Friends of GWF Meet Up
Come curious. Leave a little wiser.
We’re excited to welcome two talented local professionals to our 14th October 2026 Friends of Geelong Waterfront Film Meet Up at Beav’s Bar, Geelong.
Amanda & Bert LaBonté.
They’ll be sharing the things they’ve learnt along the way – the stuff they wish someone had told them earlier in their career.
Two industry perspectives. One great conversation.
Come along, ask your burning questions, hear a few industry secrets and find out what really happens behind the scenes.
There’ll be plenty of time to mingle, make connections and catch up with other people working (or hoping to work!) in the screen industry.
Filmmakers, writers, actors, producers, crew, students, creatives – anyone with an interest in film is welcome at our events. All ages, all abilities.
Meet our Special Guests & MC
Amanda LaBonté — Creative Producer
Amanda Labonte is an actor and self-taught create producer. She works across theatre, film, TV and Festivals.
Over the years, a lot of her work has been in Melbourne and across the country, however, these days she works on many Geelong projects.
She is the Artistic Director of Essential Theatre – celebrating women through story telling.
“From Page to Reality”
At our October Meet Up, Amanda will take us from “page to reality”, sharing what it takes to turn an idea and a script into a production either for film or theatre. She will use her current project, Seriens, as an example.
Bert LaBonté — Actor
Bert LaBonté is an Australian stage, film and television actor.
With a career that has spanned over 20 years, Bert’s roles include Five Bedrooms, The Newsreader, NCIS: Sydney, Fisk, and Colin from Accounts.
He is currently starring as Bill McCracken in 2026 TV series, Last Seen.
With extensive theatre and musical credits, he has also performed in productions including Moulin Rouge, The Book of Mormon, and coming in 2027, The Shawshank Redemption.
Bert is married to Amanda and they live in Geelong.
“The actor and director collaboration”
At our October Meet Up, Bert will talk about working with directors, the actor–director relationship and what makes a great collaboration on set with cast and crew.
Our superstar MC for the evening is Warwick Sadler.
Warwick is is a highly respected stunt coordinator and action director with over 30 years’ experience across major Australian and international film and television productions.
His credits include The Matrix Reloaded & Revolutions, Thor: Ragnarok, The Hobbit, Australia, Superman Returns and The Pacific. A long-time stunt double for Heath Ledger, Guy Pearce and Michael Fassbender, Warwick is known for designing action that is cinematic, safe and deeply connected to story and performance.
He most recently worked with Bert LaBonte on Last Seen.
Details:
Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St, Geelong
Wednesday 14th October
From 5.30PM | Special Guest chat at 6.30pm
Hearty Nibbles Included | Drinks at Bar Prices
Tickets $15 | $10 for Paid Up Friends of Geelong Waterfront Film
BONUS: 48:Hr Film Frenzy Shoot Out Encore!
We’ll be playing category winning shorts & maybe a few extras – in the background – throughout the night!