PUBLISHED13 Nov 2024

Impact Producer Program 2024 – Program Wrap

Eight months of learning about the power of documentary storytelling for social change, with our newest Impact Producer Program alumni Aprille and AJ.

The second year of the Impact Producer Program has concluded! Now, we’re reflecting on eight months of learning and professional development with our newest Impact Producer Program alumni Aprille and AJ.

“Working with Aprille and AJ this year has been extremely rewarding. I’ve enjoyed guiding them through the program and helping them gain valuable hands-on experience in impact production across several projects, and am very much looking forward to seeing their growth in the field.” – Lisa Kanani, Documentary Australia Impact Director

In the 2024 program Aprille and AJ had the opportunity to gain practical experience supporting projects such as Trailblazers, Stay Tuned To Our Planet (STTOP), Climate Changers, and more.

They will now join the four previous program participants as they enter the industry as emerging impact producers.

“I have great confidence in the program participants that we’ve mentored over the past two years. We now have six Impact Producer Program alumni in the field who I believe are going to make a solid contribution to documentary films and their impact campaigns.” – Dr Mitzi Goldman, Documentary Australia CEO

As part of the 2024 program, Documentary Australia also held three impact-focused Masterclasses featuring industry experts: Impact and Education, Fundraising for Impact and Impact partnerships. These free Masterclasses were open for the public to attend online, and are now available to access on our website!

We’re looking forward to embarking on the third year of the Impact Producer Program in 2025 – make sure to keep your eye out for updates.

Learn more about the program

Hear from Aprille and AJ

How would you sum up your time in the Impact Producer Program over the last eight months?

Aprille: “The Impact Producer Program has been incredibly comprehensive, packing a wealth of experiences into just eight months. Its structure combined theoretical modules with hands-on practice on live projects which has been essential for putting learned knowledge into practice. We’ve also been introduced to a wide range of projects, mentors, workshops, and Masterclasses, each offering fresh perspectives.”

“A highlight of this year has been supporting the outreach and roll-out of Trailblazers, a documentary spotlighting the Australian Women’s Football team’s fight for equality on Stan. I contributed to the community screening program and helped coordinate outreach for the film’s educational resources. I also collaborated with AJ on conducting research for the educational resources for Stay Tuned to Our Planet (STTOP), an online series tackling eco-anxiety in young people. Working closely with Lizzy Nash, the series Creator and Producer, and Impact Producer Jackie Turnure was such a joy.”

“The mentorship and support we’ve received from the Documentary Australia team has been invaluable, and I feel lucky to have connected with such a talented, dedicated group. Their guidance is something I’ll carry forward well beyond the program’s end.”

AJ: “It’s been an incredible combination of structured learning, hands-on work experience and 1:1 mentoring. Being paid to learn has been such a privilege in itself and has allowed me the time to immerse myself. The program has given me a leg up into an entirely new industry, and the confidence to now freelance as an emerging impact producer.”

Was the program what you expected?

Aprille: “That’s a tough question because, honestly, I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I started the program. I felt that the almost three-hour commute each way from the mountains, with a toddler at home, was certainly worth it!”

AJ: “From first reading the job description of the Impact Producer Program it was clear that the program was entirely unique, so it’s hard to say that I had a very solid idea of what shape it would take. I knew what I wanted to get out of it; a better understanding of how to scaffold an evaluation framework around a campaign and ultimately how to measure the efficacy of a program such as a film. And I’ve certainly learnt how to do that and so much more.”

What are your reflections on the role of documentaries as a tool to create social change?

Aprille: “Impact producing has only recently taken on a more formal structure in Australia, and this is the second year of the Documentary Australia program. So, I think, for many outside this corner of the industry, it’s a relatively new space to discover. I’ve always believed in documentary film as a powerful force for social change, but now I have a greater understanding of how an impact campaign can use a film as a tool to create shifts – whether that’s on an individual level – or something more complex like a systematic change.”

