Andrew Fraser (2009)
For Andrew Fraser (2009), a career behind the camera began with a simple drama class at Ballarat Grammar.
From filming school projects to capturing some of Australia's biggest sporting and entertainment events, his journey is a testament to following your passion, embracing opportunities and saying yes to experiences.
"It all started at Ballarat Grammar," he reflects.
Arriving at the School just as the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts (WCPA) opened, he found himself immersed in the creative arts. The state of the art facilities, recording studios and hands-on learning opportunities fuelled a growing passion for film and television production.
He credits teachers including Steve McDonnell, Josh Waters and Kurt Geyer, all of whom brought valuable industry experience into the classroom.
"I first picked up a video camera in a Year 8 or 9 Drama class, and that's where it all began."
By Year 10, he was already gaining industry experience through work placements with LiveScreen Broadcast and ProVideo. Those opportunities soon led to casual camera work covering Victorian thoroughbred and harness racing on Sky Racing.
After graduating from Ballarat Grammar, he completed a Certificate IV in Screen and Media while continuing to build experience across the industry. A week working with FlyCam Australia at the 2010 Bathurst 1000 proved to be a turning point, and more than 15 years later, FlyCam remains his primary employer.
No two days are ever the same.
While many people imagine film and television production as glamorous, he says the reality is countless early mornings, late nights, equipment maintenance and careful preparation behind the scenes.
"The exciting events are only one part of the job. There's a lot of work that happens before and after the cameras start rolling."
His career has taken him across Australia and overseas, including Hawaii for the Ironman World Championship. Along the way, he has worked on some of the country's most iconic events, including six Supercars Bathurst 1000s, the Adelaide 500, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australian Open, Carols by Candlelight, ABC's Hard Quiz and the Cold Chisel Big Five-0 concert.
Among his favourite moments are the spectacular aerial FlyCam shots during Carols by Candlelight, revealing the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as thousands gather below, and the sweeping sunset shots over Melbourne Park during the Australian Open.
Although his work regularly places him alongside well-known personalities and sporting legends, he says they quickly become part of the job.
Looking back, he says Ballarat Grammar provided much more than technical skills.
Coming from a small primary school in Hamilton, the transition to Ballarat Grammar was significant, but it opened the door to opportunities that simply weren't available elsewhere. Subjects such as Music Industry Skills, access to professional-standard facilities and the experience of boarding all helped prepare him for life beyond school.
"Boarding wasn't always easy as a Year 7 living two-and-a-half hours from home, but it taught me independence and prepared me well for life after school."
His advice to current students is simple: follow what genuinely interests you.
"There are lots of unconventional career paths available. Grades are important, but they're not everything. Everyone's journey is different, so take every opportunity you're given and enjoy the ride."
For students considering media or broadcasting, he stresses that success comes from passion, persistence and building relationships.
Finally, he paid tribute to several Ballarat Grammar staff who left a lasting impression.
He credits former Dart House Head Rob Olsten as the reason he came to Ballarat Grammar, recalling a chance meeting at Hamilton's Sheepvention that changed the course of his education. He also acknowledges Allan Pitson and Bruce Pipkorn for their guidance during his boarding years, describing the friendships, life lessons and support he received at Dart House as an important part of his Grammar experience.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
