Screen
Production
At Murdoch…
At Murdoch, our screen production students learn about script- writing, producing, directing, cinematography, production design, digital video editing, sound recording and sound design. Students gain hands-on experience from international award-winning experienced film-makers and use a wide range of professional production equipment and industry- standard facilities. These include digital editing suites, 4K industry cameras, a broad cast-quality TV studio, and a state-of-the-art sound stage. Screen production students have the opportunity to work withreal organisations on real projects, and complete internships through our work-integrated learning program. In this way, students learn all the roles involved in creating screen productions of many kinds including drama, documentary, factual production, and or experimental pieces.
Our “Students”
Their “Stories“
Want to see what it’s like to study here?
Watch the video to hear from our students
and discover their stories.
Liam Fitz
Our Student’s Work
THE LAST FIRST DATE
Running Time: 11 minutes | Genre: Drama / Romance | Year: 2025
On what seems like an ordinary first date, two young people share an instant connection. But as the night unfolds, subtle signs suggest things aren’t quite real.
This emotional drama follows Eli, a reserved man reliving what seems to be a perfect first date with the warm and familiar Amara. As their connection deepens, subtle cracks begin to appear, hinting that the night might not be what it seems.
The Last First Date is a poignant short film about love, memory, grief, and the quiet courage it takes to let go.
CREW
Director: Toby Horton
Writer: Toby Horton
Assistant Director: Harry Middleton
Producer: Liam Fitz
Executive Producer: Glen Stasiuk
Director of Photography: Waldo Varona
Production Designer: Cynona Gadon
Editor: Bailey Hullett
Sound Designer: Javiera Ortega
CAST
Eli | James Rock
Amara | Sophia Hodych
—— |Ron Arthurs
REWRITTEN
Year: 2025
Rewritten tells the moving story of two brothers who reconnect through art after the loss of their father to suicide. At its core, the film explores mental health, brotherhood, and self-expression, with an inspiring message about seeking help during tough times.
After the death of their father, two brothers struggle to navigate life alone. Jamie tries his best to care for his younger brother, Xavier. Yet he struggles to care for himself, Jaime feels every drab of pain, whilst his younger brother numbs himself to escape. Both boys subconsciously use both writing and drawing to express their emotions. Art leads them to find a common ground and settle for a life where their differences co-exist, and they rewrite their future.
CREW
Director: Alexander Walker
Writer: Alexander Walker
Original Score by: Noah Hawke
Producer: Morgan Howrie
Executive Producer: Dr Damian Fasolo
Director of Photography: Josh Clark
Production Designer: Luke Sharp
1st AD: Ben Baumann
Editor: Andrew Molodstov
Sound Designer: Jude Croston
CAST
Jamie | Jared Viner
Xavier | Ashton Gibson
TUNNEL TO TELEPHONE HILL (EPK)
Running Time: 12 minutes | Genre: Adventure/Coming of Age | Year: 2025
After their father is bitten by a snake, Jake and Jai cross their remote family farm in search of reception, guided by a forgotten childhood poem that doubles as their map.
Tunnel to Telephone Hill (2025) begins with two brothers racing down a country road on a dirt bike. They listen for the pipeline as they follow a poem their dad wrote when they were little. The poem guides them towards reception, their dad’s salvation; however, along the way, they contemplate whether their dad
should live or die because of all the things he has done.
They journey beyond their family’s property, into a pipeline, and to Telephone Hill, where the tower stands.
Once they arrive at the tower, they still have no service, so they climb up the tower. Once they climb up the tower, the height gives them cell service, and they dial an operator for help.
Their dad is saved, and the two brothers form a stronger bond, pushing past their
held-up trauma.
