About Jess
Hey! I’m Jess, a Film, TV and Journalism grad from the University of South Australia and the host of BTS with Jess. My TV program explores why art matters for young people and encourages them to get involved in creative projects.
I grew up in Williamstown and Gawler, and I love running youth art workshops, MC’ing events, and volunteering with local projects in my community like PACE Festival, the Gawler Christmas Parade, and the Gawler Relay for Life.
I discovered my passion for storytelling in 2021 while public speaking and MC’ing events. I enjoyed interviewing and hosting so much that I switched my degree from Education to a Bachelor of Creative Industries at UniSA, majoring in Film & TV and Journalism, and got involved with the university’s student radio station. In 2024, with the support of UniSA, I launched BTS with Jess. I've now finished my degree as of 2025, and I'm continuing to produce my show and expand my storytelling experience.
The focus on youth arts in my show comes from my own creative journey. Art has been a huge part of my life, and I know how much it can support young people’s wellbeing, self-expression, and personal growth. Through my TV show, I’m passionate about giving young people a platform to share their stories and experiences.
I grew up in Williamstown and Gawler, and I love running youth art workshops, MC’ing events, and volunteering with local projects in my community like PACE Festival, the Gawler Christmas Parade, and the Gawler Relay for Life.
I discovered my passion for storytelling in 2021 while public speaking and MC’ing events. I enjoyed interviewing and hosting so much that I switched my degree from Education to a Bachelor of Creative Industries at UniSA, majoring in Film & TV and Journalism, and got involved with the university’s student radio station. In 2024, with the support of UniSA, I launched BTS with Jess. I've now finished my degree as of 2025, and I'm continuing to produce my show and expand my storytelling experience.
The focus on youth arts in my show comes from my own creative journey. Art has been a huge part of my life, and I know how much it can support young people’s wellbeing, self-expression, and personal growth. Through my TV show, I’m passionate about giving young people a platform to share their stories and experiences.
About the show
BTS with Jess is an award-winning South Australian TV show created, produced, directed, and hosted by Jessica McCall.
Each episode of BTS with Jess features kids and teens sharing their creative journeys, showing how they make art, and why it matters. The program spotlights youth arts, young local creatives, and behind-the-scenes features through interviews, event coverage, and on-location storytelling. Filmed across South Australia by UniSA media students, the show airs on Channel 44 Adelaide, Channel 31 Melbourne, and CTV+.
Jessica, a UniSA journalism graduate from Gawler, is passionate about giving young creatives a platform to share their work and their stories. The show has interviewed over 100 young artists and highlighted initiatives and events that support youth arts engagement.
In 2025, BTS with Jess received three Antenna Award nominations, (community TV’s equivalent of the Logies!) and Jessica was named Personality of the Year, marking the biggest community television achievement for Gawler to date.
Season 1 premiered in 2024, Season 2 in 2025, and new episodes filmed in 2025 are currently in production!
Each episode of BTS with Jess features kids and teens sharing their creative journeys, showing how they make art, and why it matters. The program spotlights youth arts, young local creatives, and behind-the-scenes features through interviews, event coverage, and on-location storytelling. Filmed across South Australia by UniSA media students, the show airs on Channel 44 Adelaide, Channel 31 Melbourne, and CTV+.
Jessica, a UniSA journalism graduate from Gawler, is passionate about giving young creatives a platform to share their work and their stories. The show has interviewed over 100 young artists and highlighted initiatives and events that support youth arts engagement.
In 2025, BTS with Jess received three Antenna Award nominations, (community TV’s equivalent of the Logies!) and Jessica was named Personality of the Year, marking the biggest community television achievement for Gawler to date.
Season 1 premiered in 2024, Season 2 in 2025, and new episodes filmed in 2025 are currently in production!