At just 15, Charlotte McLaverty was already directing films that tackle the issues teens actually care about. She shares the setbacks, small wins and lessons that shaped her creative journey – and why you don't have to wait until you're 'grown up' to start telling stories that matter.
Charlotte McLaverty picked up her first camera before she was even a teenager, and by 15 years old, she was directing Dolly’s Dream, a short but powerful film about the effects of bullying. Since then, her work with Trop Jr – Australia’s short-film competition for creatives aged 15 and under – has explored social issues that impact young audiences, establishing her as one of our most exciting young voices in film.
Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a fan of Trop Jr, or just curious about turning a creative passion into a career, Charlotte’s story is proof that you don’t have to wait until you’re ‘grown up’ to start telling the stories that matter to you.
WHEN CHARLOTTE’S LOVE OF FILMMAKING STARTED
“As long as I can remember I was picking up my mum’s phone or dad’s camera to make stories. So it started even before my teens and has evolved with my interests and experiences over the years.”
THE STORY BEHIND DOLLY’S DREAM
“After my Trop Jr Film Social, which also explored social issues, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation [an Australian charity] approached me to direct Dolly’s Dream. It was an opportunity to tell an important story that could genuinely help people, and that’s exactly the kind of filmmaking I love.”
LEARNING TO HANDLE SETBACKS AND REJECTION
“Not getting opportunities I’ve worked really hard for. It never feels good in the moment, but every setback has taught me resilience. In the film industry, rejection is inevitable, and learning how to keep creating anyway has probably been one of the most valuable lessons.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN FILMMAKING
“If you’re passionate then keep fighting for that path. [Think about] how lucky [you are] to get to make a career out of what you love. And don’t let anyone make you feel like your stories aren’t worth telling, they absolutely are.”
BUSTING THE BIGGEST FILM INDUSTRY MYTH
“[That] it’s an easy job over a 9–5. It isn’t, it’s a 24/7! You’re constantly writing ideas down, solving problems, preparing for shoots, or thinking about your next project. It’s a lot of work, but if you love it, it never really feels like work.”
THE DREAM PROJECT ON CHARLOTTE’S VISION BOARD
“I’m always drawn to stories that explore human behaviour and social issues. I recently wrote a psychological thriller about women’s safety and gut instinct, and I’d love to bring that to life one day.”
ONE SMALL STEP TO START CREATING TODAY
“Create your own work. Learn from your failures. Find out what works for you.”
ADVICE TO HER 15-YEAR-OLD SELF
“Spend more time on the sound design on my Trop Jr film now I’ve had to watch it 100 times! But seriously, I’d also tell myself not to be afraid of making mistakes. Every film teaches you something, and that’s how you improve.”
QUICK QS WITH CHARLOTTE
A film that changed the way you see the world:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Three words that describe your creative process:
Curious, collaborative, chaotic.
Sunrise or late-night creativity:
Late, always.
Favourite quote or mantra:
The water doesn’t get warmer if you jump later!
WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN FILM?
Feeling inspired to pick up a camera? Trop Jr is Australia’s short-film competition for creatives aged 15 and under – the same launchpad that helped Charlotte find her voice. Entries open Friday 15th August 2026, so grab your phone or camera, tell the story only you can tell, and submit your film at tropfest.com/tropjr.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve broken down the whole process – from first idea to final edit – in our guide How to Make a Short Film. Perfect for anyone dreaming of their own Trop Jr moment.
For more inspiring young Australians, browse the Teen Breathe Community section or pick up the latest issue for more mindful inspiration.
