Training
Short Courses
All short courses are run on demand; minimum numbers must be met one week prior to commencement otherwise cancellation will occur.
OPEN CHANNEL reserves the right to change or cancel scheduled course dates. OPEN CHANNEL contacts all enrolled students one week prior to commencement to confirm or, if necessary, cancel courses and refund fees.* Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the Tutor Biographies; however, OPEN CHANNEL doesn’t accept responsibility where errors or omissions have occurred.
*Please read the refund policy carefully before enrolling
If you don’t see the course for you think about Customised Training.
Special Offer for all
OPEN CHANNEL Students
All OPEN CHANNEL students
receive an Equipment Voucher
for a 50% discount on two days'
equipment hire (valid for six months).
Not an OPEN CHANNEL Member?
Join OPEN CHANNEL today for only
$55 for individuals to take advantage
of our great discounts on short courses!
Call 03 8610 9300 or join online.
For further information contact the Short Course Coordinator at
shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
School Holidays Short Course 13-17 yrs
Course descriptions and dates
Courses are listed alphabetically.
- Cinematography: Painting with Light
- Colourgrading (with Final Cut Pro)
- Complete Continuity
- Digital Filmmaking Introduction
- Documentary Filmmaking Introduction
- Editing Essentials
- Final Cut Pro Introduction
- Final Cut Pro Advanced
- iPhone therefore iAm
- Law Camera Action
- Producing and Production Management
- Screen Writing Introduction
- Sound Recording & Design **NEW COURSE**
- Write Your Documentary
Cinematography: Painting with Light
Vivid colour, stark images, heavenly light: how do they do it? With practical guidance from an experienced Director of Photography and Gaffer (Lighting Technician) this comprehensive course examines the styles and genres of classic feature films from Naturalism to Noir; Romance to Horror; Golden Age to Crime; in order to unravel the secrets of cinematography.
Work through practical exercises in three-point lighting and it’s derivatives, creative use of filters, cutters and screens as well as achieving great visuals with available light to ‘paint’ your images so they meet their full artistic potential.
A professional gaffer (lighting technician) will demonstrate some of the tools of the trade and discuss pertinent issues including electrical safety, on-set etiquette, the gaffer/ cinematographer relationship, and short cuts to achieving your lighting needs.
Experiment with different cameras: from broadcast DV to high-end HD. Discover how photographic principles transfer to the moving image; how solid planning and creative use of cutters, gels, scrims, iris-control and backlight contributes to excellence in cinema; how solid craftsmanship literally “paints” with light.
Who should do this course?
Camera crew wishing to heighten their artistic skills, and aspiring directors wanting to better understand the potential of their cinematographer, or photographers wishing to branch out into cinema.
Pre-requisites: Digital Filmmaking Introduction or equivalent. Camera skills and/or shooting experience necessary.
When: September 5, 6, 7
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $372 full / $310 OC members
Duration: 1 evening & 2 days
Maximum participants: 12
Colourgrading (with Final Cut Pro)
This is where FCP 6.0 really earns its stripes: the art of replacing or correcting colour accurately and with finesse. Understand colour theory, learn the art of de-saturating, utilise plug-ins and walk out with a solid, hands-on familiarisation with the craft. One to one tutoring will get you skilled up to add that professional finish to your future projects.
Examine the intricacies of how colour correction behaves in differing formats: Film, HD, Mini-DV. Investigate colour temperature and tones with clear examples from unique feature films to analyse the ‘psychology’ of colour.
Who should do this course?
Editors wishing to further their skills in this important post-production area. Particularly good for independent filmmakers wishing to finish corporates or low budget shorts on a tight budget.
Pre-requisites: Final Cut Pro Advanced or equivalent. Editing skills and/or experience necessary.
When: October 10, 11, 12
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $678 full / $565 OC members
Duration: 1 evening & 2 days
Maximum participants: 4
Tutor: RICHARD GREENHALGH
Richard graduated from film school in 1991 and began his career in educational video in South Africa. He worked for many years as an editor/ producer for short films both there and in London. When Richard moved to Australia in 2002, he continued to develop his career editing music video clips, short films and corporate and educational videos. Richard uses and teaches a range of computer-based edit systems including AVID Xpress, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier. He is also a dab hand at DVD Studio Pro, Motion, Soundtrack and Adobe Photoshop. Richard is also trained in “Train the Trainer” training!