CREW
Director: Mason Smit
Writer: Mason Smit
Assistant Director: Robin Vlemmix
Second Assistant Director: Ollie Johnson & Zoë Davis
Producer: Jack Findlater
Assistant Producer: Bronte Page
Executive Producer: Glen Stasiuk
Director of Photography: Luke Emin
Production & Costume Designer: MJ Van Noordwyk
Editor: Alec Marshall
Sound Designer: Ken Boonroongruang
Boom Operator: Blade Schoen
CAST
Jai Frasier | Luis Basnett
Jake Frasier | Benjamin Taylor
Leader Cast
Jai Frasier | Luis Basnett
Luis Basnett began his screen acting career at Ali Roberts Acting School before quickly making waves in the Perth scene. He began his professional acting debut with the short film Blunt (2025), where he first met Mason Smit on set.
Prior to Tunnel to Telephone Hill, Luis Basnett starred in a Television Commercial for the clothing brand Exodus. This commercial was titled ‘secret menu’.
Jake Frasier | Benjamin Taylor
Ben is an actor and filmmaker passionate about storytelling and collaboration. A graduate of Mt Lawley’s Specialist Visual and Performing Arts program, he has appeared in short films, music videos, and directed a Flickerfest-selected project.
Dedicated to growth and creativity, Ben strives to bring authentic emotion and professionalism to every role and production. Now having completed ‘Tunnel to Telephone Hill’ (2025), Ben is eager to take further steps in his acting career with this added portfolio.
Leader Crew
Director | Mason Smit
Over the past few years, I’ve contributed to several film projects, including Steel Coping (2024), Proclivitas (2024), Dead Howling (2024), and, most recently, Blunt (2025).
Whilst studying, Luke and I have worked closely to produce a variety of short creative and corporate pieces. These experiences have taught me how to effectively work in teams and achieve impressive results with smaller crews.
My industry experience as a gaffer has taught me the importance of working with and adapting to light on set. During the production of Tunnel to Telephone Hill, we carefully scheduled scenes to coincide with the movement of sunlight, ensuring that each shot captured natural illumination on the actors’ faces. This approach contributed to the film’s striking visuals and cohesive colour presentation throughout.
Steel Coping was a short documentary, I directed in 2024, which explored Perth’s skateboarding culture. It included interviews with influential figures in the skating scene. Both Proclivitas and Dead Howling are feature films still in production, while Tunnel to Telephone Hill is now wrapping up its production. Each of these projects has provided valuable opportunities to refine my creative and technical skills while collaborating across diverse cinematic styles and storytelling approaches.
Before production, I worked closely with the production designer and director of photography to achieve the visual tone I envisioned. I also collaborated with our first assistant director and producer to coordinate the shoot schedule and approach, alongside our second A.D., Ollie, whose contribution was instrumental in maintaining efficiency on set.
I am deeply grateful to every member of our team—your hard work and dedication made Tunnel to Telephone Hill (2025) possible.
Producer | Jack Findlater
I began my film career in 2022, when I enrolled in Murdoch University’s screen production course. Having studied purely STEM subjects in Yr11 and 12, this was a significant deviation. Throughout my degree, I explored video production in the corporate, narrative, and documentary film-scape.
Some clients I have worked for in the corporate space, over the course of my degree, include Kwik Skips (2023), Retro Moto (2024), East Perth Football Club (2025), and Investors Edge Property Management (2025). Whilst I have been studying, I have also interned for the video production company ‘Untitled Media’ (2023-2025).
Narrative productions I have worked on throughout my degree include Alone (2022), On Loop (2023), Forrest of Illusion (2024), Personal Space (2024) and now Tunnel to Telephone Hill (2025). These films all explore different aspects of what it means to be human, with relationships, friendships and belonging as central themes.
Finally, some documentaries I have worked on include: Three 21 (2023), a film that explored what living with Down syndrome is like for families. Dynamic Panic (2023), a contemporary analysis of public perceptions on trans athletes, and finally, a short documentary on someone’s personal cancer journey.
In 2025, I registered FindyFilms as an official business in Australia and established a website for the business, subsequently taking on paid clients. I established the price for my services and offered photography and videography services in Perth.
