Screenwest-supported attachments and placements go from strength-to-strength as industry demand surges

Building capacity in the Western Australian screen industry and skilling up local film practitioners continues to be a priority for Screenwest as the Perth Film Studios nears completion. 

In the last financial year, Screenwest supported 11 placements and secured 34 attachments for emerging and mid-career Western Australian screen practitioners as part of the Below the Line Crew Capacity Program and Professional Development Placements Program. Attachment roles included Costume Assistant, Edit Assistant, Location Assistant, Production Assistant, Researcher and VFX Assistant. 

Screenwest Industry Development Manager Kirby Brierty said: “Attachments and placements supported by Screenwest are important development opportunities for emerging and mid-career screen practitioners. These openings help build our industry capacity and give practitioners valuable experience on productions to build their credits and further their careers.”  

Here, two Western Australian film practitioners share their experiences: 

Nicholas Pribilovic 

Post-Production Coordinator 

(Hunting Outback Gold, Rookie Truckers) 

“It is an incredible way to build confidence, skills and develop industry relationships that will shape your future.” 

Nick, you scored a post-production coordinator attachment with Prospero Productions on Hunting Outback Gold. What impact did this have on your career development and confidence in the screen industry?

My Screenwest attachment at Prospero Productions gave me the technical and interpersonal skills to step into the industry professionally. The experience went beyond the surface level and gave me a great understanding of the Post-Production Coordinator role. Upon completion, I felt genuinely equipped with the knowledge and confidence to step into similar positions in the future. 

What was a typical day like for you during your attachment? 

Each day was hands on. I took on varying tasks from controlling legal binders and archive material to managing broadcaster deliverables. I worked closely with our Production Manager, but I was also communicating with Editors and the Series Director which gave me a well-rounded insight into the entire post production process. 

How did the experience help you build industry connections or open doors to new opportunities? 

I formed strong relationships with my co-workers and mentor, who not only guided me when necessary, but trusted me with real responsibility and encouraged me to show my initiative. Their support and recommendations directly led to my next project and a further contract with Prospero. These connections continue to provide me with a network of support and opportunity long after my attachment. 

What advice would you give others considering an attachment or placement as a pathway into the screen industry? 

Attachments are development positions  are designed to kickstart your path in the industry, so don’t feel unsure, say yes to every learning opportunity, absorb as much as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is an incredible way to build confidence, skills and develop industry relationships that will shape your future. 

Jessica Chong 

Accounts Assistant (Scrublands: Silver, Mystery Road: Origin Season 2, Ghosts Australia, Reckless) 

“The Screenwest attachment was a first step which has set me up for what hopefully will be the rest of my career.” 

Jess, what impact did your attachment have on your career development and confidence in the screen industry? 

I was fortunate enough to be offered an attachment on Scrublands: Silver, which was my first ever job in film. My mentor was very patient and encouraging, and taught me how to use the accounting software, process petty cash, and manage payroll for extras. Since then, my skills have developed and I’ve gradually taken on more responsibilities with each job. The Screenwest attachment was a first step which has set me up for what hopefully will be the rest of my career. 

What was a typical day like for you during your attachment? 

After arriving at the production office, my main task was to process the petty cash forms and import them into the accounting system. I also handled fuel reimbursement forms and payroll for extras – checking paperwork, following up on any discrepancies, and sending timesheets and forms to the payroll team in Sydney. Once reports came back, I reviewed them and made necessary corrections. The reports then go to the production accountant and line producer for final approval. 

A highlight of the day was definitely lunchtime, when we would go out to unit and have lunch with the rest of the crew. Film crews are usually well-fed, so it was always a lovely bonus when catering includes the office team too! 

How did the experience help you build industry connections or open doors to new opportunities? 

The attachment gave me hands-on experience with skills directly relevant to my chosen area. It also introduced me to people from different departments, both locally and interstate. Before the attachment, I found it challenging to break into the film industry because I didn’t have those connections. After going through the program, I was offered a position on the next job, and the next, and since then I’ve had consistent work across a number of productions in WA. 

What advice would you give others considering an attachment or placement as a pathway into the screen industry? 

Before you apply, do as much research as you can and tailor your application – make it specific to the role that you’re going for. Once you’re in, the placement is essentially like a long job interview, where your head of department and the rest of the team decide if they want to work with you again. Be situationally aware and open to learning new things. Use the opportunity to show your capabilities and how you fit in with the rest of the team. 

To learn more about Screenwest-supported attachment and placement opportunities, visit: https://www.screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives/skills-business-support/ 

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