PUBLISHED15 Jul 2024

SheDoc 2024 – Progress update from recipients

Now half way through the program, the 2024 SheDoc recipients provide updates on their work.

The six Queensland-based documentary filmmakers in our 2024 SheDoc cohort are now over halfway through their program. A grants program aimed at giving women a stronger and more equal voice in documentary storytelling, SheDoc provides recipients with support for their professional development and funding between $10,000 and $30,000 each. All six SheDoc recipients have now provided us with a report outlining the progress of their projects to date, and the program’s contribution to these outcomes.

At this point in the program, over 83% of recipients agreed that the SheDoc program improved job role confidence to a great extent. Over 66% of recipients also agreed to a great extent that the program increased opportunities for other women in the screen industry.

Thank you to our funders, Screen Queensland, the Nelson Meers Foundation and the estate of James Simpson Love for their support in making this opportunity possible for these filmmakers.

Recipient Updates

 

Mags Scholes

With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Mags Scholes kicked off the program with her mentors at Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC). The conference resulted in several productive outcomes, including the deepening of industry connections in her capacity as a Director.

Progress has been made on several other milestones, including establishing a female-led regional Queensland production company, Beige Radio Pictures, and securing development funding from Screen Queensland for one of two proposed documentary projects.

“It’s invaluable working with my mentors, gaining an in-depth, first hand experience in directing whilst developing ideas and all that that entails. Thank you!” 

 

Kate Boylan-Ascione

A creative producer specialising in impact screen storytelling, Kate Boylan-Ascione is currently in post-production for her debut feature documentary Let Them Hug.

Through the support of SheDoc, Kate has now completed a two-week placement with the creative director of Melbourne-based production company, Beyond Edge, during which she worked on delivering the impact campaign for the documentary, How To Thrive.

Kate is now undertaking producer attachments on an impact-driven feature documentary premiering this year and a factual series in development.

 

Veronica Fury

Award-winning Producer, Executive Producer and Principal of WildBear Entertainment, Veronica Fury has begun work with a mentor who delivers executive coaching for women.

With a focus on communication and delegation, Veronica has received resources, insights and guidance to enhance these valuable skills. Looking ahead, Veronica is considering her options for possible management courses.

“The work we are doing is already having a profound and positive impact on my career.”

 

Nu’utea Robillot

Passionate about bringing to light important issues and events from our past, present and future, Nu’utea Robillot began a mentorship with the director and editor of the documentary A Light in the Slaughterhouse.
 
While the project is in the post-production phase, Nu’utea has focused on providing editing assistance, drawing on previous experience.
 
“I feel extremely lucky to have worked alongside an industry professional, specifically one who is happy to provide guidance and training on top of his regular work.”
 
With a new arrival in her family due in September, Nu’utea is in the final days of her SheDoc grant, and she is looking forward to the opportunities that open up after the conclusion of the grant.

 

Jo-Anne Brechin

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Jo-Anne Brechin has begun development on the impact documentary Dragon Girl, conducting pre-interviews, research and intial filming in collaboration with Nudge Co Studio.

She is undertaking an impact producer mentorship and has also enrolled in an Environment, Social and Governance frameworks course online.

“I am so grateful for the SheDoc grant. I am already becoming a demonstratively more effective leader, and am thrilled to begin exploring impact strategies to continue developing a powerful documentary that can affect real change.”

 

Sasha Parlett

Having developed her career as a community filmmaker, Sasha Parlett has been focusing on growing her skills as a documentary film director.

After being rewarded the SheDoc grant, Sasha began engaging with directors who can provide mentorship and insights into real-world, big production directing.

Sasha is also keen to learn more about un-scripted production from the DOPs on set and explore the importance of impact producing in documentary.