What inspired you to work in film as well as higher education?
I have always loved storytelling and the ability to educate, inspire, and escape through different experiences of the world. Higher education to me provides the perfect environment in which I can keep developing my skills, whilst also passing on the storytelling knowledge that I know.
On set at Village Roadshow Studios
Coming from Australia, what drew you into working with the New York Film Academy (NYFA)?
I was travelling a lot with my teaching and I wanted to work at studio with a good reputation and high professional standards. NYFA has the best industry level equipment, teaching staff, and facilities for me to add my skill set to.
It is a fantastic school that really cares about the student experience!
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
I teach morning technique sessions in the morning, where we work on scripts, auditions, and acting technique, and that’s just before class starts! Then I usually teach a session of acting technique based in Meisner. In the afternoon, I have academic things to go through, like the subject outlines, assessments, or I spend time working on the list of industry guests for the Q&A’s we like to hold for our students.
Has your previous work experiences helped you excel in your current role?
Yes, I’ve worked in management since I was 19, so I love leading people and supporting them. My acting experiences had me working on big and small sets, so collaboration is something I do very well.
New York Film Academy, Australia
What do you love most about your job?
I love being in the classroom with the students and working through their technique training. We pick apart the art of human connection, the importance of empathy, emotional availability, and really having the experience of the character, rather than getting the lines right. I also love planning the program for the students!
How is New York Film Academy Gold Coast unique from other film schools around the world?
NYFA is incredibly hands on. The acting program is specifically designed to not only teach the craft of acting, but ensures that actors know how to direct, produce, and even professionally edit their own work. In the age of self publishing, where it is now important to have an established social media following, these skills can mean the difference between making it in two years or making it five. George Miller said it best, “that artists today need to look at how they can diversify their art. It is no longer good enough to just call yourself an director or actor.”
What films and shows can you be found in?
Season Four of Rake, Rescue Ops, and Blue Murder Killer Cop.
What makes Australia a great place to study film?
The Gold Coast is beautiful, sunny, and very healthy! There are great hiking trails and beaches no matter where you are.
NYFA Students on Set at Village Roadshow Studios
What is your favorite New York Film Academy memory to date?
One of my greatest memories is watching the television pilot by the recent advanced diploma group at Event cinemas. The actors worked with a professional director to bring the story to life, and seeing their journey has been inspiring!
What are some tips you have for prospective students coming to study film with New York Film Academy?
Research acting techniques. Read books by Stella Adler, Sandford Meisner, and Stanislavski. Read plays. Read Screenplays and watch the movie after. Immerse yourself in the world of stories so that when you come ready to work with us, you are armed with a wide range of fantastic scenes and characters you are dying to play!