Complete Continuity
As the editor’s representative on set, the Continuity person an important crew role often misunderstood. Develop an understanding of the craft of continuity and learn what it takes to work in this role in the film and television industry.
This intensive workshop will cover all the tasks expected of continuity in pre-production and production, with comprehensive handouts and practical exercises of timing and marking-up scripts, estimating screen time and creating options in for the editor. Get tips on what the tools of the trade are from an industry professional and learn why paperwork is important.
Who should do this course?
People interested in the crew role of continuity, aspiring directors and editors wanting to understand the craft and how to utilise it for better results.
Pre-requisites: Digital Filmmaking Introduction or equivalent. Basic filmmaking knowledge and/or experience necessary.
When: September 20 & 21 (NEW DATES)
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $216 full / $180 OC members
Duration: 2 days
Maximum participants: 16
Tutor: KATHERINE FRY
Katherine Fry has worked extensively as a Script Supervisor in Australia and New Zealand, on films such as Romulus, My Father, The Bank, Tom White and Scarfies to one-off dramas for television such as SBS Television’s Cable, South Pacific Picture’s, Lawless and the TVNZ Sunday Theatre Productions, One of Them, Home Movie and House of Sticks. She has also worked on series television such as McLeod’s Daughters and on the children’s television series, Wicked Science for Jonathan M. Shiff, The Saddle Club for Crawford Productions and Worst Best Friends for Cox Knight Productions. She studied Communications at UTS, Sydney and has a Post Graduate Degree in film and television from the VCA Film and Television School. She is currently working in Script Development and tutors at RMIT University in the Applied Communications Degree.
Digital Filmmaking Introduction
Digital Filmmaking – the new rock ‘n’ roll – is a highly popular weekend course introducing beginners to the processes of digital video production and postproduction. This intensive, practical workshop takes students through the basics of shooting a short drama script, including basic digital camera operation, lighting techniques, sound recording and editing the footage.
Navigate the complex terrain of on-set protocols, crew roles, directing actors and have a ball while doing it. All participants receive the OPEN CHANNEL “Digital Filmmaking: An Introductory Handbook” and a DVD copy of their short film.
Who should do this course?
Excellent for beginners interested in filmmaking; wanting an overview of the production process and some hands-on experience to get started.
Pre-requisites: Basic computer literacy necessary.
When: October 24, 25, 26
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $372 full / $310 OC members
Duration: 1 evening & 2 days
Maximum participants: 10
Tutor: RACHAEL THOMPSON
Rachael Thompson is a graduate filmmaker from Flinders University, Adelaide. Her short documentary Cool Connector took out the award for ‘Best Film’ at Flinders during her Honours year in Screen Studies in 2004. Since completing her studies, Rachael has continued to focus her attention on developing projects in the documentary realm; has assisted on Australia Network’s educational television program, Nexus; and worked as a radio producer with ABC Adelaide, while also working as leader and coordinator of workshops for young people. Alongside educational policy makers, festival directors, arts organisations and film industry practitioners, Rachael is a member of the Democracy Project Steering Committee, a Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) SA initiative. The committee complements the International Democracy Documentary Film Project, lead by some of the world’s top commissioning editors. Its purpose is to engage the international community in the critical and empowering potential of media literacy learning, with a specific focus on the theme of democracy. Rachael holds a degree in Journalism from the University of South Australia and has studied in the faculty of Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University, Canada on a scholarship exchange. With an approach that encompasses the desire to entertain and challenge audience perspective by the use of innovative filmmaking, Rachael’s passion is for individual stories that have the potential to highlight issues of social importance. Previous credits include Producer, Director and Assistant Director roles on short dramas and documentaries in Toronto, Edinburgh and Australia.
Testimonial
Just want to say that the digital film- making course on the weekend was x?@#%* unbelievable! I absolutely loved it and it's given me so much more skills and confidence to pursue my love for films! The other team members were so much fun too!
Paris, October 2007
Documentary Filmmaking Introduction
Get the skills to make your own documentary with this intensive practical course. Participants will write a short script, shoot and each have the chance to direct, operate camera, record sound and edit a short documentary. Learn how to prepare a documentary script for shooting and examine storytelling conventions, script formats, interview techniques, and the legal, ethical and practical implications of documentary making.
