Gia Frino, single parent to four, always told her kids to fight for their dreams no matter what. But she soon realised that, despite constantly telling her kids to exhibit determination and work hard for what they want, she wasn’t leading by example.

“That’s why I changed careers. I had always wanted to be in the screen industry, but I felt like I was doing what you are ‘supposed’ to do.”

Gia began studying a Masters in Screen Business and Leadership at AFTRS, kickstarting her new career in the Australian Film and Television industry. “I felt that with a change of careers at a late age, coming to AFTRS would give me that extra experience, information and networking opportunities that I would need to get ahead.”

AFTRS global reputation as a top film school has seen it listed in The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 15 institutes in the world, year after year. Delivering teaching and learning specific to the screen arts and broadcast industry, it is the only one of its kind in Australia.

This unique learning environment is what Gia believes gave her the opportunity to excel.

“If you want to be successful no matter what it is you have to be able to be vulnerable and show your true self. In order to do that you do need a safe and secure environment and I feel it exists here [at AFTRS].”

Peter Herbert, the Head of Screen Business at AFTRS, reiterates Gia’s sentiment. “The course is transformative. It takes what you are and transforms you into the very best you can be.”

The Master of Arts Screen: Business has been running for over a decade. Now, the AFTRS have a rich and versatile group of alumni who are willing to assist those who are undertaking the course.

“A lot of the lectures are delivered by industry professionals,” Gia shares. “I have even worked with a few of my teachers since graduating. You are able to connect with them outside and continue the relationship from student to teacher, to colleague.”

While there are three streams of Master of Arts Screen: Business, giving each student niche and personalised information to forward their career, Peter explains that all of these streams blend towards one outcome: “a screen focused entrepreneur ready for the challenges and opportunities in today’s fast moving screen media sector”.

Whether you decide to study strategic leadership like Gia, finance and business, or innovation and technology, Peter believes that each stream “demands passion”.

Gia is now a screen content writer and producer. She has produced content, film, and TV that have garnered approximately four and a half million views. She is also the founder of Illawarra Film Festival, a female-focused short film festival resulting in high school scholarships for girls.

Gia’s story is not an exception, as the AFTRS alumni are incredibly diverse. “We have people in all sorts of positions around the world. Management, leadership, creating and growing… we have people exploring new technologies and creating entirely different businesses,” Peter explains.

If you are looking for a sign to ditch the status quo and begin a career in the film and television industry, visit the AFTRS website here.