Mackay
8 - 15 April 2026
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In-person, five-day training intensive during the Easter school holidays + 2 day weekend film shoot
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For ages 15–25
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Limited to 20 committed participants
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Bring your phone, your curiosity, and your willingness to have a go​
Who Should
Apply?
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You are 15–25 and live in a regional community
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You are curious about film, acting, storytelling, or creating content
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You are ready to learn, take risks, and support others to do the same
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You are reliable and can commit to the full program
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You want to tell stories from your world, your way
This program is about finding your voice, backing yourself, and learning how to tell stories that matter.
What is
Reel Voices?
This is more than a workshop.
This is a pilot program bringing together two leaders in their fields for the first time, supporting young people aged 15–25 to tell their stories through film while learning the skills to do it powerfully and effectively.
Brendan Glanville has worked with over 100,000 young people in acting, storytelling and ensemble development.
Ashley Burgess has led filmmaking bootcamps across Australia and internationally.
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Reel Voices is the first time these two approaches have been combined into one intensive program. Students are not just attending a workshop. They are part of the first group to experience a model we believe can have a long-term impact in regional communities.
Fully Funded -No Cost
Each participant will receive over $2,500 worth of training, mentorship and practical experience at no cost. Thanks to a Backing the Future grant from VFFF (and supported by FRRR ).
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It allows students to work directly with experienced practitioners in a focused, hands on environment that mirrors real world creative processes.
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For teachers, this is an opportunity to place students into a program that develops both creative and transferable life skills in a short, intensive format.
Meet the Coaches
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Daily Schedule
Each Day Runs as Follows:
Schedule includes 5 Days Training and Filming + 2 Day weekend self driven film shoot
Arrival and networking from 10:00am
Workshop and filming from 11:00am to 7:00pm
The later finish allows for golden hour and night filming, giving students exposure to more cinematic storytelling conditions.
If a student has time constraints, please contact info@reelvoices.com.au to discuss possible adjustments.
Day 1 – Wednesday 8 April
Build the Crew
Every strong film relies on a strong crew. Every strong performance relies on a connected ensemble.
Students will:
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Meet their team and establish working relationships
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Build trust and learn how to collaborate effectively
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Learn the foundations of storytelling for camera
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Complete a short practical film exercise
From day one, the focus is on doing, not just listening.
Day 2 – Thursday 9 April
Discover Your Story
Students begin to explore where stories come from and how to shape them.
They will:
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Learn how to generate original ideas
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Explore personal and regional stories as source material
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Develop practical filming techniques using accessible equipment
A key learning is that the quality of the story and performance drives the outcome more than the equipment used.
Day 3 – Friday 10 April
Find What Matters
This is where the work becomes more personal and purposeful.
Students will:
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Identify stories that matter to them and their community
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Learn how to pitch ideas clearly
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Form production teams and plan their shoot
By the end of this day, each group is ready to move into production.
Weekend Shoot – Day 4 & 5
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April
Take the Lead
This is a critical part of the program.
Students will:
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Lead their own shoot in small teams
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Apply everything they have learned in a real world context
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Make creative and practical decisions on the spot
Brendan and Ashley will not be on site. This is intentional. It gives students the opportunity to take ownership of their work and step into leadership roles.
Support will still be available:
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Brendan and Ashley can be contacted by phone for guidance
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They may drop into selected shoots where possible
This is where students shift from learning skills to applying them independently.
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Day 6 – Monday 13 April
Refine and Shape
Students return with their footage and begin shaping their films.
They will:
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Review what has been captured
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Identify gaps and reshoot if needed
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Strengthen story clarity and structure
This day reinforces problem solving, adaptability and attention to detail.
Day 7 – Tuesday 14 April
Finalise and Celebrate
Students complete and present their work.
They will:
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Edit and polish their films
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Share their work in a group screening
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Reflect on their process and outcomes
They will also be guided on next steps, including pathways to continue developing their skills.
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Ready to Apply?
Applications are now open. Places are limited to 20 participants.
Questions? Email info@reelvoices.com.au or call 0412 728 628.
ReelVoices is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering youth aged 15-25. We assist them in rewriting the narratives about themselves and their communities through creative expression.
Our programs, like the April initiative with Mackay Council, help participants develop short films using their own equipment under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals. We aim to provide resources that enable self-discovery and community engagement.