Network Ten’s new children’s science show ‘SCOPE’, which premiered on Monday, is yet another achievement in the successful career of the show's Producer and CQCM graduate Ms Carla de Jong.

Carla completed her Bachelor of Music Theatre in 1998 from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and said her time at the CQCM has helped her to achieve what she has so far achieved in her career.

“I found in particular, the industry experience, the opportunity to work with professionals already in the industry and the contacts I made while studying at the CQCM, really helped to get my career up and running,” she said.

According to Carla she loved Mackay and had a great time.

“It was easy to study in Mackay as the relatively small number of students at the CQCM meant that I was able to build stronger friendships and have more one-on-one time with my lecturers,” she said. “Some of the programs were also tailored to suit my needs, something that is not possible in a larger institution".

“The staff and my fellow students were just wonderful and I still maintain contact with many of them today,” she said.

After completing her degree, Carla went on to study at NIDA in 1999. Her career in television began in 2002 when she completed a ‘Writing for Children’s Television’ course at AFTRS and then went on to be named as one of the “emerging producers” at the 2002 Screen Producers of Australia’s conference. It was here that she met the Head of Children’s Television at Network Ten and landed her first job in the elusive television industry.

Carla’s career then gained momentum and she went on to produce Network Ten’s award winning children’s television show ‘Totally Wild’. Now, as the producer of ‘SCOPE’, Carla says her life is very exciting and very busy.

‘SCOPE’, Mondays on channel 10 at 4pm, is hosted by CSIRO scientist Dr Robert Bell (Dr Rob). The show aims to tackle a new science topic each week in an off-the-wall kind of way which appeals to kids.

“It’s a half hour of fast, funny and informative scientific entertainment for children aged 8-12 years, which explores the science behind everything".

If you would like to begin your career in the entertainment industry, visit the CQCM web site at www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm.

Photo above: Successful producer of children’s television and graduate of the CQCM, Ms Carla de Jong.

Photo left: Dr Rob, a CSIRO scientist, is the host of Network Ten’s new children’s science show ‘SCOPE’, produced by Carla de Jong.