Discover what it takes to direct documentary; how to work with subjects to gain honest responses; how to direct your camera crew to get what you want and how to work with an editor to craft your story. Get tips on how to cope with the challenges of directing voice-overs, using multi-formats and directing re-enactments. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to deepen your skill base and learn from the insight of highly experienced documentary director.
Who should do this course?
Beginners who want to establish skills and overall knowledge of the documentary process. A great course if you have a documentary idea and want to know how to tell it.
Pre-requisites: Basic computer literacy necessary.
When: August 28, 29, 30 & 31
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Thurs & Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $420 full / $350 OC members
Duration: 2 evenings & 2 days
Maximum participants: 10
Tutor: THOMAS BARICEVIC
Thomas Baricevic began his career as an engineer and later studied sculpture and film at The Victorian College of the Arts. His first short film shot on super eight, Ghost of Wannawong screened at The Buenos Aires International Film Festival in 1997. Since then he has written/directed and produced shorts, docos and music videos, including the documentary We Live Through These Times about the student protesting against educational funding cuts in the arts. The documentary won Best Video Production at the 1999 St Kilda Film Festival. He was also invited to speak on The Art of Short Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival 2003. Thomas has also been jury member for the Australian Film Institute (AFI) awards and will continue to do so in 2005-06. Thomas co-founded Short Trips and Fitzroy Shorts, monthly short film festivals that ran collectively over eight years, which showcased local and international short filmmakers, screening over 1000 short films in his capacity as a curator. Thomas currently works as a freelance Director/Editor for Video Education Australasia, the largest video producer of educational material in Australia and is on 2nd draft of a feature script with writer Cameron Moloney. He also works as a freelance music video director for Street Elite Records and Rubber Records and recently finished mentoring five young filmmakers as part of 'Stories of African Australia', which screened at ACMI and was produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria.
Testimonial
It was a comprehensive overview with an experienced Tutor. The best part of the course was the class size; it was small allowing everyone a real go at everything!
June 2007
Editing Essentials
So you think you know how to edit; knowing editing software is only one skill of the consummate editor. In this weekend workshop, learn the principles and conventions of film and video editing for drama and documentary. Know when to break with convention, how to build suspense with pacing and shot selection and what breaks (or keeps) audience attention. An experienced editor will discuss the history and theory of film/video editing and demonstrate editing principles through viewing examples. Complement your editing skills and craft your footage into a masterpiece through well-chosen shots that are paced and cut to reflect the story perfectly.
Who should do this course?
Ideal for editors and directors wanting to get the most out of their footage. Prior editing experience is an advantage.
Pre-requisites: Final Cut Pro Introduction or equivalent. Editing skills and/or experience necessary.
When: November 1 & 2
Time: 10:00am – 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $180 full / $150 OC members
Duration: 2 days
Maximum participants: 16
Tutor: RICHARD GREENHALGH
Richard graduated from film school in 1991 and began his career in educational video in South Africa. He worked for many years as an editor/ producer for short films both there and in London. When Richard moved to Australia in 2002, he continued to develop his career editing music video clips, short films and corporate and educational videos. Richard uses and teaches a range of computer-based edit systems including AVID Xpress, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier. He is also a dab hand at DVD Studio Pro, Motion, Soundtrack and Adobe Photoshop. Richard is also trained in “Train the Trainer” training! Richard was recently awarded Best Editor (Short Film) by the Australian Screen Editors Guild.
Final Cut Pro Introduction
This comprehensive workshop is an exercise -based course covering the basic principles of editing and the many features of Final Cut Pro 6. Gain an overall understanding of the principles and strategies for non-linear editing and learn about the basic features of the program including media storage, working pathways, capturing media and setting up a project. You will also explore some of the special features like titling, compositing, layers, filters, effects and sound mixing. With a maximum of four participants, ensuring you one-on-one tutoring, along with optimal support and advice from our experienced editor.
Who should do this course?
This course is designed for beginners wanting to learn how to operate a non-linear editing system, specifically the Final Cut Pro software. You will walk away with the knowledge and skills to be able to start editing straight away.
Pre-requisites: Basic computer literacy and understanding of Mac based computer systems an advantage.
