One hundred and sixty students from across the North Coast spent last Friday living out their screen industry dreams, and for some, it may have just changed their future.
The students, drawn from Year 10 to 12, took part in Screen Futures 2026: Pathways to Careers in Film and Digital Content Creation, rotating through hands-on workshops covering camera and lighting, audio and sound, acting and auditioning, scriptwriting, costuming, special effects, make-up, and podcasting.
The event, held on Friday, 13 June, connected the aspiring screen workers with industry professionals from broadcasting, acting, writing, directing, sound, editing, and production.
“Screen Futures is delivered in the Northern Rivers because the region has become one of Australia’s most significant regional screen and creative industry hubs, creating genuine local career opportunities for young people,” said Robyn Pemberton, Director of Careers and Pathways Programs at the NSW Department of Education.
“The Regional Industry Education Partnerships program supports students with their futures by creating meaningful connections between schools, industry and local communities, helping young people understand the opportunities available to them and the pathways needed to achieve their goals.”
The Northern Rivers has built a formidable reputation as a production destination, home to a growing ecosystem of screen businesses, studios, production companies, and content creators. Ms Pemberton said organisations such as Screenworks had spent more than two decades building the capability of the regional screen sector.
“Industry organisations and government agencies continue to invest in attracting productions and developing local talent, creating employment opportunities that can be accessed without young people needing to relocate to Sydney or Melbourne,” Ms Pemberton said.
For the students themselves, the day opened their eyes to how broad the screen industry really is.
Emerald, a Year 12 student from Murwillumbah High School, worked on the green screen and media tables during the day. “I also made a mask at costume making,” she said.
The experience crystallised something for her. “I would like to work in the film industry. I don’t know what type of role or sector, but I know I want to work in the creative industries.”
“It’s made me understand that there are so many different roles in the film industry and it was nice to be able to experience it firsthand with the workshops.”
Billy, a Year 11 student from Mullumbimby High School, had a blast in front of the camera.
“I was pretending to be a newsreader and I really enjoyed doing that,” he said.
The day also took him through social media content creation. “We were making a video and learning how to advertise on social media.”
Billy said he had been leaning towards an electrical apprenticeship, but Screen Futures has him reconsidering.
“I think it has shown me how fun it can be working on sets, so I think I will look into career paths in that.”
Screen Futures is coordinated through the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program, which designs and delivers opportunities for employers to connect with secondary schools across regional NSW.
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