Director of Photography | Luke Emin
I have worked across a wide range of film and video productions, taking on key roles in cinematography, lighting, and colour grading. As Director of Photography and Colourist, my projects include “Corndog” (aired on MTV UK) and “Kill Her”, along with “Mind Meddling”, which was featured in the WA made Film Festival. I also worked as 1st AC and Colourist on “The Sound of Static”, and as Camera Operator and Colourist on “Steel Coping”, which screened at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. My experience extends to technical and support roles such as Camera Operator, DIT, Dolly Grip, and 2nd AC on “Project: IJO”, as well as Colourist and Electrician on “Milktooth” (Revelation Film Festival). Additionally, I was the Gaffer for the feature film “The Incurable Illness of Anxiety and Depression” and part of the Electric Crew on the WA funded short “In The Dog House” (CineFestOZ).
As a D.O.P., Tunnel to Telephone Hill is the largest project I’ve shot to date, with over 15 shooting locations stretched over 7 shoot days total. The creative process began about a year ago when Mason told me of the idea he had after visiting one of the locations. I was hooked on the adventure and danger of it all, and I knew we had to make it someday. Shooting this film we aimed to be as naturalist as possible, only making choices that benefitted or told the story better and not going for flashy grandiose camera moves or shots, even sacrificing additional coverage in the boards to ensure good takes for performance.
After meticulously storyboarding and location scouting, we were ready to shoot by mid September. Being a road film, we expected some turbulence, but just about everything that could go wrong did, always somehow ending up okay or better than before. This includes, but is not limited to, road closures, construction crews, government officials, (almost) bad weather, and late-night tow truck rescues.
Shooting this on the Lomo Iluminas and RED Helium was both a joy and a challenge, but all stayed in one piece through the bush bashing and flowing water, and I have my incredible camera team to thank for keeping it all together.
Assistant Director | Robin Vlemmix
Ever since high school, film has been my strongest and most successful subject. My ATAR project, Faded Memories, became the top ATAR film at my school, which naturally led me to pursue a degree in Creative Media at Murdoch University.
As I progressed through university, my focus gravitated more towards directing and camera work. Some of my key projects include:
‘Cake’ – awarded Best Second-Year Murdoch Film (2024)
‘Out of the Game and Joker Scene Copy’ – two standout second-year projects
‘On Tape’ – a horror short film
‘The Edge’ – a film exploring mental health
‘Tunnel to Telephone Hill (2025)’- First Assistant Director
Alongside these narrative projects, I’ve also explored non-fiction and commercial work – including shooting the documentary Sunflower Seeds, creating a corporate video for PowerPlay, and ongoing real estate video work with Julie Ormston & Partners.
Through my studies at Murdoch University, I’ve developed strong filmmaking and photography skills and now work part-time as a paid creative. With my degree coming to an end, my goal is to continue stepping beyond the university circle, collaborating on new projects, and growing as a filmmaker.
Production and Costume Designer | MJ Van Noordwyk
I have always had a love for films and have been involved in screen production since my high school media course, alongside amateur hobby projects. My first major short film was “Know When to Fold ‘Em” (2023), where I discovered my love for production design. I went on to do sound production for “I Wish You Weren’t Dead” (2024) and the documentaries “Gone Fishin’” (2025) and “Lost Youth” (2025), as well as corporate video work for the Byford and Districts Country Club. In a return to production design and costuming, I have most recently worked on the set of “Tunnel to Telephone Hill” (2025), which has been one of the highlights of my filmmaking career.
Sound | Ken Boonroongruang
I am an aspiring sound designer, having recently worked on the short film Mind Meddling. For my first major production, I was nominated for an award for my sound design. In 2024, I assisted another film crew for a day as their sound recordist.
Over the past three years, I have been developing my knowledge in sound game design, sound engines, sound systems, postproduction editing, ADR, and designs.
I have experimented in programs such as Wwise engine, FMOD and godot.
Editor | Alec Marshall
Throughout my studies, I have worked on a range of films as an editor, writer, and director.
In 2024, I wrote and edited Self Control and edited Girl’s Night.