When: July 18, 19, 20 / August 15, 16, 17 / October 17, 18, 19 /
November 14, 15, 16 / December 5, 6, 7
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $678 / $565 for OC members
Duration: 1 evening & 2 days
Maximum participants: 4
Tutor: MATTHEW ROOKE
Since graduating from VCA in 1994 Matthew has amassed over 12 years of experience as a film & television professional in a number of roles. His first love is documentary and he has a number of broadcast credits in roles of Producer, Director and Editor. Matthew recently finished editing an ABC documentary he shot and produced in Antarctica. Matthew has extensive experience in corporate communication video production as a Director/Editor with blue chip corporations where his work has won awards here and overseas. His editing experience is mainly in FCP where he has edited in Melbourne and Sydney. Matthew has also worked as an Assistant Director in feature films and television as 1st, 2nd and 3rd AD.
Testimonial
The tutor help provided when problems arose and he was really knowledgeable. Because of the small class time, we got one-on-one time with Matt and were able to complete a project and got to take a copy to use as part of my own portfolio.
John, October 2007
Final Cut Pro Advanced
This intensive workshop builds on participants’ existing Final Cut Pro skills and covers compositing, methods to speed and enhance editorial workflow including hot keys, batch lists, media management of large projects, problem solving and prevention. You will also learn about real time effects, Final Cut Pro bundle programs, Cinema Tools for Final Cut Pro and how to minimize bugs and crashes. A highly skilled editor armed with practical exercises and advice, puts the cutting-edge of off-line editing right at your fingertips. A class group of four participants ensures you plenty of hands-on learning with optimal support and advice.
Who should do this course?
This course is designed for people with editing experience wanting to learn the advanced features of Final Cut Pro.
Pre-requisites: Final Cut Pro Introduction or equivalent. Editing skills and/or experience necessary
When: June 20, 21, 22 / September 19, 20, 21 / December 12, 13, 14
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun
Cost: $678 / $565 for OC members
Duration: 1 evening & 2 days
Maximum participants: 4
Tutor: RICHARD GREENHALGH
Richard graduated from film school in 1991 and began his career in educational video in South Africa. He worked for many years as an editor/ producer for short films both there and in London. When Richard moved to Australia in 2002, he continued to develop his career editing music video clips, short films and corporate and educational videos. Richard uses and teaches a range of computer-based edit systems including AVID Xpress, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier. He is also a dab hand at DVD Studio Pro, Motion, Soundtrack and Adobe Photoshop. Richard is also trained in “Train the Trainer” training!
Testimonial
The advanced FCP course was fantastic and (the Tutor) was an awesome imparter of complex knowledge - he kind of does it 'in a nutshell'.
There was a lot to cover in just a few days so it was go-go-go, but (the Tutor) was very enthusiastic and diligent about honing in on the things that anyone learning about real world editing needs to know.
Admittedly some things slipped through the cracks (as they do), but now that I've had a couple of days distance from the course, the knowledge that I did retain (and record/practice) was absolutely priceless.
So I am very grateful for being given this opportunity.
I really think anyone wanting to learn FCP (even as a beginner) needs this kind of knowledge to give them a big boost forward.
Many thanks and well done!
Genevieve, May 2007
iPhone therefore iAm
Bring in your latest Mac iphone masterpiece and discover its many diverse and magical functions. This course also incorporates the basics of iPod Classic, the new iPod Nano or Apple iPod touch and thoroughly examines the iPod function on your new iPhone.
This practical workshop will give you a clear idea of how to use your iPhone and iPod and will introduce you to the full potential of these technological pieces of artistry. Whether for personal or business use, this course will show you how to revolutionize the storage and dissemination of communicative media as you venture beyond the boundaries of the new millennium.
Who should do this course?
Anyone who owns an iPhone or iPod and/or is interested in utilizing iPhones and ipods for media distribution.
Pre-requisites: None.
Beneficial to bring your own iPhone/iPod to the workshop but not essential.
When: October 22
Time: 6:15 - 10:15pm Wed
Cost: $60 full / $50 OC members
Duration: 1 evening
Maximum participants: 10
Tutor: DAVID SEMETSKY
Law Camera Action
Dream it, make it, don’t get sued!
Taught by an experienced art lawyer, this workshop explores the array of legal issues relevant to the development, production and distribution of film. From contracts to copyright, this is a vital course for anyone making film or video production.
