Star Swinburne Film and Television grad headed to Hollywood

When Lucy McKendrick began her Bachelor of Film and Television at Swinburne, she never imagined that one day she would move to Hollywood to pursue an international film career.

“After completing my degree at Swinburne, I applied to the American Film Institute Conservatorium not really expecting to get in, but I did!” Ms McKendrick said.

“To get the chance, as a 22-year-old, to move to Los Angeles and study at the same institution as some of my favourite directors is such an amazing opportunity.”

Heading over in August this year, Ms McKendrick will be surrounded by some of the world’s most famous writers, filmmakers and actors.

“I’m looking forward to living in a city that has harboured so many great talents. It will be really cool to be exposed to the landscapes, cultures and people that have inspired, provoked and nurtured some of the great past and present filmmakers.”

Graduating earlier this year, she credits much of her success to the support she received from Swinburne throughout the her course.

“Swinburne has been the backbone of everything that I have achieved in filmmaking. I had great relationships with my lecturers and they put so much time and energy into helping me develop my skills.

“Especially my teachers Jill Holt, Vince Giarrusso and Liz Bourke; they really helped to refine my approach to filmmaking. They went out of their way to support me with various film projects during my time at Swinburne.”

With a budding film career already here in Australia, Ms McKendrick will be heading to the USA with a couple of film awards already under her belt.

In 2013 she was awarded the ‘Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year’ for her short film Toombaworth.

She also received an honourable mention at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and had Toombaworth screened at the Women’s Independent Film Festival.

When asked about future career prospects, she has a clear idea of where she is headed.

“I want to be a director. I know it sounds pretty simple, but that’s what I want to do. I want to direct features, television shows, whatever I can get my hands on!

“More than anything though, I want to remain true to my philosophy of creating genuinely provocative films, while striving to stay on the cutting edge of originality.”

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