In 2024, I also worked as the Director of Photography for Kathal Inc.
In 2025, I took on a range of corporate social media work, editing five videos for East Perth Football Club, and directing corporate videos for the Kart Centre and the Axe Centre.
I later edited ‘It’s Just Paint’ and assisted as the special effects assistant on Kayamatah (2025), a film that was subsequently screened at Murdoch University’s Nexus Theatre.
TUNNEL TO TELEPHONE HILL (EPK)
Running Time: 12 minutes | Genre: Adventure/Coming of Age | Year: 2025
When a young woman haunted by nightmares of her little sister begins seeing hallucinations of
her in their childhood home, she must confront the buried truth of what really happened the
night her sister vanished.
Lucy is plagued with nightmares of chasing her younger sister Rosie through the woods, with
each dream feeling more real and echoing with whispers of truths she can’t accept. One night,
the nightmare bleeds into reality and Lucy hears Rosie’s voice calling from her untouched
bedroom, preserved like a shrine for the past year. Inside, Lucy finds Rosie sitting there on her
bed, seemingly alive. The two girls reconnect, but Rosie’s words and presence feel strangely off,
tugging at Lucy to return to the woods.
As memories resurface, Lucy is forced to relive that night of Rosie’s argument with her boyfriend,
George, and the tragic accident that resulted in a death. Torn between denial and guilt, Lucy
discovers that the visions of Rosie are manifestations of her own fractured memory. In the end,
Lucy must face the horror that her sister never left at all, that she lies beneath the earth and
Lucy’s mind has been her grave keeper.
CREW
Director: Jayne Forster
Writer: Jayne Forster
Assistant Director: Tahlia Vines
Producer: Damon Naidoo
Executive Producer: Damian Fasolo
Director of Photography: Harman Singh
Production Designer: Bailey Nolan
Editor: Evan McInnes
Sound Designer: Richard Marr
Boom Operator: Isabella Ramsey & Shannon Whitewood & George Hudson
CAST
Lucy | Sarah Chen
Rosie | Lilian Tran
Boyfriend | Harrison Popple
Leader Cast
Lucy | Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a 19-year-old Perth-based actress represented by Artist Management Australia.
A natural performer, she has trained in theatre and screen since childhood and has appeared in multiple stage productions, including Beauty and the Beast (2021), Mamma Mia! (2022) and Disenchanted (2024).
Red Roots marks her screen debut and first short film role. Driven, disciplined and passionate about character-focused storytelling, Sarah plans to relocate to Sydney in 2026 to further pursue her craft and expand her screen career.
Rosie | Lilian Tran
Lilian Tran is a Western Australian actor and Curtin University graduate with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts.
She has performed in a range of theatre productions, including a featured storytelling role in the 2021 Perth Festival’s BESIDE, Ella
Waterman’s Green at The Hayman Theatre (2023), Michael Lew’s Teenage Dick directed by Dan Graham (2022), and I Met Christine James-Scott in a Shopping Centre Carpark by Sally Davies, directed by Clare Watson at The Blue Room Theatre (2021).
Lilian has also worked and had training with WAYTCo, participating in the 2024 Summer Stage development of The Comprehensive A–Z of Missing Persons Australia and their 2021 Senior Ensemble. Venturing into screen, she appears in Seashells (2022), Sidelines (2022), and BEWAFA (2024). She recently completed her first devised theatre project, New Beginnings, with Blue Joy Theatre Company.
Lilian currently performs with Constable Care and creates forum theatre with youth across Western Australia.
Supporting Cast
Boyfriend | Harrison Popple
Harrison Popple will be playing the role of George Rosie’s abusive boyfriend.
He’s an actor who grew up in Perth, who has been training and working in Melbourne for the last nine years.
In 2019, Harrison began his work as a series lead for the ABC ME television series ITCH, which was his main introduction to screen. Since then, Harry has moved back to his hometown after writing his first horror short, to film it where his love of the industry began years ago!
