WIFT Australia & Stage 32 Online Webinar

Bridging the Gap: Working on American Productions in Australia and Beyond

Join Annisa Belonogoff and Sam Sokolow (CEO of Stage32) for a practical, information-focused webinar co-hosted by Women in Film & Television Australia (WIFT Australia) and Stage 32, exploring what Australian crew need to know when working on American film and television productions both here in Australia and overseas.

As major US studios increasingly choose Australia for production, local crews are finding themselves navigating different on-set protocols, hierarchies, and expectations. This one-hour session addresses the critical questions: What skills or certifications do you need to be job-ready for international, specifically America productions?

What We’ll Cover

Annisa and Sam will draw on their extensive industry experience to discuss:

  • Production culture differences: From set etiquette and communication styles to departmental structures and decision-making processes - understanding how American productions operate differently on Australian soil.

  • Technical standards and expectations: Union requirements, safety certifications, software proficiencies, and department-specific competencies that American productions expect from crew.

  • Qualification gaps: What formal certifications or training Australian crew may need to be competitive for US studio work, both locally and overseas.

  • Career pathways: How Australian crew can transition between local productions and international projects, and what that means for long-term career development.

  • Instilling gender equity in production: Gender equity initiatives including The ReFRAME STAMP (awarded by IMDB) and the foundational Bechdel Test in production, which continue to drive the push for diverse voices and equitable opportunities behind the camera.

The session will include real-world examples and a Q&A where attendees can ask specific questions about their own career paths.

Professional Development Opportunity:

We’ll also introduce Stage 32 Certification as a pathway for crew to gain internationally recognised training from industry professionals actively working on major studio productions. Their certification database connects trained crew with productions seeking qualified personnel - a practical tool for those looking to expand their opportunities in the global marketplace.

Whether you’re an emerging crew member curious about working on international productions, a head of department looking to understand changing industry standards, or simply wanting to future-proof your career, this webinar offers actionable insights for navigating Australia’s increasingly globalised screen sector.

All attendees will receive a coupon code for 50% off any Stage 32 Master Certification Course.

Webinar Details:

Date: Saturday, February 21st

Time: 7:30am AWST (Perth), 9:00am ACST (Darwin), 9:30am AEST (Brisbane), 10:00am AEST (Adelaide), 10:30am AEST (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart)

Zoom Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JM3TtrDNTgeNKQkR1ZVUhw#/registration

Webinar ID: 830 7539 8092