Next Gen Membership
Screen Presence supports the next wave of screen practitioners and those in the film industry through our membership community.
By registering to Next Gen, you'll be at the forefront of new opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attend Screen Presence industry meets designed to support and elevate your pathways. Memberships is free.
We’re committed to supporting emerging and dedicated actors, producers, directors, writers and screen technicians in the industry.
Last year, we proudly placed several talented members in key industry roles. Notable placements included Pius Kung as Production Manager, Grace Quiason as Locations Coordinator, and Merry May Frenila as Hair & Makeup Artist, all selected for Vicscreen Specialist Placements. Additionally, Jeremy Teh (Additional AD) and Lina Ly (Production Assistant) secured Vicscreen Attachments on the ABC comedy series White Fever. Full-time positions were also obtained by Silvia Indriyani (Boom Operator), Catherine Tschaepe (Production Coordinator), Ivan Zhang (Video Split), Justin Macawilli (Grip), Alfonso Coronel (Standby Props), and Brendan Wan & Diane Vu (Production Runners). In casual roles, Allena Tran (Covid/On-set Stills), Michelle Wong (Clearances), Jen Tran (Dresser), Lyndie Li (Production Assistant), Darren Thao (Actor), Sally Cheng (Actor), and Lee Yee (Supervising Sound Editor) contributed their talents. Loop Group engaged from our database included Berlin Lu, Sally Cheng, and Amanshah Adel.
NEXTGEN was thrilled to collaborate with producer Melanie Ainsley and director Sam Voutas for their indie feature Yesterday Island, drawing talent from within our group. Pius Kung served as Production Manager, Alice Zhao took on the role of Production Coordinator, Lina Ly worked as Production Assistant, Alfonso Coronel acted as Art Director, and Jen Tran was the Prop Master. This year, for our major event at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we invited Lyanna Kea to MC. Prior to the event, Screen Presence provided her with MC training and mentorship from veteran stand-up comedian Rachel Berger. To Lyanna's credit, no one could believe it was her first MC gig. Additionally, actor Berlin Lu landed a role in Lyanna's web series Life of Kea, which has just received funding for a six-episode series. It’s exciting to witness these collaborations flourish.
In other developments, the feature film Ice Road 2: Road to Sky requested a Mandarin translator for Bing Bing Fan during her stay in Melbourne - we delivered within 24 hours and we connected one of Australia’s top directors with a Chinese scriptwriter in Beijing within just 30 minutes. Following her work on White Fever, entertainment lawyer Michelle Wong joined the Legal & Business Affairs team at Werner Productions through her connection with Screen Presence. Shortly after, Jessica Li, an emerging writer/director, secured the position of Company Assistant with the same company, and Tessa May Chung was engaged as Production Secretary on the feature Saccharine, where Pius Kung continues his work as Production Manager. Emerging Writer/Director Justin Viller joined the group looking for guidance to move from VFX to directing his own short film and a webseries. He is now completed his short film and his Screen Australia funded writer’s room.
We are continually inspired by the ongoing progress and success of our members.
Click below to register to our community.
“I’d hit a roadblock and was hesitant about making my next steps in the industry. Lisa advocated for me to go out of my comfort zone and apply for a placement that I’d have never felt ready for if not for her encouragement. This placement has since led to some incredible opportunities and life-long industry connections that have continued to pay off as my career grows.”
“I found guidance and support which helped me step into the role of production manager within 12 months. Importantly, Screen Presence brought me more than just career opportunities and industry connections, it has helped me find family who will always be there for me while I tackle the obstacles in this challenging film business.”
“Screen Presence is officially the go-to for amazing recommendations. Thank you so so much Lisa, Jessica is fabulous!”
“Meeting Lisa and the talented young souls at Screen Presence really helped me with my confidence as a filmmaker. It’s easier to navigate the industry when you’re part of a community like this one.”