From ADF Barracks to the Logies Red Carpet: How Rolla Films and Paramount Brand Studios Created Australia's First Brand-Funded Series to Earn a Logie Nomination.

The goal of "Ultimate Classroom" was to transform a traditional classroom learning experience into an unforgettable field trip, showcasing the exciting applications of STEM subjects across various career areas. By focusing on young people getting excited about STEM, learning more about the fields, and engaging with activities through the lens of the ADF, the show aimed to inspire the next generation. Highlighted through a 4 x 22-minute TV series, the entertaining and challenging format showcases the broad range of skills STEM fields offer, encouraging young viewers to consider future opportunities within the ADF.

Expert ADF personnel, alongside STEM experts and our incredible hosts Eddie and Stephanie Bendixsen, mentored contestants and provided support, ensuring the teams were well-prepared to tackle tasks that showcase practical STEM applications. We built sets from the ground up in studio and utilized the RAAF barracks in Amberley, Queensland, to enhance the experience. By prioritizing STEM education over recruitment, "Ultimate Classroom" successfully captivated its audience and promoted a deeper understanding of the opportunities within STEM fields.

Michael Stanford (Head of Paramount Brand Studio) “ From humble beginnings, the Ultimate Classroom idea led to creating a series that changed perceptions, reached a million viewers, garnered over a million social media hits, increased knowledge of STEM roles within the ADF by 28 percent, and received a nomination for most outstanding children's program."Thankyou to our remarkable director producer duo Dean Bates and Mark Alston from Rolla Films; and of course our talented Paramount ANZ team I am so lucky to work with every day.”