Education News

ACTF virtual learning events enable students to connect with media industry professionals, regardless of their school’s location. In our latest event, inquisitive primary students from all over Australia had the chance to interview The Inbestigators. 

Schools from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria participated in our most recent video conference, which featured Anna Cooke, Abby Bergman, Aston Droomer, and Jamil Smyth-Secka – cast members from the popular children’s series The Inbestigators.

Now showing on ABC ME in Australia and on Netflix internationally, and available to download from the ACTF Shop, The Inbestigators is a mockumentary comedy series about a backyard detective agency run by children. The clever series begins on 10-year old Maudie’s first day at school.

When Maudie (Anna Cooke) expertly solves a crime with her Grade 5 classmates Ezra (Aston Droomer), Ava (Abby Bergman) and Kyle (Jamil Smyth-Secka), the future is obvious: the four friends must work together to solve playground and neighbourhood mysteries. Along with the humour we’ve come to expect from Gristmill (the creative team behind Little Lunch), The Inbestigators forefronts critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it a series that appeals to both students and their teachers.

With guidance from our Teacher Support Materials, participating schools formulated questions to ask the four young actors during our live webinar. While developing student voice and agency, this process also shaped the content of the webinar, and revealed the interests of the child audience.

Behind the scenes of The Inbestigators Q&A. 

Year 5 students from Streaky Bay Area School (SA) used the opportunity to learn more about the media industry. They asked the young cast members about the duration of filming and post-production, balancing schoolwork and acting, and if it is confronting to act in front of the crew and cameras. This class’ interests were shared by Year 4 students from Vale Park Primary School (SA), who asked whether acting can build confidence, and whether a growth mindset is important in acting.

The Inbestigators cast signs posters for webinar participants.

We greatly enjoyed the opportunity to interview and learn from Anna, Abby, Aston and Jamil, and positive feedback from schools assures us that participating students felt the same. If you would like to watch (or re-watch!) for yourself, an on-demand version of The Inbestigators Q&A Webinar will be uploaded to the ACTF YouTube channel in the coming weeks.