AFTRS Open

What does a Producer do? This introductory, one-day course for emerging producers with Martin Brown, the Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning producer of Moulin Rouge! and Romeo+Juliet, will explain the roles and workflow of a producer and explore the most effective ways to produce film projects. At the end of this course participants will have: • an understanding of the different roles of Producers (Executive, Associate, Line, Co-, Associate, etc.). • a familiarity with the maj... [More]

This intensive, nuts-and-bolts workshop introduces the specialised skills of film and television production accounting to those with little budgeting and accounting experience. The course will also examine the effect of the Australian Screen Production incentive. Outcomes: By the end of the course participants will have: A clear understanding of budgeting, cashflow, bank account management, record keeping, contracts, insurance, tax, GST, super and cast and crew awards. Skills in the... [More]

A film approved and made under a co-production arrangement is treated as a ‘national film’ of each of the participating countries, and is accorded all the benefits each country offers. Since the inception of the official co-production program in Australia in 1986, treaties have been signed with 11 countries. The concept of co-productions may seem daunting at first, however in a small film & TV market like Australia’s they can be the final push to bring projects to fruition. Golden G... [More]

This one day workshop shows you how to capture a story on your iPhone & iPad and transmit it back to base. Learn how to shoot quality (and watchable) video stories from your iPhone & iPad and create stories on the go from the field. Plus gain experience in: framing, focus, sound, coverage, locations, sound, props and dealing with interviewees. You’ll cover the role of a producer, sequencing and visual storytelling techniques. You’ll also gain skills working in front of the camera to... [More]

The low budget feature film – it can be done. Tait Brady’s two day intensive course for emerging feature film producers, writers, directors and line producers will show you all the insider tips and skills to make your low budget feature a success. Both practical and conceptual, this workshop aims to lead filmmakers through the minefield of low budget production possibilities and pitfalls. Using case studies from a range of recent productions – ultra low budget (under A$500,000) and ... [More]

A completed short film script in five days! Students will learn from working Industry professionals and plenty of inspiring guest speakers to take their stories from initial idea through treatment and draft stage, to a finished, polished script ready to be pitched on the final day. Story structure, theme, character, roadblocks, arcs, tension, conflict and resolution will be explored as they are used in filmmaking through fast paced lectures and workshops. With five days and a maximu... [More]

"Enjoyed everything about the course from building your own brand to tackling tax. I would not be this far forward with my business had I not done it." Student, 2012 Presented by Monica Davidson, Running Your Own Creative Business is absolutely essential for those seeking a successful career in any creative industry: Film & TV, Visual Artists, Musicians, Performers, Writers etc. Although as creatives we often prefer to concentrate on creative output, financial viability and success ... [More]

The script is ready – are you? In this five day filmmaking intensive, students will get busy in the AFTRS state-of-the-art studio to take a Winter School Week One winning script to screen. Experienced industry filmmakers will guide students with lectures and fast paced practical exercises to conquer the major areas of Directing, Cinematography, and Post Production. You’ll learn how to analyse, break down, and rehearse a short script, to plan a shoot and work within a budget, work wi... [More]

"To make a film, the final big collaborator that you have is the composer.” Paul Thomas Anderson Ever wondered how to draw an income from making your own music? With employment of music directors and composers in the US expected to grow by 10% by 2020, now is the time to learn the basics of music composition for film & TV. Over two weekends, students will have the opportunity to use their creative skills in AFTRS’ state of the art facilities to compose a two minute piece of music an... [More]

Multiple award winning filmmaker Jason van Genderen has made his mark by creating compelling stories using creativity, technique and, at times, the simplest and most readily available equipment. Always a custodian of content over craft, in 2008 he experimented with filming on his mobile phone (a Nokia N95), making a short with no script, storyboard, actors, narration or budget. Mankind is no Island went on to win Tropfest NY (both Best Film and People’s Choice awards), plus an IF Aw... [More]