Bus Stop Films launches in Coffs Harbour

Bus Stop Films launches its Accessible Film Studies Program in partnership with TAFE NSW at Coffs Harbour

Award-winning social enterprise film school and production company Bus Stop Films will launch its acclaimed Accessible Film Studies Program at TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour Education Campus this month.

 In partnership with TAFE NSW, the program offers young adults with intellectual disability or autism a film school experience. The class works together with industry professionals to create a short film, entered in film festivals around the world and potentially broadcast on TV.

 Participants learn all aspects of the filmmaking process including script development, casting, sound, lighting and camera techniques as well as production design and costuming.

 As well as building social confidence, improving literacy and growing their independence, many participants of the program have gone on to gain work in the screen industry.

 The Program’s launch in Coffs Harbour is driven by local disability advocate Laura Daley who, through Coffs Coast Autism, generously raised the funds for the program to head to the North Coast.

 The films made through the program amplify the creativity of people with disabilities and celebrate film as a medium for social change, while challenging community expectations about disability.

 Bus Stop’s CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM said, “The response to the Program has already been so phenomenal.

 “The combined support from TAFE NSW and Laura and the local disability community has been amazing.

 “I am so excited for the program’s impact on the lives of creative young people with disability and the screen industry in the Coffs Harbour region.”

Sara Bowen, TAFE NSW Head Teacher for Screen and Media at Coffs Harbour Education Campus said, “this partnership with Bus Stop Films is another wonderful example of how we can work together to strengthen learning outcomes for students.

“The program is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that industry-focused training available to students on the North Coast region is accessible and inclusive for all.

“We are thrilled to support a program that will contribute to both the local creative industries and our community as a whole.”

Bus Stop’s Accessible Film Studies Program is open to people aged over 17 living with mild to moderate intellectual disability or autism. The 40-week rolling program will be delivered on Saturday afternoons from February to December in 2024. It includes face to face classes, guest workshops from industry professionals, excursions and working on a professional film production. Participants can access their NDIS funds to pay the program fees.

Interested participants are invited to attend free “Taster workshops” in coming months so they can get a feel for the Program and the classroom space. Each workshop topic is different so you can attend one or all of them.

Registrations for the workshops are essential: https://busstopfilms.com.au/coffs-harbour-taster-workshops/

Workshop 1 – Saturday 23 September – 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Workshop 2 – Saturday 21 October – 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Workshop 3 – Saturday 25 November – 1.30pm to 3.30pm

For more information about Bus Stop’s Accessible Film Studies Program, go to https://busstopfilms.com.au/programs/

Media Contact – Tracey Corbin-Matchett

0408 475 736