Lucy Gaffy: The Next Step series

Writer/director Lucy Gaffy shares her experience transitioning from short films to TV series.

Needing advice on taking the next step in your screen career? ‘The Next Step’ series will showcase a selection of creatives who have made or are making the transition from short form (short films, web series) to long form content (TV series, feature films). Subscribe to Screen Australia’s newsletter for additions to the series.

In this episode, Lucy Gaffy reveals how she had a charmed introduction to the film industry when her AFTRS graduate short film The Love Song of Iskra Prufrock garnered multiple accolades. However, she quickly realised it wasn’t going to be like this for every film she made.

“At the time it was nominated for an AFI, which has become an AACTA, so it was such a big beginning and in a way I kinda thought ‘Oh, this is what always happens with a short film.’ Pfft. Little did I know!”

Gaffy describes how important mentors are, explains how she got the opportunity to direct an episode of Doctor Doctor and her experience of directing The Unlisted while she was seven months pregnant. Gaffy offers sage, practical advice that’s a must-watch for any up-and-coming director.