Discovering the HMAS Sydney was a once in a lifetime experience for lecturer Matthew Kelley who used the opportunity to update his skills and bring new techniques into the classroom.
The Film and Television lecturer undertook a return to industry with film makers Electric Pictures to direct a documentary of the historic event, spending a month on board the search vessel filming and interviewing the 30 strong crew.
“Returning to industry is critical, especially in the film and television industry where there are so many technological changes occurring over a very short period of time,” he said.
“This project exposed me to state-of-the-art technology and allowed me to participate in ground breaking techniques and gain invaluable first hand information regarding the contemporary industry.
“These experiences were translated into engaging material for the classroom. I was able to inform the students, not only of my day-to-day role, but also give them a direct insight into the workings of the industry.
"This is the practical information that gives our students a competitive edge.”
As well as shooting footage, Matthew sent material back to the editing facility in Fremantle via the internet where a supervising director and team of editors were putting the program together.
“This was the most unique and challenging part of the job,” he said.
“We were really pushing the envelope as far as the use of technology for this purpose.
"To shoot the material on a vessel hundreds of kilometres from shore and transmit the material to the editor to be assembled had never before been attempted on this scale.”
Return to Industry is an ongoing program offered by Central TAFE that establishes links with enterprise and provides opportunities for lecturers to ensure that the most up to date skills are being taught in the classroom.