Bangalow’s newest arrival, Tim Franklin, appeared in over 300 episodes of Home and Away as local cop Colby Thorne, and has since shared the big screen with actors such as Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and Michael Caton. Here, he chats with Sally Schofield about his latest projects.
Like many of us, Tim Franklin moved to Bangalow for family reasons. “We had a little girl—Billie—two years ago, and I wanted her to have the same sort of relationship with nature that I did growing up by the beach,” says the actor. “So that was the goal, and also to be closer to family on the Gold Coast.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) from QUT, Tim spent 14 years in Sydney, a move that was once essential for career success. “Back then, after you graduated, you had to live in Sydney, Melbourne, or one of the bigger cities. But after COVID, the auditioning process changed, and you could audition from anywhere.
“As soon as we had Billie, I thought, ‘Well, this is the best time.’ I’m still auditioning all the time. You just need to be near an airport, really, and we’re right down the road from Ballina, so it’s perfect.”
While settling into life in the Hinterland, Tim noticed something was missing. “I realised there wasn’t a place where actors could train and perform weekly,” he says. After years of teaching at Australia’s top acting institutions, including AFTRS, TAFTA and JMC, he took the leap to create The Film Actors Studio, his own acting school in Byron Bay. “It’s been the most exciting, scary, tiring thing ever—but also the most rewarding.
“My goal is to bring professional screen-acting training to the Northern Rivers, with in-person and online coaching for actors at all levels,” he says.
The studio, based at Airship Studios in the Byron Industrial Estate, offers a structured evening class where actors can train and perform scenes. “The place is an absolute trip! It’s so quirky—the most creatively stimulating building I’ve ever been in,” he says. The threehour weekly session is held on Mondays from 6–9pm and covers acting techniques, performance fundamentals, partnered scene work and more. There are ongoing weekly sessions, the opportunity to drop in for casual visits, and potential participants are invited to ‘audit’ a class before committing.
“My approach is rooted in deep authenticity and fearless exploration. It’s about stripping away the performative and stepping into truth,” he says. “I’ve discovered a gorgeous community of actors in the area, especially up-and-coming talent. I’ve been blown away by how grounded people are.”
Tim is committed to fostering growth and connection through his studio, which will also host seasoned professionals for monthly industry Q&As.
“The first guest is going to be Jake Ryan,” he says. “Jake actually lives on my street. We were on Home and Away together, and now we’ve coincidentally ended up living on the same street. Next month, we’ve got Brenton Thwaites, an old industry mate who has worked with some incredible people. It’s really exciting.” Beyond The Film Actors Studio sessions, Tim also offers private coaching, working with well-known actors including Jake Ryan, Travis Jeffrey, Emily Weir, Sarah Roberts, Megan McKenzie and Thomas Doherty.
“They’re all established actors, and I work with them online. I also do a lot of private classes, helping people with auditions and providing creative mentorship,” he says, adding that focusing on wellbeing as well as craft is essential for longevity in what can be a “sometimes quite volatile industry.”
Tim has embraced the Hinterland lifestyle with ease. With a second child due in March, it’s hardly surprising that parenthood has become something of a creative inspiration.
“I’ve actually started writing my own series,” he says. “That’s one of the big projects I’ve kicked off this year. It’s about being a parent. It’s sci-fi, set in outer worlds.”
Tim has also connected with Bang Theatre and enjoys working with young actors in the area. “They are so receptive and open,” he says. “Everyone is so keen to create here, which is lovely.” Later this year, he will also be teaching directing at SAE in Byron Bay.
“I get a high from teaching—just seeing the change in people and their work. It’s become one of my great loves.”
Feature image Tim Franklin Photo Isaac Brown