Page 25 - Port Douglas Magazine 43

local talent.

you’re so secluded from the real world. It’s a small town and options can
sometimes feel limited but my upbringing gave me the free spirit that
I needed to follow my dreams,” he said. “I was just instilled with that
laidback Far North mentality of ‘everything will be okay’ and that gave me
the courage to just go for it”.

A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
You’ve probably seen some of Thomas’ work. He’s helped create the
fantasy worlds of The Mummy, Avatar, X, Pearl and his latest creation,
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, which was actually filmed in Far North
Queensland. “I remember getting a call saying we’re going for a technical
scout up to the Daintree Rainforest and it just felt like I’d come full circle.
Starting out as a kid, running around doing whatever I could to get my
foot in the door to then return as Head of Department, it was a bit
surreal,” he recounts. “When I told mum she really wanted me to go over
for lunch but I had to tell her I didn’t have time which didn’t go down too
well,” he laughed.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HOLLYWOOD
The film industry is famously competitive and Thomas is no stranger to
its challenges. “This industry is tough. You can go six months without
work, and the competition is fierce,” he said. “That’s why every job feels
exciting - it’s a reminder to stay humble and grateful because you never
know when the next opportunity will come.”
His advice to aspiring filmmakers? Be persistent and open-minded. “Don’t
be afraid to reach out to people. There are so many different roles in this
industry - catering, set building, service crew. If you’re passionate, start
wherever you can and work your way up. Networking and connections
“Starting out as a are everything.”

Thomas also encourages up and comers to get hands-on experience. “Go
kid, running around out and shoot stuff. Make little films about anything. Film school is great
if you can do it, but practical experience is invaluable and Port Douglas is
doing whatever I the perfect setting to create.”
With the opening of Screen Queensland in Cairns and the continuing
could to get my foot popularity of local showcase, Port Shorts Film Festival, there is no
shortage of opportunity for those keen to embark on a creative journey.
“A lot of producers are realising the potential of the Far North as a film
in the door to then destination and a lot of shows are now using it as a base,” he said. “They
also love to hire local people so if you’re interested in film, keep an ear
return as Head of out for opportunities - it’s closer than you think.”

Department, it was a ON THE HORIZON
While Thomas was tight lipped about his current project he did share
bit surreal” his bigger goals for the future. “The dream for me would be to direct
and produce one of my own films. It’s definitely a journey but ultimately,
that’s where my passion lies.”
Thomas’s journey from Port Douglas to Hollywood proves that big dreams
can come from small towns. “Port Douglas might seem like an obscure
place to start a film career, but it just goes to show that it doesn’t matter
where you’re from. If you’re passionate and persistent, opportunities will
arise - it’s just up to you to take them.”
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