"One of the things I learned moving from the FTV Bachelor to the Master's Degree is that I know what I want to do and I can plan for it. I think the idea behind the masters is that as you research you figure out exactly what you’re looking for and what you want to focus on."

Tell us about your project.

The project that I’m doing is a virtual reality short film, incorporating the techniques from a series called ‘Blackmirror’ from one of their episodes ‘Bandersnatch’ where you get to choose a character’s decisions along the way.

The story is about an international student who came from a strict moralist country and is living in Australia. He discovers that Australia is a lot more liberal. As he lives on in Australia he is struggling with his own beliefs because he’s learned new things and different cultures. The audience gets to join his adventure and choose paths on behalf of the international student - but the interesting thing is that they also bring their own backgrounds to the decisions.

The student has options that sometimes conflict with what would have been his natural choices based on his own beliefs. The viewer gets to decide whether they want the student to evolve, and in what ways. Does he stick to his worldview or become a different person? Does he get to figure out who he is beyond being a product of a country and culture?

What’s one thing that has really stood out about the course?

The course has been challenging but really great. For me, figuring out the ‘why’ you’re doing things is the most difficult part of the course so far, but the mentors are there to help you out with all of that.

Any advice for students starting the Masters soon?

My advice for students coming into the masters is to be ready to think a lot for yourself and do your own research – after all, this is your interest, what you want to pursue. Be active in research because it’s definitely worth it in the end!