CQU and Screen Queensland Studios

Film crew working to get a film set ready
Building real pathways into the screen industry.

How CQUniversity and Screen Queensland Studios are shaping job‑ready graduates

Behind every film, television series or digital production is a skilled workforce making it happen. As Australia’s screen industry continues to grow – particularly in regional Queensland – CQUniversity is working closely with the sector to ensure graduates are ready to step into those roles with confidence. CQUniversity’s connections with Screen Queensland Studios are one example of how we collaborate with industry to inform course design, delivery and ongoing evolution. Through this work, learning remains relevant and practice‑led, and students graduate with skills, confidence and knowledge aligned to real workforce needs.

Informing industry‑aligned education options

Through ongoing engagement with Screen Queensland Studios, CQUniversity gained deeper insight into current workforce demand. While the relationship with Screen Queensland spans a range of initiatives, one clear industry need emerged through these conversations: many courses focus on creative leadership roles, but the strongest need is often for skilled crew working “below the line” – the production assistants, runners, lighting, camera and costume support teams who keep productions moving. This insight has since become a practical example of how CQUniversity listens to industry and responds. It has played a key role in shaping the Bachelor of Creative Media, ensuring course design reflects real industry structures, employer demands and workforce entry points.

Pathways that increase access and accelerate employment

Rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all degree, the Bachelor of Creative Media has been developed with nested, industry‑focused Diplomas, offering students greater flexibility in how and when they study. These pathways provide:

  • Accessible entry points for students with different backgrounds and experiences
  • Interim awards that allow graduates to enter the workforce sooner
  • Exit pathways aligned to employment opportunities as they arise, and
  • The option to progress seamlessly into further study.

This structure supports inclusive and accessible education, particularly for students studying and working in regional areas, while recognising that career journeys are rarely linear.

CQU staff member working with crew behind the set of a film set

Co‑designed microcredentials for workforce readiness

CQUniversity has also partnered with Screen Queensland to co‑design a suite of free Screen Industry microcredentials, funded by the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training.

Developed in direct response to workforce needs, the microcredentials focus on practical, entry‑level skills such as:

  • On‑set protocols and production workflows
  • Costume assistance fundamentals, and
  • Data management and handling of digital assets on set.

Open to the wider community and available to CQUniversity students, these short, targeted learning experiences provide extra‑curricular, hands‑on opportunities that build confidence, industry awareness and employability alongside degree study. Together, these initiatives support local industries, strengthen the regional workforce and make high‑quality education more accessible close to home.

Industry access that opens real doors

CQUniversity’s screen industry connections extend learning beyond the classroom, creating access to professional networks, insight and opportunities that support long‑term career success. CQUniversity lecturer and industry veteran Jan Cattoni is just one example of how ongoing engagement with industry brings learning to life for students and helps translate study into real‑world experience.

Industry knowledge, embedded in teaching

With extensive professional experience in filmmaking and screen production, Jan maintains active industry relationships that directly benefit her students. Through her work with Screen Queensland, she connects learners with opportunities outside formal course requirements – from production intensives to real professional environments. Importantly, these relationships continue after graduation, supporting graduates as they transition into professional practice and helping them navigate the early stages of their careers.

From classroom to film set: Sarah’s story

One of the students Jan encouraged to step beyond the classroom was Sarah Newton, whose studies initially focused on animation. As Sarah progressed through her degree, her interests evolved. Recognising her aptitude for screen production, Jan recommended Sarah participate in the Film Intensive Script to Screen (FISS) intensive delivered through Screen Queensland – where Jan also contributes as a mentor within the program. That recommendation became a turning point. Through the intensive, Sarah discovered a new passion for the screen industry, gained first‑hand experience on professional productions, and built the networks that are critical to success in this field. Those connections quickly led to hands‑on roles across short films, feature productions and broadcast projects. By combining industry‑aligned study with extra‑curricular learning and professional access, Sarah graduated with not just technical skills, but the confidence and industry readiness employers value – enabling her to move quickly into paid screen industry work.

CQU staff member working with crew member on a film set

Why connections matter

In the film and screen industry, careers are built through collaboration, reputation and readiness. Networking isn’t optional: it is essential. CQUniversity helps make these advantages tangible. Smaller class sizes, strong student-teacher relationships and teaching staff who are actively engaged with industry give students greater access to opportunities. For students like Sarah, industry access turns study into career momentum – not by chance, but through industry‑informed learning and expert mentorship.

Turning opportunity into impact

CQUniversity’s industry connections with Screen Queensland Studios show what’s possible when education and industry work together. By listening to workforce needs, embedding industry insight into course design and creating flexible pathways to employment, CQUniversity helps students build capability, confidence and professional networks that last.