In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Screen Queensland Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Content Program Lead, Joseph Meldrum, sat down with Merryn Trescot.

Merryn has worked on several projects supported by Screen Queensland, including Disney+ series Nautilus through the Screen Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mentorship for Cinematography.

What are your interests in the industry and what excites you?

My interests in the industry lie in Directing and Cinematography. I am excited to explore more opportunities for lead creative roles in future. And I’m interested in helping more Mob get into the industry.

How did you get into the industry and what was your experience working with Screen Queensland?

I studied film as a minor at QUT and I went to a Screen Queensland Blak Coffee morning with my Dad for moral support and then got onto the Attachment program, with the help of Screen Queensland staff. I have done a number of attachments and a Cinematography Mentorship and this has led to further roles in the industry. I also work as a sole trader through my company ‘Sapphic Flicks’ which I co-own with Jamie Connor. I capture community, art, music and theatre events alongside corporate spotlights. 

What advice or encouragement do you have for any of the mob wanting to enter the industry?

Connect with your local screen body and industry members. There are a number of free events including Mob meet ups held by screen bodies and film collectives run by local Industry members; such as ‘DHURA-LI Mob’ in SEQ, you can attend to make connections and seek work.

Be confident and consistent about what role or department you want to work in. This will make it easier for you to get onto set and make more connections.

Make sure industry screen bodies and your community know you exist and what you’re interested in. Whether that’s through Instagram, a free website, emailing industry or production houses, applying for attachment programs and roles advertised online. Meet as many industry as you can and provide your details so they can contact you when a role is available.

The screen industry loves a business card and a one-page CV. My first business cards were hand written on printer paper and I look at crew agent websites such as ‘Essential Crew’ to see how people format their CV’s.

Know your worth, the MEAA puts out updated rates cards online. Always check these to make sure you’re being paid fairly.