3.30 - 4.20 | HOME'N'AWAY

Despite a recent surge in international productions on our shores amidst declining local output, there are many Australian directors both emerging and established who are chasing opportunities and collaborations abroad. And with a limited number of gigs up for grabs back home, who can blame them? But with directors looking to work overseas, what does this mean for local content? Is there a mythical 'Goldilocks' balance between directing local and international projects? Do you need overseas representation? What's the mental and life preparation like, and more importantly, what are some possible first steps? Our panel have their seatbelts on, their tray tables up and seats back in upright positions, ready to take off and give you insight into the facts, myths and stories of establishing a directing presence overseas. 

Moderator: Tin Pang

Speakers:  

• Shawn Seet
• Monica Zanetti
• Matt Moore

SHAWN SEET

Shawn Seet has worked in the film and television industry for over 30 years. Starting as an Assistant Editor on both picture and sound he began editing in his own right in the mid 90’s and then moved to directing in 2001. Once described as ‘mercurial’ Shawn has always worked in a diverse range of styles and genres. His television work includes period dramas, ‘Mystery of a Hansom Cab’, genre pieces, the ‘Underbelly’ franchise, biopics “Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door” and thrillers ‘The Code’, the latter two garnering Shawn Best Director wins in both the AACTAs and ADG Awards. Shawn has also directed two theatrical features ‘Storm Boy’ and his debut feature, ‘Two Fists One Heart’ which was nominated for Best Director in the ADG Awards. While his CV may read like aimless eclecticism, Shawn has always gravitated to projects that he connects with personally whatever the genre for instance the SBS miniseries ‘Deep Water and ‘Hungry Ghosts’ and he generally chooses those where he is the sole director or is able to maintain carriage of the project through a co-producer role. While having worked on a few overseas produced shows, ‘Camp’, ‘Reckoning’ and currently ‘Five Blind Dates’ for Amazon, Shawn has worked all over Australia, but only in Australia. His credits are evidence to his passion in nurturing and telling our stories, and in particular those that reflect the true and diverse nature of modern Australia.

MONICA ZANETTI

MATT MOORE

Matthew made his debut as a writer and director with the short films Julian and The Amber Amulet, which won back to back Crystal Bears for Best Short film at The 62nd and 63rd Berlin International Film Festivals.

Most recently Matthew directed on Season 2 and 3 of Tony McNamara's Emmy nominated comedy series The Great for Hulu and MRC Entertainment, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. In addition to directing, Matthew was also part of the season 2 writers room. Other SVOD and Network Television directing credits include: Directing the entire season of Diary of an Uber Driver, a six-part half-hour comedy for ABC; Colin From Accounts for CBS Studios and Binge; Bump for Stan; and Offspring for Network 10. Awards include: The AACTA Award for Best Short Film from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, The AWGIE Award for Best Short Screenplay from The Australian Writers Guild, The Audience Award at TIFF Kids, selection as one of seven short films to screen at Les Cesar Academie Des Arts Et Techniques Du Cinema’s Golden Night of The Worlds Best Short Films of the Year in Paris, and the Oscar-qualifying Grand Prix from the Heartland Film Festival.

TIN PANG- Moderator 

Tin Pang is an award-winning film and television director/writer, known for his passion in crafting diverse stories that reflect contemporary Australia, informed by his experiences growing up as an Asian-Australian. With works ranging from irreverent comedy to intimate drama, he has a strong focus on performance and the portrayal of unique characters.

His short films, THE PALE MOONLIGHT and MOTHER, CHILD have screened at festivals across the globe, including Melbourne International, Flickerfest, St Kilda, Coronado Island, World-Fest Houston, HollyShorts and Fantasia International. His most recent short, RADICAL HONESTY, featured as part of Equity and ADG's Screen Diversity Showcase 2021, before screening at Peninsula Film Festival and the Gold Coast Film Festival. 

After joining Home and Away as an assistant director in 2018, Tin began directing on the series in 2022. He is currently developing an original TV sitcom series and a romantic comedy feature.