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Leading Companies & Markets

There are many production companies varying in size throughout Australia. Companies usually specialise in television commercials, documentaries, short films or animations. It is common that Directors and Producers are attached to these companies and seek out other crew members.

There are also numerous television programs, which run on ‘Free to Air’ and Pay TV that require Directors. Two major companies are Southern Star Production House, which produces the TV shows Big Brother and Deal or no Deal and Fox Production Services.

Arguably the two most well known directors in Australia are Peter Weir and Baz Luhrmann.

Some of Peter Weir’s most notable films are Master and Commander, The Truman Show, Fearless, Witness, The Year of Living Dangerously and Gallipoli.

Baz Luhrman is best known for the feature films Australia, Moulin Rouge! Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom.

Film Victoria is an organization that supports the film industry in Victoria with internships and grants based on submissions. This is highly competitive. It also offers a registry of positions for those looking to hire directors.

Environment & Culture of the workplace

Having experience on set will give you vital knowledge on how to interact and work with people on a production. Working with a good team of people can be a very enjoyable experience. Sometimes personalities and ideas may clash and it is extremely important to maintain tact and diplomacy and a good work ethic.

Working on a production, whether it is a feature film or television commercial, is a great opportunity to make contacts and put your best foot forward. People will usually hire you again if you are a hard worker and easy to work with. It’s all about technical skills combined with interpersonal skills as reputations are often fragile: some even a little precious.