Aspiring filmmaker’s red carpet brush with Hollywood

Amid the buzz of flashing cameras and industry heavyweights at HOTA, Home of the Arts, the Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020) student seized a moment he won’t soon forget.

“I heard someone mention Baz Luhrmann, so I thought I’d just hang around… and I was pretty much the only one there when he walked in,” said Scott.

“I stepped out in front of him and said, ‘Hi, can I get a quick hello for the AACTA's?’ — and he said yes.”

Armed with his camera and quick instincts, Scott captured the encounter while volunteering as a videographer throughout the festival. The footage he shot will not only be used by the festival itself but will also strengthen his growing professional portfolio.

Across the event, TAFE Queensland students volunteered in key creative roles, including videography, photography and marketing. For Scott, the experience was more than a brush with fame — it was a chance to put his classroom learning into action in a fast-paced environment.

“I had to learn on the fly. I already knew how to use the camera, but it made me realise I needed to work through problems quickly,” he said.

“Now in class, I can say, ‘I learned this, and I learned how to fix this problem.’”

Scott’s experience highlights how TAFE Queensland students gain real-world industry exposure while contributing meaningfully to major events. By working alongside professionals, students are not just observing — they are actively shaping their future careers.

“That’s the great thing about TAFE Queensland — we get opportunities all the time, and I’m always saying, ‘Yep, put me down.’ Whenever something comes up, I put my hand up and volunteer,” he said.

The festival also hosted the AACTA Careers Expo, where TAFE Queensland’s Coomera campus showcased its creative programs, particularly in Screen and Media, offering aspiring creatives a glimpse into the opportunities that can begin in the classroom and lead all the way to the red carpet.