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One to watch: Digital Media student Felicity Pengilly scores gig with Netflix

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Words
Yasmin Nelson
Published
4 October 2023

Southern Cross University Digital Media student, Felicity Pengilly, was awarded the Screenworks mentor program back in 2021. Fast forward two years and she has scored a production gig on the Netflix series Surviving Summer.

“After my mentorship ended, I added myself to the Screenworks ‘Crew Database’ to up my chances of getting some key roles in productions filmed locally,” Felicity said.

“I was blown away when I received a call from casting at Werner Film Productions.”

Felicity jumped at the chance to sign on as a Production Assistant/Runner for the second season of Surviving Summer – hosted on the world’s biggest streaming platform, Netflix.

The show tailors around rebellious Brooklyn teen Summer Torres (Sky Katz), who is sent to live with family friends in the tiny town of Shorehaven.

“My main responsibility was to ensure the cast members were where they were supposed to be. That included transporting them to and from the airport to their accommodation, taking them to hair, makeup and costume, and most importantly to the different set locations.”

Felicity Pengilly on set of Surviving Summer

The team trusted Felicity with everything from purchasing electrical tape to literally holding the whole show in her hands.

“I transported the film reels (also known as rushes and split rushes) from first call to end of day wrap to the editors, which meant that I was one of the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

Now in the final year of her degree, Felicity can see how all the late nights have paid off, drawing a clear connection between her university studies and the real world.

“Having developed several productions for assignments over the last four years, including a documentary, a music video, a movie trailer, and an advertisement, I was well versed on sets, how they ran, the equipment that is used, and who is who on the crew.”

Digital media student Felicity Pengilly name in Netflix credits

Reflecting on her experiences, Felicity offered valuable advice to those wanting to break into the industry.

"Be willing to start from the bottom and work your way up, no matter what your previous experience or job was,” she said.

“Take every opportunity that is offered to you, even if they seem menial or boring; every opportunity paves a road to further opportunities.

“Lastly, make your presence on set a memorable one. You never know who is paying attention."

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content@scu.edu.au