How Ellie's making it in the film industry

Ellie Mcevoy.
As a result of my placement I got a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion, and consistent employment in the TV and Film industry ever since.

Ellie McEvoy
Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51015 (Specialist Make-up Services specialisation)

With a love for the stage and performing, Ellie McEvoy enrolled in a Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51015 at Victoria University Polytechnic. It was the back-up plan that turned into a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion – and consistent employment in the TV and Film industry ever since.

“During my course, I undertook an eight-week placement on the set of Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS, which aired on Channel 7. It was an incredible opportunity. I was in the box seat watching make-up artists with a combined industry experience of over 80 years. They showed me their tips and tricks - and I have since worked with many of them again!

As a result of my placement I got a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion, which is my greatest career achievement so far. In fact, my placement opened the door to so much work that I’ve been employed as a make-up artist in the TV and Film industry full time for the last 4 years. I’ve worked on the sets of Glitch, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Hunters, and Nowhere Boys. Without my placement I would never have had the opportunity to work on these sets.

I loved TAFE – every day was different and exciting. Our teachers radiated passion, which rubbed off on us. They’re industry-recognised, which instantly put us on the path to amazing opportunities and careers, and they cared about us. While I was on work experience, they constantly called to check up on me. They supported me the whole way through the job, which was incredible!

Right now I’m preparing to do a TV series in The Kimberley, WA. I’m forever indebted to VU Poly and could not recommend the institute highly enough. To anyone thinking of taking up TAFE studies, I would say: don’t feel the pressure to have to get a conventional degree. Follow your heart and your passion and watch the world open up before your eyes.”

Course studied

Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51015 (Specialist Make-up Services specialisation; superseded by Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51020)