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Helpful Hints for Applicants

Applicants to The Film School do not require any previous experience in the film or television industry. All applicants are treated on their merits and successful candidates for the course will be chosen after individual interviews.

The only formal eligibility requirement is that you must be eighteen years of age. However, there are certain skills and abilities which would give you an advantage if you were contemplating a career in the film and television industry. We have compiled the following list which may help you with your application:

• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work as part of a team - good interpersonal skills
• Performance experience, e.g. kapa haka, theatre, music, dance
• Knowledge of still photography
• Graphic design skills
• Knowledge and appreciation of films and filmmakers
• Knowledge and appreciation of New Zealand films, filmmakers and the New Zealand film industry
• Relevant trade training or employment (e.g. electrical, mechanical)
• Ability to sketch or draw
• Proven work ethics
• Marketing/business/commerce background
• Drivers licence (heavy trade vehicle licence would be a bonus)
• First Aid Certificate

This is not an exhaustive list, but rather some guidelines for the type of person who could be a successful applicant.

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New Zealand and Australian Students

New Zealand resident students are eligible to apply for student loans and allowances, provided they meet Studylink criteria. New Zealand resident students may borrow the full amount of the fees.

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International Students

International students will need to apply for a student visa. Details are available from the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz.

CODE: The New Zealand Film and Television School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE: In addition to the conditions listed here, all conditions that are part of the contract with the student, the fees refund policy and other school policies also apply.

1. Students must accept and abide by rules regarding behaviour and conduct that apply to all students. Unacceptable behaviour may result in the termination of tuition.
2. Students must observe the laws of New Zealand.
3. Students must observe the conditions of their Visa and Student Permit. If a student breaks the terms of the visa/permit, the school will report the fact to the New Zealand Immigration Service, which may result in the student having to leave New Zealand.
4. The student will attend the school on all occasions when it is open unless prevented by illness or other urgent cause.
5. Tuition may be terminated if the student fails to comply with the school rules or breaches the conditions of their visa.
6. Tuition fees will be paid in full before enrolment.
7. The conditions of the Fee Refund Policy will be accepted
8. All students are required to have travel and medical insurance for the duration of their period of enrolment. The student must make their own arrangements and proof must be provided that the insurance purchased is adequate.
9. All disputes will be dealt with in New Zealand law.
10. The school's complaints procedure for international students will be used to deal with grievances.
11. Student must inform the school of their address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address (whichever applies). The student will advise the school of any change in the contact details of the student.

The student will provide academic, medical and other information that is relevant to the wellbeing and course placement of the student.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: International students are required to have a level of English language proficiency appropriate to the nature of the course. The film industry uses a lot of specialised language, and academic language skills are less important than an ability to learn new words and communicate clearly and effectively. All international students will have a minimum of 6.0 IELTS English ability. Every applicant is interviewed, either in person or by telephone. The appropriateness of this proficiency will be further evaluated in the interview process through an informal discussion with the staff. The interview is an opportunity for the staff to get to know the applicant and for the applicant to gain a better understanding of the school.

HEALTH: All students are expected to have a good standard of health and fitness to enable them to carry out the physical demands of the course.

IMMIGRATION: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz

ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz

ACCIDENT INSURANCE: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz.

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. The Film School will accept insurance policies from overseas, provided a copy is provided in English. Evidence of medical and travel insurance must be provided at enrolment.

WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND: International students may apply to work up to 20 hours per week while studying; they may apply to work full-time over the summer holidays; they may apply for a six-month open work permit after graduation. Their partners may apply for a work permit, valid for the duration of the course.

LIVING IN WELLINGTON: For information about life in Wellington, go to www.wellington.govt.nz.

Accommodation

There is a range of accommodation options for students at The Film School. The school is located in Newtown, an area with a large number of students. The Film School has no on-campus accommodation.

Accommodation options include:

1. Flatting. Typically this will involve sharing a house or an apartment with other people, often students.
   • You and your flatmates will be responsible for the rent, power and other utility costs.
   • Flats and/or flatmate positions can be found in the ‘To Let’ columns of the local newspaper, The Dominion Post.
   • Or on Trademe, www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-me-property/

   Costs are likely to be:

   • Rent - $100-150 per week
   • Power - $10-20 per week
   • Telephone - $10-20 per week
   • Food - $60-100 per week
2. Boarding. This involves renting a room in a house or apartment, often from a family.
   • The family will be responsible for providing the accommodation, power and often the meals.
   • Because these are included, the cost is often higher than flatting.
   • Boarding positions can be found in the ‘To Let’ columns of the local newspaper, The Dominion Post.

   Costs are likely to be:

   • Rent - $175-300 per week
   • Power - included
   • Telephone - $10-20 per week
   • Food - included
3. Student accommodation run by other tertiary organisations. This could involve renting a self-contained unit in a residential facility, or a room in a 3-, 4- or 5-bedroomed apartment with other students.
   • The facility will provide the room and minimal furniture.
   • All units are either self-catering or have communal kitchens where you prepare your own meals.
   • Go to the following website:
     http://wellington.massey.ac.nz

     This site details accommodation provided by Massey University. Please note that some of its options are for Massey University students only. Please check to see if they will take students from other institutions such as The Film School.

     A useful site for locating all kinds of available student accommodation in Wellington: http://www.vuw.ac.nz

Other Costs

You will also need to consider other costs when living in Wellington. These may include:

• Transport - $10-30 per week
• Entertainment - $20 – 60 per week
• Medical – a visit to the doctor is likely to be $40 - 60

The contact person for accommodation concerns at the Film School is the Director, Tommy Honey.

The Film School makes no assessment of the suitability of accommodation on behalf of students.

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