Staff.
Tommy Honey - Director
Tommy Honey has a background in education and creative management. He has taught in...
John Reid - Head tutor
John Reid is the Head Tutor and manages the delivery of the curriculum. This include...
Alison Langdon - Programme Co-ordinator
Alison Langdon is the Programme Co-ordinator responsible for co-ordinating the visit...
Jessica Charlton - Technician
Jessica Charlton is the Technician responsible for managing the technical aspects of...
Adèle Chapman - Receptionist/ Administrator
Adèle Chapman is the Receptionist/Administrator responsible for the operational sup...
Apply Now
Students wishing to apply must complete an application form. This may be submitted by e-mail or in hard-copy. Each student will be offered an interview, either by telephone or in person.
Resources.
Related sites
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The Programme
The Curriculum
The curriculum is organised into 12 modules, each of which covers a specific aspect of film production. These modules are not taught in a linear way i.e. in order of listing, but rather in an integrated way where several modules may be under way at any one time. This enables tutors to better reflect the process of filmmaking and also allows the flexibility to accommodate availability of visiting tutors and the ability to take advantage of production opportunities as they arise.
The course is delivered through both classroom and project-based learning. Students have the opportunity to test theory on a range of practical projects. During the year students will work together to make a number of short films including at least one drama and one documentary. The course culminates with production of several end-of year projects in term 4, managed as if they were professional productions. These films are generally screened at the graduation ceremony.
As the year progresses students will be given assistance to select the area(s) of the industry in which they wish to seek employment and will have opportunities to work in these specific areas on student productions. From the year’s work, students will be able to compile a showreel, which should showcase these areas.
How we work
Course structure
The Film School aims to prepare students in a realistic and practical way to take up a career in the film industry. To that end, the policies and practices of the School reflect current industry standards, and aim to replicate as closely as possible the workplace environment.
Each week students are issued with a call-sheet which outlines the week’s programme and requirements. Students are expected to be in attendance at the School from 8.45am until 4.45pm each weekday and to attend for extended hours if required for curriculum-based purposes.
Each term is 10 weeks long. Students have a week-long study break between terms, with the exception of the July intake, which has a longer break over the summer between Terms 2 and 3.
Application process
There are up to 22 places available for each course. Once we receive your application we will review it and determine whether you would be on a shortlist. If you are, we will request that you attend an interview. At that point you may submit samples of your work e.g. films or videos; photos; graphic designs, which you think may help us in the selection process. If you are not selected for an interview we will inform you promptly.
In your application and during your interview we will expect you to answer questions by giving your own views. Please do not try to second-guess what we would like to hear you say; be honest and straightforward in your written and oral answers.
We will be looking for a level of commitment and passion about the film industry and an understanding that hard work rather than glamour is at the heart of the business.
Students wishing to apply must complete an application form. This may be submitted by e-mail or in hard-copy. 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.
Modules.
- 01 Introduction to the Moving Image Media
Provides an overall introduction to the course with an historical and political overview and an introduction to genre and style.
Students will be able to: understand different film and television genres; write critical analyses; identify key developments, events and people, and the major government and industry organisations in the NZ industry.
- 02 Basic Production Principles
Analyses the difference between cinema and television, examines the specific principles and practices of both mediums and, in particular, introduces and identifies the principles and practices of film production.
Students will be able to understand: the function and operation of a film production office and a television station; on-set procedures; and the production process from pre- to post-production.
- 03 Story Telling with Pictures
Provides a theoretical and practical introduction to, and understanding of, visual composition and the means for achieving this using film and digital formats.
Students will be able to understand: film and digital camera operation; camera maintenance; filters; lenses/aperture/depth of field calculation; composition and framing; film stock; light meters; exposure; the camera crew.
- 04 Lighting
Introduces the characteristics, style and functions of lighting for both cinema and digital production.
Students will be able to: understand the characteristics and logic of lighting design and apply a variety of lighting styles; identify and understand the function of lighting equipment and accessories; understand the nature of light and its application in relation to the lens and to film and digital tape stock.
- 05 Script Development and Writing
Emphasises the importance of the written word and its visual interpretation and introduces students to professional screenwriting formats and to script development processes.
Students will be able to: understand the processes required to develop a synopsis, a treatment and a first draft screenplay.
- 06 Sound Recording
Introduces the theoretical and practical application of the principles of sound as applied to film and television production.
Students will be able to understand: the function and operation of sound recording equipment, microphones and boom pole; basic principles of acoustics; the processes involved in accurately synchronising sound and picture on film.
- 07 Directing for Film and Television
Provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of directing for film and television production.
Students will be able to: understand the roles and responsibilities of the director during development, pre-production, production and post-production; understand the processes involved in breaking down a script into scenes and compiling a shot list; accurately time a script.
- 08 Business Administration, Financing, Marketing and Distribution
Emphasises the vital roles of financing, marketing and distribution areas in the production chain; introduces basic business skills required to participate in the industry.
Students will be able to: understand the business processes involved in the financing and production of a film; demonstrate an understanding of the process of positioning a film in the marketplace; demonstrate the ability to write an appropriate proposal for funding; understand the nature and requirements of self-employment in a largely freelance industry.
- 09 Production Management
Introduces students to roles and responsibilities in the production management area and emphasises the importance of sound business and management principles and practices in the production environment.
Students will be able to: recognise the roles, responsibilities and procedures carried out in the production office; understand the roles and responsibilities of the location and unit managers, assistant directors and script supervisor.
- 10 The Art Department
Introduces the areas of production design and art department roles and responsibilities, and provides practical experience in these areas.
Students will be able to: understand the roles and responsibilities of the designer and the art department crew, and the processes involved in breaking down a script into art department requirements; understand the principles of applying basic make-up for film and television; prepare design plans for a production.
- 11 Post-Production
Provides both theoretical and practical instruction in the area of film and television post-production.
Students will be able to: understand the processes involved in assembling shots as they relate to a script; rough cut assembled shots and complete a fine cut; use both film and digital editing systems; compile a master soundtrack, including original music composition; understand the processes that film goes through in a film laboratory from rushes to final print.
- 12 Animation
Introduces an overview of the processes and practices of animation; provides practical experience in animation techniques.
Students will be able to: understand the processes involved in different systems of animation and complete a short animated piece.