Byron Bay local and TAFE NSW Diploma of Screen and Media graduate Ishka Folkwell is living his dream, after studying film making at TAFE NSW Lismore. Mr Folkwell now travels the world filming and editing surf films.

Mr Folkwell is currently editing a documentary titled Lost Track - New Zealand, which follows him and notable surfer Torren Martyn as they embark on a three month motorcycle journey around New Zealand in search of waves while camping along the way.

Mr Folkwell says that being interested in photography for most of his young life, film making was a natural progression for him and TAFE NSW tailored his studies to suit his lifestyle.

“It was great that TAFE NSW was flexible around the film work I was working on at the time.

If I was to do a similar course at university, I don’t think this sort of flexibility would have been possible and may have hindered opportunities for me. I’m really glad I ended up pursuing my passion at TAFE NSW as it suited me and my needs perfectly.”

The career prospects of film and video editors and camera operators are expected to grow by 11% over the next nine years, much faster than most other fields of work.[i]

Currently stationed in Morocco filming his next project, Mr Folkwell has arguably one of the best jobs in the world.

“Some of the countries I have been able to travel to include Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, Iceland and El Salvador. Travelling and surfing are two of my favourite things in life so I’m extremely grateful to be able to pair them with film making.

“TAFE NSW really helped me finesse my filming technique but also helped me in the storytelling side of film making, which is a really important aspect of film if you want to keep someone’s attention longer than a minute or two.”

Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW offers over 1,200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many, including the Diploma of Screen and Media, can be studied online via TAFE Digital.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW A/Media and Communications Business Partner,  sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au