Clare Young BIO

Clare made her first film at twenty years old, when her father asked her to document the story of their family’s survival of the Canberra bushfires in 2003. FIRING ON ALL PINS won the Canberra short film festival in 2004 and launched her career in documentary. She produced directed and edited several more short films, which won a string of local awards, broadcast on ABC, and played at festivals around Australia.

Sharpening her skills at Bearcage Productions (now WILDBEAR) for three years, Clare developed concepts for and directed programs for a variety of clients including the National Portrait Gallery, Old Parliament House, and Foxtel. She also worked as assistant to Jan Chapman through the post-production of BRIGHT STAR.

In 2012 Clare was awarded an artsACT grant for a mentorship with Oscar-winning writer/director Jane Campion. Clare was Jane’s assistant through the development and production of the Emmy Award winning mini-series TOP OF THE LAKE.

Clare’s debut short film as a writer/director LOVE FOREVER, was the sole Australian film selected to premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, in competition in the Orrizonti program showcasing the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in cinema last year. The film was supported by Arts ACT, received post-production funding through Screen Australia’s Hot Shots fund, and was executive produced by Jane Campion.

Clare is also developing her own original mini-series UNRULY GIRLS, inspired by the memories of girls who rioted at Parramatta Girls Home in 1961. UNRULY GIRLS was also selected as one of five projects chosen from 935 applicants for development through the SMART FOR A GIRL - ROAR initiative funded by Screen Australia. 

Clare is known for her authored approach to filmmaking, her ability to quickly build rapport with subjects, and for finding the heart of a story. Clare is a graduate of Media and Creative Writing from the University of Canberra 2004 (1st Class Hons).