Film students head to Hollywood

A group of past and present UNSW students will fly to LA this week to attend the Film, TV and Webisode festival, where their web series will be screening in competition.

SYD2030 follows “six ridiculously good-looking university law students struggling to balance their thriving social lives with the demanding workload of law school”, says Arts/Law student Tatjana Marjanovic, one of the creators of the series along with Suzie Smith, Alex Barnett and Annika Drew, all recent graduates of the UNSW film program. The group formed Cheese On Toast Productions, which is the driving force behind producing the show.

Inspired by TV series Dawson’s Creek, Marjanovic says script ideas for SYD2030 “come from experience, to some extent”. She says the group was attracted to the idea of a web series because of its affordability. "Plus this particular medium has the ability to reach audiences much faster."

UNSW lecturer Dr Collin Chua, who taught the group film studies, says: “It's fantastic and really encouraging to see students from the film program going on to achieve success and awards. There are growing opportunities being seized in terms of getting creative film projects distributed.”

The group has received several offers to get started in the short film industry in Australia. However, they are planning on returning to the United States mid-year to see what opportunities await them there.

Marjanovic attributes Cheese On Toast’s success to their persistence. “Our motto has always been the worst anyone can say is ‘no’.”

The first three episodes of SYD2030 can be viewed on the website, with the fourth to be released this Friday.  

Media contact: Cassie Chorn, UNSW Media Office, 02 9385 5405