Tomoya Ogata for Act One

Tomoya is one of my students, and working with him on this teaser for Act One felt natural. He came to Melbourne from Japan, and like many young people I meet, he’s learning to find his place in a new environment. What I admire about him is how open he is to the unknown — whether that’s pulling shots behind the coffee machine, training as an athlete, or stepping in front of a camera.

The teaser we shot together is short, but it carries his energy. Tomoya brings a mix of discipline and creativity that isn’t easy to describe, but it shows on screen. For me, this wasn’t just about filming — it was about spending time with someone who is navigating change with honesty and courage.