AFTRS Open

The death of radio is greatly exaggerated. "In the last 30 years we’ve seen an absolute explosion of radio channels and stations. Within the 44 countries in the UN definition of Europe...there are roughly 15,000 broadcast radio outlets, about one for every 50,000 people. Ten years ago there were half as many." The Guardian, October 2011 The aim of this two day course is to provide participants with the resources, storytelling skills and contacts that will enable them to create long ... [More]

Errol Morris: Mr. President, I have three questions to you. Number one: did you know the nuclear warheads were there? Number two: if you did, would you have recommended to Khrushchev in the face of an U.S. attack that he use them? Number three: if he had used them, what would have happened to Cuba? - THE FOG OF WAR (Errol Morris, 2003) Michael Moore: Well, here’s my first question: You think it’s a little dangerous, handing out guns in a bank? - BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE (Michael Moore,... [More]

Capture and tell the real ‘days of our lives’ through documentary storytelling. Using facts, ‘documents’, eyewitness accounts and perspective on events and issues are the basis of all good documentaries. The ability to weave those elements together into an engaging story is just as important. This one day practical course will introduce you to the key principles of ‘factual’ storytelling including developing your story, filming, interviewing and editing which are all essential skill... [More]

1st AD John Martin (The Hunter, Rake, Love My Way, Somersault, Two Hands, etc.) leads this 2 day ADG approved course specifically targeted at those wanting to work as an Assistant Director in Film & TV. It is designed for those with limited on set experience but with a clear intention to become an Assistant Director. It will provide extensive & detailed information on what is expected on a day-to-day basis from a 2nd AD and a 3rd AD plus an introduction into some of the complexities... [More]

doc·u·men·ta·ry adjective Movies, Television. Based on or re-creating an actual event, era, life story, etc., that purports to be factually accurate and contains no fictional elements:a documentary life of Gandhi. Have an idea for a documentary but aren’t sure where to start? Interested to learn more about the genre? This 2 day course will give you everything you need to know about documentaries and how to start moving your documentary ideas into actual productions. AFI nominated do... [More]

Do you want to make entertaining and compelling documentaries? Industry insider Helen Gaynor will show you how. Helen Gaynor has been directing, shooting, writing, and producing drama, documentary and factual content for Australia leading broadcasters (ABC TV, SBS TV, Seven, Nine and Ten Networks, and some educational and corporate clients), for 30 years. She has been commissioned to produce for many of Australia’s leading production houses including, Beyond International, ScreenTim... [More]

"Keep the camera rolling no matter what!" Two time Academy Award nominee and winner of five AFIs David Bradbury leads this inspiring and practical class for emerging documentary filmmakers and journalists on the challenges of conflict zone documentary filmmaking both in Australia and around the world. Students will gain new insights into: Planning, shooting and selling politically themed documentaries Working with small, mobile crews and as a ‘one man band’ The relationships among m... [More]

Creating a radio documentary can be a complex, challenging and creative experience – there are as many “do's” as there are “dont's”. Led by experienced producer Hamish Sewell, this 1 day course will introduce you to the technical and creative skills that will allow you to produce your own short radio feature with a clearer understanding of the editorial and technical process pathway. Hear and work through examples of this rich storytelling and the techniques required to create compe... [More]

A great researcher is an asset to any production, and this course is designed to give you the key skills to work across all genres of factual television. Course participants will learn through practical exercises, lectures, screenings and discussions about how to research and write a one off series doco, magazine segment or current affairs proposal. Subjects covered will include: • how to identify potential stories and angles for different program formats • The different research to... [More]

This two day masterclass is designed for documentary and drama directors and producers to learn how to use the web to tell and promote their stories in a multi-platform environment. Delivered by award winning new media expert, Sohail Dahdal (First Australians & Lonely Planet TV), participants will explore the following: + Extending your story through the use of social media + Multi-platform 360° storytelling + Shooting for the Web + Funding & business models + Distribution channels:... [More]