21 Aug 2019

If you consider yourself a bit of a film buff, it’s hard not to get swept up in this idea of one day being able to make your own movies. Despite what you might think, the world of blockbuster movies isn't completely unreachable. There’s an abundance of roles needed to be filled to make movies - Iron Man 3 had 3,310 crew members working on it, which means there’s more than enough room for you to pursue your dreams of working in film.

One of the best ways to make this happen is through a Diploma of Screen and Media at the Academy of Film, Theatre and Television (AFTT). At AFTT you have the option to major in one of three areas – film, acting or live production which means that even if you’re not keen to step on the stage and star in a film, you can get all the experience and qualifications necessary to work behind the scenes of making the magic happen.

There’s plenty of good reasons to study a Diploma of Screen and Media. You can finish up in just a year (way faster than all your mates) and you don’t need to have any experience with a camera to get started (it’s also a myth that you need a six figure bank account and Baz Luhrmann as your father to get anywhere in film and TV). Plus, if you want to take your qualification even further, you can stick around and complete your Advanced Diploma.

So, even if you’ve never held a camera before but just bloody love movies and have a passion for working on them, this course will be perfect for you.

By jumping into this course, you’ll have the chance to figure out what you want to specialise in, whether that be a camera operator, a scriptwriter or a hot-shot director. You’ll get to dabble in all of them with this degree and get a real feel for what it’s like working in the film and television industry. You’ll learn not just about using cameras, but about the development of concepts, characters and plots, casting, pre- and post-production, and all the other bits and bobs you need, like sound, lighting and editing equipment. This way, you can explore all the different aspects of film and decide what kind of role appeals to you most.

Plus, AFTT will give you plenty of exposure to industry leaders and you’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills you learn in practical settings so that when you graduate, you’ll have real-world experience up your sleeve.

On top of all that good stuff, you don’t need an ATAR to apply to AFTT. To apply, you just need to have finished Year 12 (or equivalent), fill out an application form and attend an interview. Which means you’ll be able to breathe a whole lot easier when it comes around to sitting those final exams.

If you’re keen, or want more info, just head over here and suss it all out.

You can also head along to the Open Day on September 21 at 41 Holt Street, Surry Hills

which is the perfect way to figure out if this is the right course for you. You’ll be able to soak up the culture, meet the teachers and speak to real students about their experience at AFTT. It’s completely free, so you’ve got nothing to lose by going along. Head over here for a lil more info about the Open Day.