Behind Lens With Swinburnes Rising Sports Media Talent

Swinburne Diploma of Screen and Media - Sports Media students participated in a live sports filming and photography masterclass, offering an inclusive, industry-focused learning experience. Run over two days, the students gained real world experience, photographing and filming three AFL matches at the St Mary's Salesian Amateur Football Club .

Course coordinator of the Diploma of Screen and Media - Sports Media Pippa Wischer said the project helps students make vital connections between industry-focused learning and client experiences.

"Sometimes the academic learning environment can appear divorced from the realities of industry, so this project is designed to help students see the direct connection between assessments, industry-focused and industry-led training, and working for a client", she said.

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  • AFL amature game, with a player kicking the ball, and the opposition running towards them at the end.
    St Mary's Salesian AFL game captured by Oli Gionfriddo
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Swinburne alum Jack Dilks, professional AFL photographer and video content producer, led the masterclass. Jack has worked with professional football and soccer clubs, filmed sporting documentaries in Las Vegas, and produced content for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. He shared insights from his work with professional sporting clubs and provided key strategies and challenges for building a career in the fast-paced sports media industry.

"Jack gave really comprehensive information about his camera setups and settings for game photography. His information about client work and the jobs he has gone through post-TAFE were really interesting and motivating for students wondering about their paths after the course", said participating Swinburne student, Ella.

13 students practicing with film and photography cameras in a park.

Students practicing theory on day one of the Live Sports Filming and Photography masterclass

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