Guiding the future of film and TV, Screen Canberra is set to become our region’s very own Tru[e]man Show as Dr Holly Trueman steps into the role of CEO on 18 September. CW caught up with Dr Trueman to talk motivation, favourites and the future of Australian screen projects.

1. What was your motivation for taking on this new role?

One of my main day-to-day motivators is empowering others to reach their full potential. I am excited to be in the position to leverage my extensive industry knowledge and my background in the not-for-profit sector to support the development of a fresh wave of film and TV projects made from Canberra.

It is not just the projects that I am excited about; it is supporting the industry to run as a business instead of individual passion projects. This is how we will really create a thriving industry and open up new employment opportunities. 

2. When did you fall in love with screen projects?

I fell in love with film and TV from my very first job in the screen industry, which was working on the groundbreaking BBC child development series, Child of Our Time. Under the guidance of two exceptional factual storytellers, Tessa Livingston and Dinah Lord, my passion for television was ignited. I was fortunate to learn about the immense power of storytelling on screen from some of the industry’s best.

I distinctly remember sitting in the BBC Studio during the filming of experiments with a group of three-year-olds and being utterly amazed by what we captured on tape. These observations allowed us to convey much larger narratives. It was an opportunity to think big and understand our place in the world – an opportunity that really changed my life. 

3. What is your vision for Screen Canberra?

Screen Canberra has evolved as the industry has matured in Canberra over the past 15 years. I aim to develop and implement strategies that support our creative community, encouraging local talent to stay in Canberra while also attracting new talent to the region. I see opportunities to infuse the innovative spirit of Canberra into the screen industry in unique ways.

Collaboration with the sector and the ACT government will be crucial in propelling the industry forward. I believe attracting longer-running drama series to film in Canberra is particularly valuable for the Canberra screen industry story. These opportunities will help bolster skillsets that may be currently lacking and provide more sustainable employment.

4. Why do you think people are so drawn to the medium?

It is so entertaining! There is nothing better than collapsing in front of the screen (at home or the cinema) and being completely absorbed in a new story. TV and cinema allow us to escape our everyday lives, help us relax, make us cry, laugh and feel. These stories help us make sense of our lives. 

What is truly remarkable about film and TV is the culmination of multiple art forms in one product. The medium incorporates cinematography, graphics, costume design, music, poetic scriptwriting, acting, and the art of post-production to create an immersive experience. I find it amazing that nearly every household engages with these multiple art forms through screens on a daily basis.

5. What is your favourite show or film?

There are so many great shows and films. If you asked 16 year old Holly that question I would have said Strictly Ballroom– the colours, the music the cinematographer were all amazing. I watched this movie with my mum over and over again. I couldn’t get enough of that final dance sequence. 

But what I love about TV/film is that as your life changes, so do the stories that talk to you. As a postgraduate student living in London, I remember watching Somersault, directed by the wonderful Cate Shortland, and being totally absorbed in the story from our region. I had not long moved from Canberra and found the cinematography haunting. 

Now, as a mother of two young girls, I really enjoy family movies. Peter Rabbit comes to mind, and it was made even more special when I met one of the editors who lives here in Canberra.

As a documentary film-maker, my love of the medium really kicked off when I was an undergraduate and I stumbled into the cinema to watch a French movie called Microcosmos, a beautiful story about insects living in a field. No words – well, very few – just music and amazing macro photography.  

6. What does the future look like for Australian screen projects?

The industry has had to adapt and change so much in the last few years and will continue to do so in the future. Australian screen projects will likely adapt their storytelling style to appeal both to domestic and international markets.

The global approach is crucial for financing, given the increasing challenges in funding movies and production. The industry’s creativity will extend beyond storytelling to the business side. Producers will need to explore innovative financing models, partnerships, and distribution strategies to secure funding and reach wider audiences. ‘“’Create local but think global’”’ is a mantra that producers will need to be thinking the whole way through production. 

It will be interesting to see exactly how AI will affect the industry, something that many are worried about. Personally, I believe there will be some real benefits to the industry, but we need to stay on top of the technology and continually be assessing its impacts on the sector. 

Expect to see more diverse stories on screen and greater diversity among creators behind the camera. This inclusivity will provide fresh perspectives and surprising storylines. I also see the industry growing a real conscience and embracing environmental sustainability in the making of movies and TV. 

The appetite for binge-worthy TV series is likely to persist. Viewers love the immersive experience of following a series from start to finish in record time. My latest indulgence was Ted Lasso – so much fun! I do wonder what will happen to the reality series that we have had dominate our terrestrial channels. Will they still exist in 10 years’ time? 

Answers condensed for publication.

Find out more about Screen Canberra; screencanberra.com.au

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