A huge congratulations to AIM Academic and screen composer Dr Bonnie Green, who has composed the original score for the upcoming Australian feature film Mr Red Bean.
The project is a major milestone in Bonnie’s career and a great example of the kind of industry connection our academics bring directly into the classroom.
From networking event to feature film
Bonnie’s path to Mr Red Bean started the way a lot of real creative opportunities begin. She went to a networking event without knowing anyone and introduced herself to as many people as possible. One of those people was director Tony Chu.
Two years later, Tony reached out with a message asking if she would be interested in scoring his new feature. Bonnie describes it as one of those reminders of why showing up and being part of the creative community matters.
“I’m so glad I went to that event. This opportunity came from putting myself out there and meeting people,” she says.
Finding the sound of Mr Red Bean
As a physical comedy inspired by the rhythm and humour of Mr Bean, the score plays a huge role in bringing the film to life. For Bonnie, that was part of the excitement.
“This was my first feature film, and knowing it was a comedy really opened things up creatively. The music has space to move and play. It can lift the jokes and fill the gaps where there isn’t much dialogue,” she says.
Bonnie began by exploring Australian artists like The Cat Empire and then built the film’s music through a mix of quirky, upbeat and orchestral influences. Instead of working alone for long stretches, she invited director Tony Chu into her studio to refine cues together.
“It became a really collaborative process. Having the director there meant instant feedback, and it helped build trust in a way I really valued.”
Why AIM students benefit from industry working academics
For AIM students, Bonnie’s work on Mr Red Bean is more than a success story. It means they are learning from someone who is actively composing for the screen right now.
Because her professional work is ongoing, she can teach using current workflows, current challenges and the realities of working with directors, budgets and deadlines.
“The things I am learning in real time, I can pass on immediately. Whether it is about collaborating with directors, navigating contracts or recovering from mistakes.”
Bonnie often brings real projects into her sessions. She shows students her sessions, templates, email approaches and even the moments where things went wrong. It helps students understand what the industry is actually like rather than what it might look like on paper.
“I want to help them prepare for the real world. That includes the things no one told me at the start.”
This is a key part of AIM’s academic approach. Students learn from creatives who are doing the work today, not from people who did it once a decade ago.
What’s next for Bonnie?
After finishing Mr Red Bean, Bonnie has already begun work on two new short films.
One is being developed for Tropfest in 2026, and another will be scored with the director sitting in the studio with her for a full dedicated week.
Ready to learn under industry-connected academics?
Apply now and study with creative professionals who are actively shaping the industry today.
