by FilmInk Staff
After helping shape some of Australia’s most recognisable film and television, acclaimed screen creative Wayne Blair is now helping shape its next generation of storytellers.
The director of international hit film The Sapphires and star of groundbreaking television including Redfern Now and Total Control has taken up a new role as Bond University film school’s first ever Artist-in-Residence.
Throughout the semester Mr Blair has been developing his own work while mentoring students, observing their projects and offering practical guidance on everything from script choices to performance.
Students have taken part in a series of masterclasses breaking down his approach to storytelling and production, along with screenings of his recent directorial outing in the drama Mystery Road: Origin and other works-in-progress.
His long career in the stage and screen industry has spanned acting, writing and directing everything from Shakespeare to children’s television.
Mr Blair said he had been impressed by the passion and ambition of Bond’s emerging filmmakers.
“They have such strong instincts and a real hunger to learn,” Mr Blair said.
“Supporting the next generation of Australian storytelling in this way is a chance for me to give back to young creatives in meaningful way.”
Head of Film, Screen and Creative Media at Bond Dr Darren Paul Fisher said the students had benefitted hugely from Mr Blair’s support and guidance.
“It brings that industry experience directly into the classroom in a real and immediate way,” Dr Fisher said.
“Blurring the boundaries between education and the professional world is core to what we do here at Bond – embedding practical opportunities for emerging filmmakers to learn from and work with some of the industry’s most exciting creative minds.”
