How I Got Here: NFSA Creative Producer and Program Coordinator, Alice Taylor
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you wanted to know about the secrets of career success. Loved the iconic programming at Elsie’s Film House? Well, you’re in luck because founder Alice Taylor has just been welcomed to the National Film and Sound Archive as the new Creative Producer and Program Coordinator. Bringing the same spirit to Arc Cinema, we sat down with her to find out how she got here.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a creative producer, lifelong film geek, and mum to three lovable teenagers. I’ve been in the Film and TV industry for over 20 years — working on films, producing TV documentaries, and running film festivals. Most recently, I founded Elsie’s Film House, a pop-up community cinema that brought people together to enjoy a shared love of film. That led to my new role programming films for Arc Cinema’s film series at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA Acton).
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Before I even considered a career as a filmmaker, I was already on the path. At 14, I made my first documentary, and by 15 I was working at Video Ezy in Dickson. I did acting as a kid and of course, dreamed of being a movie star — but by 17 I realised I’d rather be behind the camera.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
Watching great cinema was, and still is, the biggest inspiration. Then getting accepted into UCLA’s Film & TV school in Los Angeles was a big boost at the start of my career path. Studying cinema in the epicentre of the industry really fuelled my ambition. From there, it was a steady progression of roles on different projects: edit assistant, production coordinator, researcher on factual TV in Sydney; production management on films and documentaries in the UK; and eventually as a producer back in Australia. There’s no shortcut in this industry — it’s about building skills, relationships, and experience over time. My move into screen culture, film festivals and programming for cinema… that’s another chapter.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
There’ve been many times in my career when the workload was overwhelming. In part, that’s the industry, but also my tendency to get excited and take on too much. Much of the work being project-based has allowed me to push through knowing there’s an end in sight. But when the work is too demanding without the payoff or impacts your health and wellbeing, I think it’s ok to throw it in and recalibrate. Being a single mum alongside a busy career, it’s been a challenge but so important to maintain health and happiness.
What was your biggest break?
As a departure from the world of production, one big turning point was being appointed Director of the Canberra International Film Festival in 2016. It sparked a new passion and focus on film programming and screen culture that inspired me to create projects like Haig Park Pickture Festival and Elsie’s Film House. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given across my career and I’m also proud of the ones I’ve created for myself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Whatever you’re working on, whether it’s waiting tables or running a company, do your job well.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
In production, I love the teamwork and the fact that every project is unique. In programming, I love sharing outstanding films with audiences. What frustrates me is the lack of diverse representation in key creative roles on our industry — though there is an industry-wide push to change that, and we all have a role to play.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
No surprises… I watch a lot of movies. I’m always paying attention to which films win awards at the big film festivals like Cannes and Berlin – such creative and masterful work emerges there. And I love to learn about films that have been influential on filmmakers. Letterboxd is a great resource to discover which retro films are still resonating with new audiences.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ve only just arrived in my position as Creative Producer at the National Film and Sound Archive, and I can genuinely say I hope to still be in the role in five years’ time! It’s a wonderful opportunity and a special place to work.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
My career has been very bespoke but there’s value in what I’ve learned. Find work that’s meaningful to you and maximise every opportunity. When the role you want isn’t available, create it! Continue to evaluate your career choices and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself.
What advice would you give your past self?
I’d tell my younger self to be bold and take more risks. I’ve gained so much in recent years by being brave and pushing past my comfort zone, and I wish I’d done it more when I was younger.