“Through the program, I’ve gained the insight and confidence to explore impact producing and appreciate how momentum, a well-crafted strategy, and strong partnerships can create a ripple effect that extends the impact of a film well beyond the screen.”

AJ: “My background is in environmental campaigning and I’ve had a lot of experience building a community groundswell through face-to-face events and marketing. I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that the true potential of using documentary to do something similar only really dawned on me this year. It’s now evident that a film is a perfect tool to capture and communicate a story with greater reach, greater efficiency, and with as much potential to create change across a broad scope of social issues.”

Why is it important to you to become an impact producer using documentary as a tool?

Aprille: “As I’ve grown older, and the world has felt increasingly challenging, I’ve felt a deep responsibility to step outside my own concerns and actively push back against injustices around us. Storytelling is one of humanity’s oldest tools. I fell in love with documentary film because of its unique ability to capture everyday stories with artistry and bring them to global audiences. If I can combine my experience and passion for this art form with a commitment to addressing complex issues, then it’s a day well spent.”

“From now and into the future, I’d love to work on campaigns and projects that tackle corrupt political systems, human rights abuses and war crimes, women’s rights, and the intertwined complexities of trauma and addiction.”

AJ: “I care about building community and action to support environmental and First Nations causes. There are so many stories that weave these issue areas together through compelling documentary storytelling. To be invited to join film teams as an impact producer offers me the opportunity to put my passion and skills to use, and contribute to the change I want to see in the world.”

How do you see the learnings of the program being applied in your future? Do you have plans?

Aprille: “I have noticed a shift in how I approach storytelling from a filmmaking perspective – I’m thinking more strategically about framing communications, creating activations, and finding opportunities for meaningful impact.”

“I’ve been invited to a workshop for the impact for Motherhood in the Colony, a nurturing yet powerful documentary by Garuwa that highlights the experiences of First Nations and Palestinian mothers in their shared experience of colonisation.”

“I’ll also revisit a documentary about a Sydney icon that I was filming solo years ago. Now, with a producer on board, I’ll be stepping into a co-directing role to pick up where I left off. More urgently, my colleague and I are developing a collaborative series format to create pressure for a ceasefire in Palestine. From an impact perspective, this project is about educating ourselves and our audiences on the global context that has led us to this horrific point, while ultimately offering hope for those directly impacted and for our shared future on this planet by bringing Palestinian culture and stories to the forefront.”

AJ: “The program has been entirely practical, from the modules to the hands-on work. All the structured learning modules will become a guidebook on approaching impact on a film from strategy through to evaluation. Similarly, the bank of case-studies and work experience will inform how I approach a film and influence how I collaborate with film teams. As the program comes to an end, I have a few film projects with which I’m having initial consultation discussions. I’ve also secured work with one of the film projects from the program going forward. So let the fun begin!”

What are some surprises that came out of this year?

Aprille: “This past year has sparked a new energy and drive in me. It’s allowed me to reflect on what resonates most and has opened up ideas and collaborative opportunities I hadn’t considered before. Connecting with last year’s Impact Producer Program alumni has been especially meaningful – such an intelligent and passionate group. I’m leaving the program with a network of people I genuinely admire and hope to work with in the future.”

AJ: “I had presumed that the program would be supported by a manager, but it was such an incredible surprise to be surrounded and supported by the whole Documentary Australia team! Everyone on the team has such a wealth of knowledge that they are always willing to share. I’m going to miss being surrounded by this energy!”

Any insights for future impact producers?

Aprille: “If you’re a natural people person, impact producing can feel like a natural extension of your strengths. It’s a role built on relationships – understanding how audiences will engage, respond, and connect. It means nurturing partnerships and thinking strategically about the narrative shift you’re aiming to create. It’s a role that requires dedication, from fundraising and research to constant strategising and adapting. But the rewards extend beyond personal fulfilment; they lie in knowing your work is making genuine impact in the world.”

AJ: “Incredible women are working in the impact producer space with a suite of different backgrounds and skillsets. It’s a very collaborative sector. So if you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.”