First Nations Telegraph

Born and raised in Innisfail, Garth is now pursuing a path as a screenwriter and director after several years of success as an actor – a decision he says led him to study Digital Media at CQU.

“I’m in my second year of the Digital Media course. I wasn’t even aware there was a course like it available in Cairns,” Garth said.

“But it was just what I was looking for. I am so invested in the Australian film industry. I first started out as an actor in 2017-18, and I’ve appeared in a few national commercials - I was even the face of Woolworths Pet Insurance campaign.”

His acting prowess led him to join the cast of Black Comedy season 4 and also provided an opportunity to write a sketch for the show.

“There was an opportunity to go into the writer’s room, and I came up with a sketch for season 4, which ended up in that season,” he said.

“This led me to look at creating my own content – and subsequently the Digital Media course.

“The course covers everything I love about the industry. I’m now a director, writer and producer. The course has given me the courage and strength to pursue more.”

Garth has indeed pursued more, having recently directed his first feature film, a caper which he says crosses the action, comedy and suspense genres.

“It was all filmed in North Queensland with local crews, apart from a few people I’ve worked with in the past,” he said.

“I wrote the script and got a lot of help with the script while doing the Digital Media course. Some of the green screen scenes for the film were even shot at CQU.”

His previous film, Mavis – The Claws of Vengeance won the Best Fiction Film category at the 2022 Understory Film Festival in Cairns.

Garth will no doubt spruik his next film and his talents when he attends the Melbourne International Film Festival in September.

He’ll be part of a panel to discuss the upcoming film, The Organist, in which Garth acts in a supporting role as a father.

Despite already being very successful in the film industry and more opportunities arising in Cairns, he realises the importance of his Digital Media studies.

“Even now, there’s so much happening in Cairns. Screen Queensland just opened a production location there,” he said.

“I’m also currently working on a short film – a fantasy film about a knight. I’ll be the lead in that.

“I’d just encourage anyone looking to get into the industry to just go for it if it’s in your heart. Don’t listen to anyone but yourself. You’ll see that the industry isn’t as far away as you think. Don’t be ashamed to chase it. Be an actor, be a grip, or be a make-up artist, whatever you’re passionate about – and reach out to your university because they’ll have the resources and training to help you.”

Garth has been continuously supported by the Indigenous Student Engagement team throughout his studies and as a prospective student. He also utilises the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance program to further support his studies.

 

For more information visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/experience/support/indigenous-student-engagement