MELANIE KILLINGSWORTH – Director and Writer (Director – Phi and Me)

Serena can teach you anything and everything you need to know about ADing / production managing. From all the prep work, communicating with / between different departments, the right questions to ask, the steps you need to take if [when] everything goes sideways on set through absolutely no fault of your own [you hope], and what to tell the HODs to facilitate everything happening: you want it, she knows it!

KITTY HOPWOOD – First Assistant Director: Rough Stuff, Jay’s Jungle, Random & Whacky, For Real, Asymptotes, Redemption, Winter Retreat, The Gaslight Treatment, Mailbox.

“Serena is a terrific teacher. I can say without question that I would not be as effective an AD had I not studied with her. I can also say that I probably would not have gone on to work professionally in this field had it not been for her!
Serena’s course structure is well thought-out and her materials are excellent. The nature of Assistant Directing is that the person in that role really must know a little about every facet of filmmaking, and Serena manages to guide students logically through what could otherwise be a quagmire of information.
As a teacher Serena is friendly and supportive, concise and insightful. She creates capable and organised AD’s who have a firm understanding of what is expected of them and how to achieve it.
Serena’s course gave me a really solid foundation on which to build my own career as an AD. If you want to be an AD, or even if you are just slightly interested in this facet of the filmmaking process, I cannot recommend Serena highly enough.”

BRAD PEARSON – Comedian and Director, Workshop attendee online June 2023

“I would highly recommend Serena’s workshop to those who are new to the industry or have some experience. Serena has a well of professional experience and anecdotes from which she draws to put together an interactive workshop that is catered to the needs of the class and is as fun as it is informative. Serena creates a very welcoming and supportive environment and uses the time well to ensure you leave the room with all the practical skills you need to put together a great schedule!”

MARIA TRAN – Action Actor:: 🥋 Martial Artist:: 🎥 Filmmaker:: 🎬 CEO/ Founder 🐦Phoenix Eye Pty Ltd | Action Films + Community

“Serena is one of the the best in the industry. Her workshop was insightful with many practical elements that got you to apply what you’ve learnt directly to your project on hand. She shared many stories of her 20 years experience in diverse roles and particularly the paperwork side of ADing & producing”