The tempo has shifted to full speed for two Griffith film students interning with NEP Australia, the country’s largest and most experienced television production and broadcast services provider.
Chelsea Lahra and Rachel Shapiro, Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production students with Griffith Film School, are working side by side with some of the best professionals in the television industry during a two-week placement in Sydney, assisting with the Seven Network’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
“As a media assistant I am hoping to absorb and learn as much about the industry as possible to fulfil my dream of owning my own production company,” Chelsea said.
“I will be supporting the production and broadcast operational team to deliver first-class content across multiple platforms for Channel Seven’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.”
Rachel said she was aiming to gain valuable experience and develop contacts in the industry with the aim of working in the sound department of a television network.
Both students have a long standing passion for film and television, with Rachel experimenting with sound in film since she was in high school and Chelsea receiving her first camera at just five years old.
“My parents noticed that I had an eye for taking photos so they encouraged me to develop my understanding and passion for photography from a young age, which then evolved into moving image,” Chelsea said.
“I had originally planned to study in Melbourne but something told me I had made the wrong decision and I changed to enrol at Griffith Film School. It’s the best decision I have ever made.”
NEP approached Griffith Film School to help source qualified applicants for this unique internship earlier in 2016. As host broadcaster of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, NEP Australia — supported by the Seven Network and Sunset+Vine — will provide television broadcast training for more than 200 students from Queensland in the lead-up to the 2018 Games.
Chelsea and Rachel were two of five suitable final year film students interviewed by NEP.
Griffith Film School senior lecturer Richard Fabb said Chelsea and Rachel were very impressive students who would gain invaluable experience through this internship.
“This is a very rare opportunity to work with NEP, a global player in broadcasting, on the biggest sports and cultural event in the world,” he said.
“We are delighted that Chelsea and Rachel will be representing Griffith Film School.”
Gerry O’Leary, head of NEP Australia’s Host Broadcast Training Program, said Chelsea and Rachel were stand-out candidates.
“They displayed passion for the opportunity and a love of sport,” she said.
“Both are smart, creative and will be great assets to the team working on both Seven’s Rio coverage and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Saul Shtein, Head of Sport for Seven, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chelsea and Rachel to our team. We are sure they’ll make a strong contribution and are pleased to be able to play a role in helping them build their careers in media.”