Topics include: copyright law, rights to personality, defamation law, music law, contracts, release forms, insurance, unions, company structures (sole trader vs. incorporation) and where the law is heading in this digital age. Find out how the law can assist you to protect your rights.
Who should do this course?
Suitable for anyone interested or currently working in the screen industry. Producers, writers, directors and all crew will gain something from this workshop.
Pre-requisites: None. Beneficial to have basic filmmaking knowledge
When: November 22
Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm Sat
Cost: $66 full / $55 OC members
Duration: 1/2 day
Maximum participants: 20
Tutor: SHAUN MILLER
Shaun holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degree from the University of Melbourne. He also has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne. Shaun is a Senior Associate at Marshalls & Dent Lawyers' Media and Entertainment Department. He is currently on the Board of the Victorian College of the Arts Film and Television School Course Advisory Committee. Shaun also lectures in film and entertainment law at Open Channel, VCA, AFTRS and RMIT. Recent projects Shaun has worked on include the feature films "Ned Kelly", "The Rage in Pacid Lake", “Gettin’ Square” and "Suburban Mayhem"; numerous FFC-funded documentaries; AFC and Film Victoria funded shorts and documentaries; as well as the television program "John Safran’s Music Jamboree" and telemovie "Curtin". Shaun also acted for the producer of the short animated film "Harvie Krumpet" which won an Oscar at the Academy Awards in 2004. Shaun sees the role of today’s film and entertainment lawyer as a "facilitator", that is, liaising with producers, government funding bodies, distributors, financiers and creative talent in order to get films and television programs onto the big and small screen.
Testimonial
It was all good and informative. The general information and questions from the group were great.
August 2007
Having real examples and open discussion in a relaxed environment was helpful.
Tutor was very open and actually in the industry!
August 2007
Producing and Production Management
Managing a film or television requires a broad understanding of the entire production process. Discover how to present and package your film to funding bodies and networks as well as acquiring the skills to budget, schedule, mark up scripts, cast and crew obligations, accounting, taxation, insurance and distribution. Taught by an experienced Producer, with special guest lecturers and field excursions, this course is an intensive introduction to the business side of the industry.
Who should do this course?
Ideal for beginners or experienced filmmakers wanting an in-depth insight into producing, as well as a broad understanding of the entire production process.
Pre-requisites: Basic English literacy necessary.
When: September 29, October 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 & November 1
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Mon, 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat
Cost: $495 full / $412 OC members
Duration: 5 evenings & 5 days
Maximum participants: 16
Tutor: SUE MARRIOTT
Sue currently works as a freelance film production and events management consultant and lecturer in arts management. She was an Industrial Organiser for 16 years with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) and a recent Film Victoria Board Member until 2004. Sue is currently President of Women in Film & Television (WIFT) Victoria and a Vice-President of the MEAA, Victorian Branch. As a lecturer at Melbourne University for the last two years, Sue taught Industrial Relations and Arts Management for Post-Graduate Diploma students. She has a recent broadcast screen credit as Production / Location Management Consultant for the documentary “Endangered”. Sue knows and has worked or consulted with, nearly every established producer/production company in Victoria and many interstate.
Testimonial
Loved having guest speakers/industry practitioners! Very effective & useful handouts - Thanks Sue! A great course!
November 2007
The combination of course work and excursions. Guest speakers who spoke about personal experience in the industry. This combined well with the "theoretical" content and showed how it was put into practice. Sue's knowledge and industry experience was awesome.
November 2007
Screen Writing Introduction
Learn to craft your ideas into a strong narrative with this practical writing workshop. In seven weeks, develop a story into a compelling narrative with strong characters, write believable dialogue, draft to industry standard and learn to receive constructive feedback in script editing sessions. Exercises in concept development, structuring a narrative and writing dialogue will inspire you to write, write, write! Complete (or be well on the way to completing) a film script.
Who should do this course?
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience in writing and need a deadline and script editing support to complete a script.
Pre-requisites: Basic English literacy necessary. Beneficial to bring your ideas for film stories to the first session.
