sometimes 12 hour days, six days a week, but it was an amazing experience and a massive learning curve.
“On the set of Robbie Hood we were working with directors and crew who had just come off big-budget productions like Sweet Country, but they took the time to teach us and gave us a lot of responsibility.
Industry experience
Daniel said opportunities for industry placements were one of the major benefits of studying at Griffith Film School.
“Our lecturers have great connections to the film industry, and they offer us all kinds of opportunities,” he said.
“Last year, I got to operate the camera for the live stream at the Australian Cinematographers Society National Awards – the audience was packed with movie royalty, so it was a massive honour.
“I’ve also had a chance to work on some of the films produced by the Masters students.
“It’s all about putting up your hand and making the most of what’s on offer. I think in the film industry, it’s about keeping up the momentum, and one job often leads to another.”