FOR actor Stephen Curry, taking time-out to escape the glum Victorian winter this time of year is a no-brainer.

While locals in Port Douglas have been commenting on the cooler conditions here in recent days (its 26 degrees today), the popular star of The Castle wonders if a weather app is even necessary in Far North Queensland.

“Do you guys even bother watching the weather report up there with your balmy winter sunsets? It’s bloody freezing in Melbourne,” he joked ahead of the Port Shorts Masterclass Series this weekend.

Curry will arrive in Port Douglas on Friday alongside respected Executive Producer Matt Hearn (Wolf Creek) and talented screenwriter Kier Shorey (Blurred) for the free film workshop at the iconic Sugar Wharf on Saturday 20 August.

They’ll also take part in a school workshop at the Mossman State High School on Friday, joined by Queensland Production Incentive and Attractions Manager Gina Black and New York Film Academy Australia’s Brian Vining and Dean Mayer.

“Matt Kier and I are very excited to be involved in these workshops helping young and emerging filmmakers develop their skills and build confidence in their craft,” Curry said.

“To be honest, i’m probably not going to be much help, but the rest of the panel really know their stuff so it should be a great opportunity for anyone interested in filmmaking to come along and pick their collective brains.”

One of the those aspiring filmmakers will be Mossman State High School’s Bill Mason. The year 11 student is a director of a school team Curry and Hearn have challenged to finish shooting a short film. The students have been presented with an opening scene written and shot by the industry heavyweights, with the two winners to be screened as part of the Port Shorts Film Festival on October 28-29.

'I think it is a good opportunity to work with professionals and to rub shoulders with the people I might end up working for later,” Bill told Newsport today.

Mossman State High School teacher Elliot Davidson said the Port Short Masterclass series gave budding filmmakers and arts students in the region an authentic, industry led experience.

“Because of the amazing support of Festivals Australia, REACH Arts, the New York Film Academy and three amazing individuals (Curry, Hearn, Shorey), Port Shorts has been able to offer a unique opportunity to our best film and television students,” Davidson said.

“The students are excited and a little nervous about their challenge to make a film working with Stephen Curry and co, but I think they will impress with themselves, and us.”

The Port Shorts Masterclass will run from 1-5pm this Saturday 20 August at the Sugar Wharf, and be followed by Sunset drinks from 5pm-7pm.

For more information on the 2016 Port Shorts Film Festival on October 28 and 29 visit www.portshorts.com or check out the Port Shorts Facebook Page.