In this episode of The Kitchen Think, I’m joined by Alwyn Hunt, co-founder of The Rookies, a global community helping emerging creatives explore pathways into games, filmmaking, animation, design and other creative industries.
We explore what happens when a young person loves playing games and wants to learn how to make one? Or watches a film and wonders what it would be like to create its characters and visual effects?
Alwyn explains how The Rookies connects students with learning resources, a community of peers and feedback from industry professionals. We discuss what teachers can do when a student’s interest in 3D art or game development goes beyond their own expertise, and how parents can better understand the careers available in these fields.
We also talk about Alwyn’s work in visual effects, the creative opportunities available here in Australia, and how AI is changing industry workflows. Throughout the conversation, Alwyn makes a compelling case for staying curious and developing the creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking that young people will need as these industries evolve.
With the first Rookies Schools Week coming up in October 2026, this conversation is a timely invitation to help young creatives see where their interests could take them.
Explore The Rookies and Rookies Schools Week at https://www.therookies.co/
Subscribe to The Kitchen Think for more conversations about education, creativity, technology and preparing young people for an AI-rich world.
Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - https://timkitchen.net/ctl is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity.
You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/
Chapters
01:19 Tell us a bit about what you do at Adobe and, more importantly, what you’re doing with The Rookies.
01:44 Tell us a bit more about The Rookies.
02:03 The Rookies is probably better known overseas than in Australia. Would that be accurate?
03:51 What advice do you have for teachers and students who have a passion for CGI or making games but are looking for the next step?
06:06 What is Adobe Substance, and how could it help students learn about 3D design?
07:27 Why would someone go into CGI or filmmaking if AI is doing it all these days?
07:34 Is that actually the case, or what’s happening in the industry?
10:25 How important is The Rookies’ professional network, and how can students get feedback and make industry connections?
12:08 What is the website address for people listening to the podcast?
13:18 Tell us about Rookies Schools Week.
14:40 At the end of Schools Week, what do you hope a young person will understand or feel more confident doing?
16:27 What other creative industry companies are working in Australia?