17 October 2025
Following the success of the first series, The Film Maker Studio series two, premiering on Monday 20 October, will again take screen buffs and aspiring screen makers behind the camera with four episodes produced by the University of South Australia and Channel 44 at UniSA’s Magill campus.
In each episode, host and UniSA Creative Industries student Tahla Murray interviews Australian screen professionals, including writers and directors of Lesbian Space Princess Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs; artist, producer and filmmaker Lilla Berry; art director and director Gareth Wilkes; and producer Julie Byrne.
Murray explores not only how these experienced professionals got into the screen industry but how they stay up to date and maintain career momentum. They also share inspiring and relatable accounts of moments when they saved a production or created memorable moments on screen.
“The production of The Film Maker Studio series two is a culmination of both planning and performance and allowed me to bring together all the practical and communication skills I have developed throughout my studies,” Murray says.
“I contributed directly to the creation of meaningful, visually polished interview content that aligned with the goals of the series and reflected the collaborative efforts of the whole team.
“The Film Maker Studio environment allowed me to experience first-hand the kind of team culture I hope to continue working in, one that values openness, creative input and mutual support.”
Under the guidance of UniSA and Channel 44 staff, a student team produced the series from concept to broadcast - developing the focus of the series, designing an original set, and conducting and recording the interviews - through post-production of four episodes that provide rare insights into the careers of Australian screen creatives in very different roles.
“Series two will inform and entertain audiences as it showcases filmmakers who are demanding attention across the globe in cinemas and on festival stages,” says Caroline Man, UniSA Creative lecturer and Supervising Producer of The Film Maker Studio.
“Celebrating diversity and new stories, the UniSA Film and Television students and staff have merged their skills to bring behind the scenes of current and past screen productions to light.”
The acclaimed first series received an Antenna Award nomination for Best Studio and/or Panel Program and Best Interview Program.
For series two, the half-hour episodes were recorded entirely in the Magill campus studio where numerous UniSA and Channel 44 co-productions have been made, including Our Time, The Divide and SA Sports Show.
The Film Maker Studio reflects the strong partnership between Channel 44 and UniSA which will continue on through Adelaide University - the amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and UniSA that will open in 2026.
“Series two again demonstrates the importance of the Channel 44 and UniSA partnership,” says Lauren Hillman, Channel 44 General Manager.
“It provides students with hands-on television industry experience, creating original content for broadcast. It also fosters local talent while promoting South Australia's key creatives.”
The Film Maker Studio series two premieres on Channel 44 at 9.30pm on Monday 20 October and will be available on-demand on community TV streaming service CTV+.
Media contact: Lara Pacillo M: +61 404 307 302. E: lara.pacillo@unisa.edu.au
