News

Aspiring actors should become script writers, directors, editors and producers to further their craft and achieve their career goals, according to QUT Acting graduates Matt Zeremes and Guy Edmonds.

The acting duo told an audience of student actors, film makers and dancers to change the way they think about their creative careers and be willing to take on unfamiliar roles.

The address was held in March as part of the 2013 QUT Artist in Residence program at La Boite Theatre Company.

Mr Edmonds encouraged students to "back themselves" by committing to projects wholeheartedly at every opportunity, while Mr Zeremes suggested self-funding and investing in equipment in order to commit to a production.

"I can't encourage you enough to find that desire inside you to back yourself and create your own work. It's possible now with digital technology," Mr Zeremes said.

The QUT Creative Industries graduates were welcomed to the Roundhouse Theatre for the annual address by La Boite artistic director David Berthold.

He said he was "filled with a particular kind of joy" to see the two give the address on the set of Holding the man, a play the duo had performed more than 100 times at La Boite.

QUT Creative Industries Executive Dean Professor Rod Wissler also introduced them, calling them a "case study in entrepreneurial thinking".

"I hope they will be inspirational to all of you today," he said to the audience of students.

Graduating from QUT in the early 2000s, the two actors have performed in London, and have produced, written, directed, and funded their own films.

The acting pair found a niche role playing lead characters in Holding the man, the "heart-wrenching account of a 15-year relationship that weathered disapproval, separation and temptation". They have performed the roles more than 900 times in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and London's West End.

Mr Edmonds said he was "inspired to create and contribute to the creative pool", and recommended students take the approach of "putting yourself out there and ask, 'What do I really want?'".

"You want a great role? Write it. If you're a DOP (director of photography) and want to go avant-garde, go find a script writer," he said.

Mr Zeremes suggested students "don't give up just because your film isn't shown at Cannes... target and hound the people who you want to see your work".

Their first feature film was 2011's The Last Hurrah, while they recently finished filming the musical Super Awesome. Mr Edmonds will now find time to edit the film, a product they believe will "shake things up" in the film industry.

QUT Acting students Melina Vidler and Hayden Maher thanked the actors for coming to QUT and sharing their experiences with them.

"Having real world voices that have graduated in recent memory means so much to us," Ms Vidler said.

The address was made possible through funding from the Rainbow Reid Endowment Fund, a philanthropic fund led by Australian actress Lynn Rainbow Reid.

Organisation

QUT Acting

Info

Dianne Eden

Phone

07 3138 3221

Email

d.eden@qut.edu.au

URL

Study acting at QUT