Meet DARKY
Hi. I’m an emerging Australian writer and director based in Sydney, Australia on the lands of the Gadigal people.
I have a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a bachelor’s degree in Communication specialising in TV Production. I come from a professional background in photography; and communications, marketing and advertising.
I’m currently developing a slate of independent narrative short films. I’m also writing a feature film, The Mill Hand, and and my first novel.
Oh, and, ‘What’s with your name, Darky?’
Darky’s been my nickname ever since I was little – I reckon because it rhymes with my real name, although my family disagrees. In any case, it stuck.
Why I make films
I believe in the dreamers.
Filmmaking, to me, is the dreamer made doer. It’s the manifestation of that initial spark of inspiration and wonder along its circuitous and perilous journey through the creative act.
As an amalgamation of the arts, filmmaking is one of the most powerful ways that we can ask ourselves, ‘Who are we, and who might we become?’
Plus, it’s just fun working with other talented people who feel equally inspired by the challenge.
The stories I like to tell
I’m interested in telling unique stories that are grounded in character but that still have a compelling hook or story engine which viewers find propulsive. I like exploring conflicts that we haven’t seen before or, if we have, ones with a hot take. This might be because of the story world, the characters, the plot or a unique premise.
As a viewer, I can get bored if things haven’t started moving around the 10 minute mark. So I look to be entertained by fresh characters, their unexpected dialogue, and a plot that move along at a good pace.
I also assume my audience is intelligent and that they are an active participant in constructing the experience of the story. I like to play with how ‘open’ my ‘texts’ are, so audiences have the freedom to intellectually and emotionally engage with the film’s characters, filtered through the lens of their own life experiences.
I believe the best stories are highly specific, and while foreign and exotic to us, nonetheless, touch upon universal themes that we can all relate to and care about.
Collaboration
I’m as passionate about the process of making films – collaborating and working with other artists, technicians and creatives – as I am with the (often) solitary practice of writing a screenplay.
As a writer and director, I have a strong vision, tone and aesthetic for my stories. However, I also have the flexibility to adapt to other people’s input and inspirations. I look for collaborators who can bring their own unique ideas and talents to shape and enhance our shared story creation. Team members who are equally respectful and who naturally build trust with others.
My hope is that we feed off each other’s energy, learn from one another, boost our creativity and ultimately build a lasting industry relationship.
I also like us to have fun. I feel creation is an act of play. And to create great work we should create an environment that, while ambitious, does not take itself too seriously and gives everyone the freedom to play, try out new things and surprise ourselves.
Therefore, I love collaborating with a diverse group of people who, nonetheless, have a few things in common. People who are ambitious, reliable, willing to experiment, and who have a sense of play.
Experience is always welcome, but I encourage anyone who is enthusiastic to reach out.
My education
My filmmaking education comes from a mix of formal study, self-directed learning, writers’ groups, my background in photography, and hands-on experience making videos and assisting others making short films.
- Master of Creative Writing, University of Canberra
- Bachelor of Communication (Media/Multimedia), University of Canberra
- Directing Intensive, Australian Film and Television School (AFTRS)
- Creating a TV Series Bootcamp, Australian Film and Television School (AFTRS)
Interested in collaborating?
I’m always looking to connect with passionate actors, crew and creatives who support ambitious independent filmmaking.
My current short-form projects are independently self-financed, so roles are volunteer at this stage.
If one of my projects resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.