This is a tough industry, but it is definitely possible to succeed if you’re determined, keen and interested. You need to be constantly working on projects and you get this work by making connections and sustaining those connections.
Fusing talent and creative vision with a strong commitment to social justice, Genevieve Clay-Smith has not just succeeded in a notoriously difficult business – she’s working to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Genevieve first entered the spotlight in 2009 when her film, Be My Brother, won Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival. The film challenged audiences to look at their own prejudices, through a thought-provoking exploration of the life of a man with Down syndrome.
Be My Brother was her first inclusive film, engaging people with disabilities in key crew member roles. The process inspired her to co-found Bus Stop Films, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on creating inclusion within the film industry through workshops and training, film production opportunities and work placement for people who have a disability.
Genevieve is also the co-founder of Taste Creative, a boutique creative agency that makes innovative media content.
As well as being a successful filmmaker and entrepreneur, Genevieve also has an impressive list of awards to her name, including:
2014 Young Leader category winner of the Westpac/The Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence
2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year winner
2015 winner of Australia’s Top Female Creative award at the B&T Women in Media Awards
2015 UTS Young Alumni of the Year winner
2016 Community Organisation Award winner at the Australian Human Rights Commission's Human Rights Awards
