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NEW ZEALAND FILM ACADEMY
www.nzfilmacademy.com CREATING FILM MAKERS
The New Zealand Film Academy (NZFA) was set up for one reason:
WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FILM. We believe in a hands-on approach that gets you immersed in the real world of filmmaking. Everything from understanding the equipment you’ll be using to the art of visual storytelling and the challenging dynamic of being part of a creative team. You’ll get the insights and experience you need to focus your sights on this exciting and rewarding industry.
• Our classes are small. We constantly assess the progress of each student, tailoring our classes to suit their needs. Everyone has different goals when they come to us, which is why we can adapt our approach to suit your needs. This is reflected in our policy of accepting a maximum of 16 students on each intake. Less is most definitely more.
So what makes the NZFA different from other film course providers?
• Our courses are short. We train future crew members, not academics and we understand that people learn fastest by doing. So that’s what you can expect from our tuition. 16 weeks is just enough time to keep students busy, with deadlines, hard work, and to some degree, the stress that you’ll encounter when you enter the industry.
• We have no full time tutors. Our tutors are active specialists within the local film and television industry, at the top of their game, ready to give real-world and up-to-date guidance. This is key to you leaving the NZFA as an employable graduate.
Course Description
CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED FILM MAKING AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION 16 weeks (NZQA LEVEL 4)
You will learn how to make films by making them. You’ll be involved in a number of different filmmaking challenges, including exercises and short films. This can include pitching, writing, casting, scouting, set design, lighting, shooting, directing actors, editing and production management. You’ll work in small production crews to maximize the attention and hands-on experience you need in order to learn. It’s fun, challenging and intense. During the day there are classes and after hours you shoot, edit or prepare for the next shoot. Our curriculum is delivered entirely by tutors who have their own ongoing careers within the New Zealand & international film industries. Occasionally a number of tutors are available all at the same time. In that case, we might shoot an exercise with professionals as HODs (Heads
of Department) so students can gain experience of being on a professional film set. We base our curriculum on three key principles: 1. Developing your ability to tell dramatic stories 2. Gaining technical skills 3. Acting professionally in and contributing to a team By the end of 16 weeks, we aim to give you the confidence and knowledge to make your own short films and to make an informed decision on a career path in the film and television industry. You will also have begun a network – not only in New Zealand, but also internationally as we have filmmaking students from Europe, America and Asia.
APPLIED FILM MAKING AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION 8 weeks
The eight week course is the first eight weeks of the longer 16 week course, and comprises the first two short film projects. The course length is geared towards those who want to have a brief introduction to filmmaking, what’s expected of certain crew roles, and how to handle camera and basic lighting equipment. This course suits those who may not yet know if a career working in the film industry is for them, and would like to try it out first in a student setting. Pre-requisites are the same as for the 16 week course above, and participants who finish the 8 week course are awarded an NZFA Certificate of completion.
Testimonials The New Zealand Film Academy can be your first step towards finding work in the film and television industry or going deeper into this subject in higher education. Whatever your background, you’ll be thinking about the next step once you’ve graduated from the NZFA. Apart from right here in New Zealand, our students come from all over the world, including the UK, USA, AUSTRALIA, SCANDINAVIA, EUROPE, SOUTH AMERICA and SOUTHEAST ASIA.
SAMIR PATIL – JANUARY 2013
SHANE DEED – MAY 2012
“I found out about the academy on the internet and came especially to New Zealand just for this course. It suited me perfectly as it was short and its design looked alright. But I had no idea how it will be like in reality. At the end of the course it was like ages flashed in few seconds. It was great fun all the time. Everyone from different countries speaking the same language of passion, films. It was full on and I learned so much, especially about industry standard work ethics and how to make the best use of everything available. The best part, I met people who inspired me to keep chasing the dream.”
“This course was extremely useful to me. Before attending I knew about 10% compared to what I know now. They cover the entire process of film making from story- pitching (which gets easier, the more you do it) to shooting and editing. The time I spent on the course has really changed my outlook and direction in my career; it gave me such an insight on to how the industry works and operates, not to mention the interesting people you meet along the way. I would do it all over again in an instant, and recommend it to anyone with an interest.” Shane is currently working in the NZ film industry as an editor’s assistant.
JEAN KIM – MAY 2012 “I had finished my degree at Auckland University with a major in Film. When I graduated I had no idea in which direction I wanted to go within the film industry. I definitely knew that I wanted to work on sets but I had no clue where to even start looking. I looked into many different film schools within Auckland and NZFA really appealed to me because it was short, as well as very hands on. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience during my 16 weeks at film school. I’ve met really great friends from all around the world and have learnt a wide range of skills from industry professionals. I was really able to find out what my interests were and where I wanted to go within the industry. After finishing at NZFA, I was lucky enough to work with some of the tutors and have gained really great insight and experience from it all. NZFA has provided me with a variety of skills that I am now able to use confidently. “ Jean recently won a film completion run by the Ghetto Film School in New York and went to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Currently she is working in the New Zealand Film and Television industry in production.
