#saecrew
– student edition –
NAME: Phoebe Green
CAMPUS: Brisbane
DISCIPLINE: Bachelor of Film
What do you most enjoy about student life at SAE?
I enjoy the social aspect and interactions I have with my peers on and off-campus. The relaxed nature SAE creates helps my peers and I feel at home whilst working within a professional and educational environment. The ability to study and use SAE’s facilities outside of timetabled hours has been one of the many pros to student life at SAE.
What are your plans for when you graduate?
I wish to become a Cinematographer. To be specific, I would love to have the opportunity to shoot feature films for companies such as Netflix and Stan, etc. They consistently produce high-quality feature films and television series. You could say this would be one of the top goals I hope to achieve within my career. Besides this, I can see myself pursuing a Master’s Degree in Film. I love studying, and I find that a career move as such will allow me to push myself further as a filmmaker.
Who inspires you?
Robert Yeoman! His work is beautiful, to say the least, especially when he is working alongside Wes Anderson. From his compositions to the story he expresses within each of his shots, Robert in my eyes is such an inspiration, and I can definitely say that his stylistic choices have made an influence on the work I produce.
Tell us about your involvement with SAE campus life?
I consistently take part on- and off-campus activities. From assisting in SAE’s info nights, ‘Study for a Day‘ events and having the privilege to film content for SAE’s own MCI (Master of Creative Industries) program, this involvement has given me the opportunity to talk with industry professionals and also inspire the new intake of filmmakers I get the opportunity to meet, because I too, was in their shoes only a couple of years ago.
Have you studied previously?
No, I came to SAE straight from High School. However, I did consistently study film all throughout my secondary studies.
What do you enjoy most about Film?
I enjoy the creativity film gives me. The sky’s the limit when it comes to film, and being allowed to freely explore and incorporate your own ideas into a project is fun to say the least. Additionally, getting the chance to work with other creatives that share similar interests as me is also a great experience. We all pretty much get to bounce ideas off of each other.
What is your favourite software you use?
Photoshop. Photoshop is such a fantastic tool when it comes to brainstorming potential shot types and compositions. I have always found that creating detailed storyboards helps to express my vision to the directors I get the opportunity to work with.
What is your favourite hardware you use?
Having worked with an abundance of cameras, if I had to pick just one, my favourite camera to work with is the Sony FS7 Mk1. Though I have to give a special mention to SAE’s ARRI Amira, the FS7’s light and ergonomic design is second to none, when it comes to producing stunning visuals.
What projects have you worked on?
Throughout the duration of my university studies, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from live events to short films, each time I stepped behind the lens allowed my passion for this industry to grow profoundly. But to narrow this down to just one project, I would have to say, I am most proud of the Apple AirPods 2 TVC my crew (Creative 47) and I produced. I was the Director of Photography on this project. I am proud of not only myself, but each and every single one of my crew members for producing such an amazing and quality TVC. From the directing to the cinematography to the editing, this project blew my mind, and seeing our director’s vision come to life was such an eye-opening process to be a part of. This TVC really made me realise how much work goes into a project in as little as 30 seconds, let alone a feature film!
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to SAE?
If you want a hands-on learning experience in the creative industries, then this is the place to be! With 24/7 access to industry-standard gear and studios, as well as a great support network of lecturers, anyone who is considering attending SAE will not be disappointed.
What is Orientation and the first day of SAE like?
Orientation was very welcoming. It gave me the chance to speak with the SAE team, and meet the peers I would soon be studying with. As for the first day of SAE, like anything new, it’s slightly nerve-racking on your first day, but that feeling soon disappears once you step into the classroom.
Do you have any helpful tips to share with fellow students?
Just jump in and get your hands dirty, learning by doing is the best way to master a skill. Stay focused, stay on top of your work and lastly, enjoy what you’re doing.
What is the best fun fact about yourself?
You’d assume that since I study film, I would be your stereotypical film buff. Though I am a passionate filmmaker who loves the creativity behind making films, I rarely sit and watch films in my spare time.
Who are 3 people you would invite to dinner, dead or alive?
I don’t have 3, but I would love to be able to sit down and chat with DoP and Oscar nominee Rachel Morrison. Rachel was the first female director of photography in history to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography. I would love to hear her story and uncover how she accomplished such a major milestone in this industry since she is where I want to be.
