Women in Water #1 – On Set with Maselli Films
Maselli Films | Women in Water Series
On 9 March, I joined the production team on the set of Women in Water, a creative series by Maselli Films that brings together female water cinematographers to form a supportive, collaborative network. Directed by Gabriella Maselli McGrail, the series showcases the talent and community of women working behind the camera in aquatic environments.
Gabriella had previously invited me to complete 10 days of work experience with her, and I was excited when she asked me to help out again on this shoot. While my role on the day wasn’t huge, it gave me the chance to contribute to a professional set and support the team in a range of practical ways.
We started filming around 9:30am in a large office building in the city. I helped meet and guide the actors to the set, assisted during takes, and appeared as an extra in a few background shots. I also acted as a runner – picking up lunch for the crew from Subway and making sure I got everyone’s orders right, which sounds minor but is an important part of keeping things running smoothly on set.
Later, when filming moved into the building’s car park and nearby streets, I stayed behind to watch over the equipment and keep it secure while the rest of the crew were mobile. It was a small but trusted responsibility, and I was glad to be relied upon to help in whatever way was needed.
Being involved in Women in Water gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaborative effort behind even short productions, and it was great to support a project that uplifts women in film.
Photo credit: Maselli Films
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Amelie during her time assisting Maselli Films on our award-winning film Ocean is She, funded by Randwick City Council, and the Women in Water showcase shorts funded by Screenrights Cultural Grant. Amelie played an invaluable role in both the pre-production and production phases.
Amelie’s contributions to the film projects demonstrated her remarkable versatility and dedication. In pre-production, she assisted with casting and rehearsals, showcasing not only her organisational skills but also her keen eye for talent. On set, Amelie excelled in various crew roles, primarily as my Production Assistant ,but including working as a clapper and sound technician, seamlessly navigating the fast-paced environment. Her technical skills were complemented by her natural ability to adapt and thrive in different aspects of production, making her a key asset to the team.
In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, Amelie also showcased her talent as an actor during the shoot. Her flexibility in moving between roles – from crew member to performer – underscores her broad skill set and deep passion for the industry.
Amelie has continued to assist me with casting sessions for various commercials at The Audition Room (formerly Fox Studios, i4 Casting) and practical training for actors and cinematographers, further demonstrating her commitment to learning and growing in the field. Her ongoing involvement in the industry speaks to her dedication and passion.
I have no doubt that she will bring both creativity and professionalism to the program, and I am confident that she will continue to excel in all future endeavours within the industry.
Gabriella Maselli MGrail
Director, Maselli Films
What is CAS in the IB Program?
This experience was undertaken as part of my IB Program for school. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, Service and is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. It encourages students to engage in a range of experiences outside the classroom to develop personal and interpersonal skills. Through CAS, students are expected to reflect on their learning and growth in areas such as collaboration, ethics, and global engagement. This reflection on Women in Water is one example of how CAS allows students to connect real-world experiences with meaningful learning outcomes.
