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Blood, screams and career dreams
Just months after starting her Diploma of Screen and Media at TAFE Queensland’s Coomera Creative campus, 19-year-old Miranda Newton was already on a professional horror film set.
“I loved the screams and the blood!” she said.
“It sounds weird, but horror films are just so much fun to work on.”
Miranda’s big break came through TAFE Queensland’s strong industry connections, landing her a coveted work experience role with the independent horror feature film, Posthumous.
“I applied, got the job, and suddenly I was on set as a camera assistant,” said Miranda.
“I was cleaning gear, running camera sheets, grabbing gear from the van, even slating a few shots, it was such a rush.”
But the real plot twist came when she was then offered a paid role on another production, Two Years Later, as a Truck Loader/Video Split. For many in the industry, that kind of opportunity can take years to earn.
“It felt amazing,” she said.
“For me to be on set at such a young age with little experience, I felt lucky. It really set in stone that the camera department is where I want to be in the film industry.”
TAFE Queensland’s Screen and Media diploma gave Miranda more than just industry connections, it gave her technical skills and the confidence to step onto a professional set.
“At TAFE, I learnt all the set lingo and the different crew roles. When I heard those same terms on set, I knew exactly what they meant. That made me feel prepared, even in a high-pressure environment.”
She also credits her teachers for guiding her through the whirlwind start of her career.
“My teachers have been great and extremely supportive through this whole process,” she said.
Miranda’s advice for other aspiring filmmakers? Be relentless.
“Take every work experience job you can, even if it’s unpaid. It’s how you build connections and work your way up. And shoot your own stuff as much as possible, it makes you familiar with the craft. The film industry isn’t for the weak. You need thick skin and the ability to bounce back fast.”
Her ultimate goal? To become a Director of Photography.
“After watching the DPs on Posthumous and Two Years Later, I’m in awe of how they work. One day, I want to shoot my own stuff with that same mastery.”