Panel Discussion: An Introduction to the Film Industry

Hear from a panel of experts and get an insight into the film industry.

Join us for a discussion between Devris Hasan (cinematographer, producer, educator), Stephen de Villiers (Founder/Creative Director, Arterial Films + Watchpost), Alice Yang (Creative Director/Editor, Arterial Films + Watchpost), Nara Wilson (Board member, The Mercury) and Ellen Hodgson (Outreach Community Engagement Manager, AFTRS) as they explore the various roles available within the film industry.

Our panelists will unpack the current opportunities and challenges in the sector and discuss their strategies for enhancing diversity and representation, especially for newcomers to the field. At the end of the discussion, you'll have a chance to ask them any questions you may have and spend some time networking with other attendees.

Please note that doors will open at 6pm and the panel is set to start at 6:30pm.

FREE to attend. Participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian accompanying them for the duration of the event.

If you'd like to support ActNow with a donation we've made the option available to you at the check out. All donations $2 and over are fully tax-deductible.

Devris Hasan (he/him) is a cinematographer, producer and educator who has been working in the Australian film and television industry for over 12 years. He completed an Advanced Diploma in Film & TV at TAFE WA in 2001 and then went on to graduate from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in 2006 with a Masters Degree in Cinematography.

Devris has experience in film, television, corporate and documentary production and has worked throughout Australia, including with leading production companies such as Granada, ITV Studios and Southern Star Endemol and commercial organisations such as Tourism Australia. His most recognised position to date was Director of Photography on the 26 x 30 minute children’s series Trapped, filmed in Broome, WA for Channel Seven.

Devris has a great understanding of the film making process.  He is also up-to-date with current film technology and cutting-edge equipment and working in a modern multi-platform digital environment that makes it possible to teach remotely. Devris has been lecturing in film production for over 7 years at numerous Film Schools and institutes across the country.

Stephen de Villiers (he/him) Originally from South Africa, Stephen is now proud to call both Australia and South Africa home. A graduate of the directing course at the Australian Film Television Radio School (AFTRS), he has directed more than 20 narrative films. He is privileged to have worked with some of South Africa and Australia’s top actors, including Ian Roberts (Tstosi), Sean Cameron Michael (24, Black Sails) and Socratis Otto (X-Men Origins). Past festival highlights include screenings as part of the Short Film Metrage at Cannes, while Super Sounds has screened at over 60 top film festivals, including Giffoni (Italy), Flickerfest (Sydney), Byron Bay and the San Francisco International Film Festival. In 2021, he was an episode director on the Netflix commissioned TV Series, Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance, and in 2022 his documentary The Rover of Tobruk was acquired by Fox Sports (USA).

Alice Yang (she/her) is a young and spirited, award-winning filmmaker who has produced & directed many of her own short films, several of which have been officially selected in multiple film festivals like St Kilda and Antenna. In 2021, her documentary, My Ba won the AIDC Best Documentary award at the Mercury CXs South Australian Screen Awards, as well as being nominated for Best Editing, Best Student production & the Carclew Young Filmmaker award.

In 2022, she won Best Directing at the Fleurieu Film Festival, and was selected into two prestigious skills development programs — Mercury CX's Springboard and the South Australian and National AFTRS Talent Camp. She is the recipient of the Quicksilver production fund for Finding Jia.

She has worked on over 20 short films, filling roles as director, producer, editor and everything in between. She brings her multifaceted skillset to Beyond Content in her role as a content producer. Outside Beyond, she pursues her own creative projects and itch for storytelling.

Nara Wilson is a proud Wirangu, Kokatha and Larrakia woman who lives and works on Peramangk country in beautiful Mount Barker, South Australia.

From 2018-2022 Nara implemented South Australia's first and second First Nations Screen Strategy at the South Australian Film Corporation she then in 2022-2023 implemented the state's inaugural First Nations Arts Strategy at Arts South Australia. Since July 2023 Nara has been working as an Associate Producer at Vishus Productions — an animation company in the Adelaide Hills working across their slate of children’s animation projects. Nara is also Company Director of BiRiny where her passion lies and is focused on producing First Nations animation and documentary stories for the screen.

Ellen Hodgson (she/her) is an Anishinaabe/Apsaalooke filmmaker who grew up on Ngunnawal Country and currently resides on Gadigal Land. She is the Community Outreach Engagement Manager within the First Nations and Outreach team at AFTRS; a role that co-designs initiatives and strategy with the screen industry and communities to support access and pathways for underrepresented film practitioners.

Prior to her time at AFTRS, Ellen has been working within the industry as a producer, casting director and production coordinator in advertising, factual, narrative and long-form for companies such as Marvel, Netflix, HBO and Lingo Pictures.

Ellen is passionate about supporting emerging talent and authentic screen representation in front of, and behind the camera.

Note: If you have any trouble RSVPing please call us at (08) 8123 0346 during business hours or email info@actnowtheatre.org.au to register.