Rewriting her future: Danielle returns to study to pursue her passion

When Danielle Ross moved with her two sons from the leafy streets of Hobart to Melbourne  to study the Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting at RMIT, she knew she was embarking on a significant journey. As a single parent, she was not only leaving behind her home and community, but also taking on the challenge of balancing part-time work, parenting her teenagers and the demands of university study.  

It was Danielle’s love of storytelling that gave her the motivation and courage to take a leap and pursue her lifelong interest.  

“I have been interested in telling stories for the screen for as long as I can remember,” she said.  

Despite the challenges of relocating, building a new life in Melbourne and helping her sons with the transition, Danielle was grateful to discover a supportive and passionate creative community at RMIT. 

“It definitely hasn’t been easy,” she said. “Leaving Tasmania’s nature and community was a huge adjustment. I deeply grieved this.”  

“One unexpected gift of coming to RMIT was finding a real sense of community through my teachers and fellow students.”  

Coming from a background in event management and communications, she chose RMIT for its practical, industry-focused learning and connections to the screen industry.  

She embraced every opportunity that came her way – from work placements and radio interviews to writers’ rooms and international study trips.  

As part of a work-integrated learning (WIL) placement, Danielle worked as a Development Assistant at Apple Box Studio in Tasmania, alongside CEO Emma Wilson.  

During the placement, she contributed to the 48-hour Short Film Competition organised by the Apple Box Studio team, which gave her the chance to see firsthand the enthusiasm and creativity of emerging filmmakers. She also took part in an ABC radio interview about the competition alongside Emma. The experience helped build her confidence and broaden her understanding of the industry.  

“Working at Apple Box Studio helped me realise my interest in exploring stories with social impact, and that producing is also something I want to explore.” 

Working with Emma encouraged Danielle to think about how she could help budding filmmakers find avenues into the industry, sparking a new interest that she is excited to explore after graduation.  

“Emma has really inspired me to want to help others and use my experience to create pathways for emerging filmmakers.” 

In addition to her placement, Danielle was fortunate to receive support and mentorship from Vicki Madden, an award-winning showrunner, writer and producer known for The Kettering Incident and The Gloaming.  

“Working with Vicki has been an incredible learning experience and gave me exposure to international stories and productions.”   

Danielle’s time at RMIT has been jam-packed with exciting professional and leadership experiences, including her interview with pioneering producer Sue Maslin (The Dressmaker, The Palace Letters). Through the interview, she gained insight into the intersection between creating art and financing projects. 

She secured her first paid role in a writers’ room as a note-taker – an opportunity that came about through networking at an industry event. 

“I found that being my authentic self at industry events allowed me to create meaningful connections,” she said. 

“This led to an opportunity to work on a show that explored issues close to my heart.” 

Danielle also received a scholarship to take part in a week-long study tour at RMIT’s Ho Chi Minh City campus. 

“It was wonderful to connect with RMIT students from the Vietnam campuses,” she said.  

Later, when one of the students came to study in Melbourne, Danielle mentored him and helped him settle into his new life here – something she was well placed to do, having recently made the move herself. 

In 2025, Danielle was highly commended in the Creative Industries cluster at the Vocational Education Awards and shortlisted among the top 25 from approximately 23,000 students.  

Her teacher Alan Woodruff, Program Coordinator in Professional Writing & Screen Writing, said Danielle’s achievements were made even more extraordinary by her commitments outside the program.  

“Danielle is a student of the highest calibre, dedicated, hard-working, proactive and collaborative. She deserves the success that will surely come her way.”   

Danielle also credits her teachers and the program environment with supporting her growth.  

“What I’ve enjoyed most about my program is growing in confidence and knowledge as a filmmaker,” she said. “The management and teachers have real industry experience to draw on and an absolute passion for the industry. They are always there to support you.”  

As graduation approaches, Danielle is eager to continue freelancing with producers on story development while working on her own writing projects, including several original ideas and an adaptation. She also hopes to help create pathways for emerging filmmakers through future initiatives and collaborations.  

Most of all, Danielle is glad to have set a positive example for her children by returning to study to pursue something she loves.  

“I’m most proud of what my study has shown my kids: that learning never stops, and you can always reinvent yourself and follow your passion.”   

Her advice to others considering going back to study is simple: go for it.  

“You’re never too old to learn something new!”   

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Find out more about Danielle on her website.