With the Australian film and television industry continuing to grow its reputation as a powerhouse for performance on both sides of the camera, getting a foot in the door can lead to a fantastic career.

Northern Rivers local, Beth Roland, is now nine months into an enviable industry-starter role as production secretary for Channel 9 drama series Seachange, based in Mullumbimby.

Beth studied a Certificate III in Screen and Media at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, graduating in 2014 and is proving that you don’t need to leave the region to pursue a dream career.

Beth’s role entails “a bit of everything and a lot of responsibility”, from sending out call sheets to finding staffing solutions, arriving at the “crack of dawn” to answer phone calls, organising read throughs and printing scripts for cast members.

Beth said “The minute details and effort which go into the make-up and costumes in horror films is amazing, because they make a huge impact on the film. It would be incredible to witness that.

“I didn’t realise the number of people that goes into a production, behind the scenes. Going on TAFE NSW excursions and doing work experience was invaluable. Seeing a production in action is quite fascinating.

“My teachers at TAFE NSW are amazing because they made my course very hands-on. They had a big help in inspiring my career direction.”

One occupation consideration for those looking to enter the industry is Film and Video Editing. Recent TAFE NSW research found that within the Art, Design, Digital Media and Music sector this role had the fifth largest forecasted growth in employment to 2021.

Beth said she was always interested in film making as a child and would love to one day go to Hollywood to work on horror films.

The creative industries including screen and media are some of the most in-demand skills across all industry areas.

TAFE NSW courses in creative spaces including screen and media provide students with some of the most in-demand skills across all industry areas, with automated machinery replacing many jobs, creativity is something that cannot be replicated.

The Certificate III in Screen and Media, can be at TAFE NSW Kingscliff or studied online via TAFE Digital. Visit tafensw.com.au.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au