Meadowbank local Peter Climpson has hit the big time and found his dream gig – supporting the NSW film industry boom as an audio engineer on feature films and lifestyle and reality television.

After school, Mr Climpson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but when his mum suggested he try the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Television) at TAFE NSW he was keen to give it a go.

“It wasn’t until I arrived that I realised the TAFE NSW St Leonards television production studios had just had a six-million-dollar upgrade and now had better facilities than most television studios in Sydney,” Mr Climpson said.

“I quickly realised how close the teachers were to the industry, many were part time teachers still actively working and practising their craft in the film and television industry. You can’t buy the connections I made at TAFE NSW.”

Mr Climpson completed the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Television) before continuing his studies with a Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) to consolidate his skills. Peter’s teacher Peter Gage said it’s a great time to be working in post-production as big-budget international blockbusters shooting in Australia are forecast to continue being a significant source of demand for local firms.

“The current film and television industry boom in NSW is driving up demand for skilled workers in the creative industries and creating opportunities for sound engineers and technicians,” Mr Gage said.

“The NSW Government has injected $175 million into the sector through the Made in NSW fund to support the attraction to NSW of significant international and domestic feature film and major TV drama productions.

“It’s a really exciting time to be in the industry and I encourage anyone considering a career in film or television to take a look at the range of courses on offer at TAFE NSW and let us help you get your foot in the door.”

In 2019 Mr Climpson worked on the feature film ‘Outback’ as Sound Designer, which was sold to Lionsgate and is currently streaming on Stan. He will soon complete work on another highly anticipated feature film - ‘Risen’. 

Mr Climpson says TAFE NSW was pivotal in helping him get his start in the industry, paired with a strong work ethic and dedication to the craft.

“The hands-on training at TAFE NSW was a significant draw card, there’s really no other way to learn what we do, than to do it.

“One of the best things I did while I was at TAFE NSW was work experience during the holiday breaks. This was a massive advantage because by the end of my course I had already had some experience, which was a lot more than what most other people who graduated in my year did.

“I think anyone considering studying at TAFE NSW should take it very seriously. You’ll get more out of the experience if you go all in and really apply yourself. Everything I know has come from someone else and it’s a gift when someone passes on that knowledge and advice.”

To find out more about the range of courses available at TAFE NSW including the Certificate IV in Screen and Media, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.