HARNE Hennessey of Yanchep has been involved in the production of The Heights, a new ABC television drama, which premiered on Friday.
One of 30 North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) students involved in the production, Hennessey was an assistant for the drama’s lighting director.
Hennessey’s involvement with The Heights while studying screen and media (digital cinema) at NMTAFE led to him obtaining more work experience as a video split operator for Screen Australia’s feature film I Met A Girl.
“Not only did I gain valuable industry experience and an understanding of how a professional, high-level series operates I got to network with and be inspired by so many people working on-set and many of these were TAFE graduates, which was very motivating,” Hennessey said.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said it was unusual for TAFE students to be involved in the production of a national TV show in Perth.
“This kind of practical experience is invaluable – it exposes students to the day-to-day workings of their chosen industry, helping ensure graduates are job ready and increasing their employability,’’ she said.
“It also expands their industry networks so they’re front of mind when employers look to fill positions.”
The Heights is a ‘slice of life’ drama series which centres on the inner-city neighbourhood of Arcadia Heights, exploring the relationships between the residents of the Arcadia social housing tower and the people who live in the rapidly gentrifying community that surrounds it.
The production employed 115 local crew, 84 speaking roles and 396 extras.
The Heights episode is available on ABC iview.
