Celebrating graduate Carl Emmerson

After moving from Canberra to Melbourne, RMIT graduate Carl Emmerson embarked on his journey become a screenwriter.

In the vibrant city of Melbourne, where creativity knows no bounds, RMIT University has been the nurturing ground for countless aspiring artists and visionaries. Each year these students graduate and move into their chosen industry to create and new and exciting projects. One such student graduating in 2023 is Carl Emmerson.

After moving from Canberra to Melbourne, Carl began his dream at RMIT to become a screenwriter by enrolling in the Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting course.

“As well as the chance to develop my craft in one of Australia's only dedicated screenwriting curriculums, coming to RMIT was also a perfect opportunity to practice living on my own as someone with autism,” said Carl.

“Here in Melbourne, I've got a lot of extended family and friends to support me if I ever need it.”

Young male student holding film clap board

RMIT graduate Carl Emmerson on location.

Being autistic, larger social stuff tends to be a bit more than I'm geared up for. However, in my time at RMIT, I've gotten to be part of GMAS, the Games, Manga and Anime Society, which has been really great because I'm able to participate in all sorts of event with people who share my interests, whether it's in-person or from the quiet space of my apartment.

Carl’s screenwriting inspirations were not just drawn from the course curriculum, but also his love of sci-fi movies.

“Every movie or TV show I've seen as part of this course has inspired me in one way or another, but if there's any screenwriter I aspire to be like, it has to be Lawrence Kasdan, writer of The Empire Strikes Back.”

“[It's] an absolute masterclass of narrative, character, excitement and suspense all rolled into one.”

“So maybe I've set the bar a little high, but sometimes we've just got to take a leap of faith.”

Like many students, Carl faced the incredible challenge of not just moving away from home, but also studying through Melbourne lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I left Canberra behind to study at RMIT in the second half of 2021, I can certainly tell you I did NOT expect to go right into a big ol' ninety-something day lockdown!”

“That definitely made for a difficult semester, and I won't pretend it hasn't had an impact on my mental health, but I also know that I'd do it all again in a heartbeat,” said Carl.

Group of five images showing rmit graduate Carl Emmerson during filming behind the camera, with other students, holding a film clapboard and anime figures

Carl experienced the fun of working on film sets and sharing his passion for manga and anime with other students in the GMAS.

What’s next?

Carl’s hard work and dedication to study has already resulted in opportunities to work within the film industry.

“I've been developing a feature film story alongside AACTA-nominated screenwriter Jaime Browne that we're going to be writing over the summer, and I'm going to have a lot more time for writing and being involved in on-set productions,” shared Carl.

“If you get the chance to work on a film set, do it! That's been some of the most fun I've had in my life!”

“The best advice I think I could give anyone coming into RMIT or struggling to find their path through it is something that applies to every single part of life: sometimes, you've just got to take it a day at a time. If you're wondering what movie that's from, well... it's not, this little gem is from me to you!”

06 November 2023

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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Celebrating graduate Carl Emmerson