WILLIAM AITKENHEAD – SEPTEMBER 2013 “I found the New Zealand Film Academy great in the way of being extremely practical, you get to use the gear from day one and the learning is extremely engaging and hands on. You get a bit of everything, but there’s freedom to pursue the departments you have special interest in more extensively, for instance I had increased learning in the areas of writing, directing and art directing. The tutors and guest tutors are very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and how to work and act in a professional industry. I’ve just finished the course and am already working on the set of the international TV series ‘Masterchef’ This opportunity was passed on to me directly through the course! I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get into the industry, but isn’t sure on how to put their foot in the door. The advice and learning from this course will definitely make you see where you stand and what to pursue and how to do it.”
ANNA NUUROS – MAY 2012 “I was accepted to the Aalto University School of Art and Design to study to become a film producer. It’s the most prestigious film school in Finland and extremely hard to get in. They took two new producer students this year and I was lucky to be the other one. In addition to several pre-assignments and an interview I spent five days pitching, negotiating with directors, creating scripts and doing several group and individual assignments. I couldn’t have made it without the skills learned at NZFA, so a huge thank you. ’’
Anna Nuuros from Finland completed the NZFA course in 2012 and was accepted to study at the prestigious School of Art and Design.
Student Pathways NZFA is just the beginning
NZFA short course 8 / 16 weeks Higher Education in New Zealand or overseas eg. BA / Masters or short course specializing in particular areas: scriptwriting / producing / directing / sound / lighting etc.
Internships at NZ companies eg. Production houses / Equipment rentals / etc.
Enter the New Zealand or overseas Film and Television workforce.
Collaborate with other Film and Television professionals to build up portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions I have no experience in this field – Is that OK?
What equipment do we shoot with?
Generally the more experience a student has, the more they will get out of our course, but both the 8 wk and 16 wk courses are designed for individuals across the entire spectrum of experience. What we are definitely looking for at the application stage is proof of your passion and ability to succeed in this industry.
You will shoot your films using both the Sony HVR-Z1p High Definition Video Cameras, one of the world’s most popular medium range broadcast camera models, and for the final two projects, the Canon 7D with DSLR Grip Kit, prime lenses, and Small HD monitoring, in Full HD resolution.
How hands-on are the courses?
What is the admissions policy at the NZFA?
Tutorials are completely centred around the successful production of your short film projects. We will never ask you to write essays, complete exams (with the exception of a short film law test), or analyse old films. That’s for the university courses!
Subject to a successful interview in person or via phone, there is a rolling admissions policy for all courses. Successful applicants are accepted throughout the year until each course is filled. Early application is recommended to ensure the intake you prefer.
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Why is the 16 wk course cheaper than the 8 wk course for domestic students?
New Zealand citizens (and permanent residents of longer than 2 years) have their learning partially subsidised by the Tertiary Education Commission, a department of the New Zealand Government. This applies only to the 16 wk Certificate course, not to the 8 wk course, or any international students.
What is the minimum age requirement?
While there is no age restriction, the NZFA’s courses are intensive, and demand maturity, commitment and dedication. These are qualities we identify at the interview stage, and the average age of our students is early to mid 20s.
Do you offer any scholarships or discounts to students in hardship? Unfortunately we cannot offer any kind of scholarship or discount at this time. We are a small school with a capped number of students and scarce funding, so our pricing structure reflects the actual cost of delivery. Any subsidisation or scholarship would have to be paid for by
fellow students in the form of higher fees, and we have decided that this would be an unfair policy at this time. However, we are able to negotiate fee payment plans with successful applicants where necessary.
What do I get at the end of the course? Students who successfully complete the 16 week course will be awarded an NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Applied Film Making and Television Production, complete with a breakdown of their marks, and feedback on the films they were a part of making. For the 8 week course, a New Zealand Film Academy Certificate of Completion is granted.
What is the policy for overseas students? We enjoy hosting international students, and only ask that applicants have a proven desire to work in the film industry, and are able to communicate effectively using the English language – sometimes we will ask for proof of this, such as IELTS test results. Approximately half our students are from overseas, creating a rich melting pot of experience and inspiration, which translates directly into interesting short film projects.
To request an application form or information on specific, week-by-week course content, intake dates, fees and the entry criteria, please visit our website: www.nzfilmacademy.com www.facebook.com/nz.film.academy
EDENZ Colleges cares about the global community and our planet We believe in helping the global community, which is why for more than 20 years EDENZ Colleges has been contributing to a number of charities and projects around the world. We also do what we can to improve the environment. This prospectus was produced from paper that uses 100% recycled post consumer fibre with FSC certification, using non-toxic, harmless de-inking residues. It’s also been printed using vegetable-based inks.
Auckland Campus 85 Airedale Street, Auckland CBD 1010, New Zealand Telephone: +64 9 374 5709 info@nzfilmacademy.com Queen Street
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Wellesley Street
Airedale Street We are here
Wakefield Street
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Mayoral Drive
Symonds Street
MASSEY UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
The New Zealand Film Academy is a department of EDENZ Colleges, a Registered Private Training Establishment.