There have been some really amazing individuals that Vibewire has had the pleasure of nurturing, Ali Russell is definitely one of them.

Ali is currently one of three shooter/directors for the ABC series Hungry Beast, a topical show under Andrew Denton’s production company that is now in its second season. Vibewire talked with Ali recently about her motivation, experiences and tips for cracking into the media world.

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Ali began her time at Vibewire through the Mini Media Makers grant, now called the Media Makers Scholarship Program. Though the grant covered her for only two months Ali was so fond of the experience she stayed on working from the Enterprise Hub for almost three years.

In her own words, “It was so good to have a work space with good computers and software, and all the other facilities. The main thing was that it was affordable when I was starting out and didn’t have much money.”

Working on her projects from the hub was a learning curb in itself, “I guess the experience of being a total solo operator meant that I had to learn how to negotiate the doco world and all the pimping out of projects that goes with being a producer and trying to secure funding. Just that constant pitching I think, when no one knows who you are, helps toughen you up and forces you to be really clear about what you’re doing.”

Ali suffered chronic fatigue for two years in her early 20’s and was unable to read or watch tv- even too tired to sleep. The only thing she could do in this time was think about her future. She had been studying environmental management but didn’t feel like it was the right career path for her. Ali eventually began thinking about making documentaries and as soon as her condition improved she enrolled herself into film school.

Making it in the media world can be a difficult ask and experience is a major key to success. Ali says events like AIDC (Australian International Documentary Conference) is where she picked up the most in terms of pitching her ideas and getting projects off the ground. Although, she also warns that these events are expensive to get into, which can be overcome by volunteering, and therefore gaining free entry.

Individuals interested in kicking off a career in the film industry can find help online through a bit of research.

Try the Screen Australia website.

Females interested in this field can apply for the amazing mentorship program run by Women in Film & Television called the Media Mentorship for Women.

Ali highly recommends any mentorship program claiming, “Anything that hooks you up with a mentor is great, particularly if they can help you with a specific project of yours”.

For a lot of people, working in the film industry may sound like a dream job. If you’re not allergic to hard work and long hours it can be, but there are some major hurdles to being an independent film maker/producer. The number one issue being money, or lack of. In fact, most individuals in the media industry will have to work without pay for a fair amount of time before they get a hold of the lucritive jobs.

Ali has kept herself motivated and sought inspiration to continue the small but consistent accomplishments that finally took her to where she is now.

It is just as important for aspiring media makers to watch projects as it is to start their own. Ali suggests going to film festivals and if anything strikes a chord- study it. Don’t be afraid to contact producers and crews to get them involved in your project, “You’d be surprised how often people are willing to give advice or help out if they like the sound of the project”. Her most important piece of advice for all young, motivated individuals who want to get into the media industry is to just keep at it.

If you’re motivated to do something, you shouldn’t be afraid to go out there, do your own thing and work on projects that you feel passionate about.