Spark that led Julia Bell to a career in storytelling

When Julia Bell walked onto Western Sydney University's Parramatta South campus for Open Day back in 2017, she didn’t just find information about a degree – she found a spark.

“I still remember stepping into the TV studio for the first time. It had TV cameras, a control room, greenscreens, very fancy audio equipment, and lots of big red buttons that I eventually got to press,” said Julia.

“The University offering these resources really solidified that this was the degree I wanted to pursue. Playing with all the fun toys both in the TV studio and from the loan store is something I wouldn't have been able to do on my own.”

Fast forward to today, and the twenty-five-year-old has completed her Bachelor of Screen Media (Arts and Production) and is currently studying a Master of Marketing at Western’s Parramatta City campus.

For Julia, who lives in Penrith and attended Wycliffe Christian School, the journey has always been about storytelling.

“I have always been drawn to film and storytelling, and a screen media degree gave me the opportunity to write, film, and branch out into other forms of media,” she said.

“After finishing screen media, I was still eager to learn more about the business side of the industry so pursued a degree in marketing, as it was a strong intersection of creative and business.”

While access to industry-standard facilities drew Julia to Western, it’s been the people who made her stay.

“Most of the positive experiences I have at Western relate to the people that are involved and the passion they bring to their subjects.”

Julia reflects fondly on working with Stewart Burchmore, a tutor in her TV production unit, where the class produced three episodes of a panel show called Is Cereal a Soup?

She highlights Asha Chand and Margot Dunphy as incredible and passionate journalists, and credits being in their units leading her down paths she didn't foresee but absolutely loved.

Julia encourages prospective students to see university as more than just classrooms and exams.

“The main reason I go for different experiences is to ‘throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks’. It is a really unique position to be in where you have the time and freedom to try out lots of different things and see what you like, or don't like, things you otherwise wouldn't have considered.”

“Coming out of high school, or even the HSC, where all of your time and energy is taken by these massive exams, at Uni you now have the time where studying might be a very important part of your life but it is not your entire life.”

An editor at the student news publication, WSU’P, her advice for anyone attending Western’s upcoming Open Day is simple, get curious.

“Explore all the options available, get involved in more than your degree, if that's clubs, volunteering, a cause, or a hobby. Just have something else in your life to balance yourself.”

“You are more than your grades, and you are more than what you can give to other people.”

While Julia doesn’t have a rigid plan, she knows one thing for certain – she wants to tell stories that matter, whether through journalism, filmmaking, or marketing.

“Ultimately, I love storytelling and helping others with this as well. Whether that is through journalism, filmmaking or marketing I don't know yet, but storytelling in any form is the one thing I always come back to.”

ENDS

2 July 2025

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer