FILMMAKING: Make a Short Film (Group 1)
Age group: Juniors (Grades 3-6)
Class Size: 12 max
Can one object inspire an entire film?
In this exciting two-day filmmaking workshop, young creatives will work together to develop, shoot and perform in an original short film inspired by the 2026 Tropfest Jr Signature Item: Map. Guided by writer, director and actor Harvey Zielinski, students will explore storytelling, performance, camera operation and creative problem-solving as they bring their ideas to life on screen.
Designed especially for juniors, this hands-on workshop encourages imagination, teamwork and confidence in a fun, supportive studio environment — all while working towards creating a short film that may be submitted to Trop Jr.
Teacher: Harvey Zielinski
Harvey Zielinski is an award-winning actor, writer and director working across film, television and theatre. A two-time Heath Ledger Scholarship finalist and winner of the Casting Guild of Australia’s Rising Star Award.
Harvey recently wrote, directed, produced and starred in his debut feature film Sweet Milk Lake, an Originate Feature backed by major Australian screen organisations including VicScreen, Screen Australia and SBS. The film will premiere in 2026. He is currently developing his second feature film, Thugs, with Screen Australia support.
For television, Harvey is best known for his series regular role as Charlie in White Fever, which he also wrote for, earning an AWGIE nomination and Betty Roland Prize shortlist recognition. His additional screen credits include Deadloch, Don't Look Deeper opposite Don Cheadle and Emily Mortimer, as well as Love Me, Spreadsheet and Why Are You Like This.
Alongside his screen work, Harvey is an accomplished playwright and theatre-maker, with commissions from Malthouse Theatre and stage credits including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for Sydney Theatre Company. He was also Director’s Attachment to Emma Freeman on The Newsreader Season 2.
Dates: Monday 6 & Tuesday 7 July
Time: 10am-2pm both days
Age group: Juniors (Grades 3-6)
Cost: $250 (incl. GST)
Class size: 12 max
What to bring: Please bring some lunch, snacks and a water bottle.