2024 Northern Territory Screen Summit
The NT Screen Summit in Darwin was an incredible experience! First up, on Day One, I had the privilege of sitting on a panel discussing Genre Films, sharing the stage with some big names in directing and producing. It was an absolute honour to represent sound design among such industry leaders. I discussed the vital role sound plays in genre films—how it builds tension, creates atmosphere, and can manipulate the audience’s perception in powerful ways, referencing my work on TALK TO ME, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL and THE MOOGAI.
One of the key topics I explored was how budgets—whether healthy or low—impact sound post-production, which opened up a broader conversation about sustaining careers and growing the post-production industry.
Genre Panelists: Mitch Stanley, Emma Bortignon, Greg McLean, Dylan River, Ari Harrison, Jennie Hughes, Julie Ryan, Moderator Philip Tarl Denson
In between sessions, I connected with local filmmakers to chat about their approach to sound—what they need and hope for, as well as the future of both post-production and on-set training. A standout moment was meeting Darwin’s sole sound recordist and Boom Operator, who works on nearly every local production—truly a “unicorn” in the field!
There was strong interest in more training and Master Classes to support sustainable careers in sound, a topic I discussed with Screen Territory CEO Jannie Hughes. We discussed how the ASSG and its members could help facilitate these training opportunities to meet the growing demand.
I also had some fruitful discussions with Screen Australia representatives, including CEO Deirdre Brennan and COO Grainne Brunsdon. We talked about the Australian Screen Sound Guild (ASSG) and the broader sound post sector, and I shared our desire to collaborate with Screen Australia on ways to improve the industry through support, education, mentorship, and raising awareness of what we do and the importance of our craft.
Throughout the summit, there was great conversation around various topics, including Generative AI, and excitement about upcoming NT shot productions like TERRITORY and THOU SHALL NOT STEAL.
– Emma Bortignon