Rory is an emerging, disabled, LGBT, freelance creative/all-rounder who has lived on unceeded Gumbaynggirr country (Coffs Harbour) for the past decade. She is an MEAA accredited journalist/photojournalist, and an AIPP accredited professional photographer, as well as working in film and television since 2012.
Rory completed a Bachelor of Digital Media & Communications (Journalism/Screen) in 2017 and received the Northern Star Prize for graduating first in her degree. She has also completed courses from Sundance Film Institute, AFTRS, Actors Centre Australia, and Screenworks.
Rory works in a variety of roles in film production ranging through directing, producing, DOP, 1AC, editing, AP, stills photography, and she is very happy taking on any of them! She prides herself on her flexibility and understanding of all elements of film production and is not precious about what role she may take on for any production, however, you will see her firmly in the directors’ seat for any of her own productions.
Rory currently undertakes work for private/corporate clients and individuals, in particular digital content, however, she has a particular passion for factual content with several personal projects at different stages of production. She currently works alongside several production companies in Coffs Harbour and beyond on a regular freelance basis. Rory is also a part of the SmartFella Media team who produce audio podcast “Australian True Crime”, and Meshel Laurie’s newsletter, “Brave”.
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Rory's short film "Ballet" has recently been selected for several film festivals. In particular, it has been nominated for Best International Short Film and the Indie Star Award at the Idyllwild Film Festival.
Rory also has extensive experience in theatre and acting, beginning as an actor at age 5, graduating to directing musicals and plays. Her last production was a brand-new iteration of “Heathers: The Musical” in 2019 which she directed alongside Pete Skelton as Musical Director, and Ash Ross as Choreographer. She is currently working on a top-secret project adapting a well-known Australian book turned play, into a film.
Rory is best known for her viral photography project ‘Still Not Asking For It’, but was also a finalist for SheDoc from the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2019, was shortlisted for AIDC “Cut to the Chase” 2020 and 2023. She has received scholarships from the Sundance Film Institute, Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, and Screenworks.
Rory regularly speaks out about issues relating to sexual and domestic violence at events such as International Women’s Day, #metoo debates, and at schools regarding healthy consent and relationships.
If you would like any more information, or just want to have a chat, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. Rory would love to know how she can help your production – whatever way that may be!