When: November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11 & 18
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Thur
Cost: $360 full / $300 OC members
Duration: 7 evenings
Maximum participants: 12
Tutor: IAN DIXON
Writer/ director Ian Dixon graduated from VCA School of Film and Television in 1998. Ian directed the SBS film Wee Jimmy and most recently produced, directed, wrote and edited his first feature film CRUSHED. Ian was Assistant to the Artistic Director of the Australia Korea Foundation and has worked as teacher and lecturer in screenwriting at tertiary institutions, notably the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victorian College of the Arts and OPEN CHANNEL. He recently completed his PhD on the films of John Cassavetes through the University of Melbourne at VCA. Ian is in high demand as a screenwriting tutor, and currently tutors at OPEN CHANNEL, Homesglen TAFE, SAE and Swinburne.
Testimonial
Ian’s (the Tutor) professional experience, handouts and sessions in writing situations were really helpful.
Phillippe, November 2006
Brilliant attention to detail, plenty of fine examples and a fun, dynamic relationship to the class, I wanted it to go for longer.
Susan, November 2006
Sound Recording & Design **NEW COURSE**
Sound Advice!
Ever heard the saying, “It ain’t what you see but the way that you hear it”?
Poor sound quality can greatly affect the overall calibre of your film and turn an otherwise receptive audience off, faster than Quick Draw McGraw can shoot at and miss, Yosemite Sam! In this course you will learn how to utilize boom mics, directional mics, camera mics and lapel mics and how to record quality sound under all sorts of diverse and often difficult, environmental conditions. You will then be taken through the process of editing your sound in post –production whilst learning how to master different elements of sound design and how to identify exactly the kind of sound score your work requires. This aspect of the course covers everything from experimental, minimalist sound scapes through to utilizing traditional dialogue and/or musical score, aural narratives. The structure also incorporates two units of accredited training (CUSSOU04A Record sound 35 and CUFSOU204A Perform basic sound editing 30) to help qualify participants towards a “Certificate III in Media” (CUF30107).
Who should do this course?
Anyone who is interested in extracting the best possible sound data from digital cameras and sound recording equipment for their films and video art works and anyone interested in learning the art of sound design as an integral part of the aural experience, which compliments, accentuates and ultimately, completes the sensory impact of cinema.
Pre–Requisites: Basic computer literacy skills and basic knowledge of camera operation. Level: Beginners to advanced.
When: October 3, 4 & 5
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm Fri, Sat & Sun
Cost: $650 full / $530 OC members
Duration: 3 days
Maximum participants: 6
Tutors: GARY WILKINS & JOHN KASSAB
Gary Wilkins: A 40 year veteran and industry icon, Gary is an award winning Sound Recordist on a global scale. Gary started at Crawford Productions in the sound dept in 1964 and worked as the sound technician / recordist until 1975 on Homicide, Matlock Police, Ryan, The Box and a wide range of other projects. As a testament to the quality and breadth of Gary's work, he has received Four MPSE Hollywood Golden Reels, Five A.F.I. Awards, 2 Variety Club "Sammy" Statues and Two Pan Pacific Sound Awards. In early 2006 Gary was admitted to the Cinema Audio Society (CAS) in the US, membership to which is limited to sound professionals of high experience and recognized ability. Membership to the CAS is currently restricted and Gary is one of but a few Australians who have been honoured with acceptance into the society. Gary has worked alongside directors such as Bruce Beresford, Peter Weir, Brian De Palma, and John Boorman, with a staggering 800 TVCs, countless documentaries, TV Mini Series, and 67 Australian & International Feature Films to his credit, including; The Year of Living Dangerously, Romulus My Father, Ghost Rider, Mad Max, Breaker Morant, Crocodile Dundee, Evil Angels and Where the Wild Things Are, to name a few. Gary has been a guest lecturer on sound at the VCA for more than eight years. He has also served as a State and Federal Councillor for the MEAA and is currently a committee member and spokesman for the Screen Technicians Association.
John Kassab: After majoring in Cinema and Cultural Theory at The University of Melbourne, John moved to Adelaide and studied Sound Production. After graduating, he was granted an attachment to the sound department of December Boys (2006) under the South Australian Film Corporation's Attachment program. During this time he learned the craft of Sound Post-production under the guidance of multi-award winning sound people Peter D Smith (Wolf Creek), Rory McGregor (Ten Canoes), Jenny Ward (King Kong), John Simpson (Happy Feet) and Adrian Medhurst (The Lord of the Rings). During his time in Adelaide, he also received 2 grants with Luke Trembath to produce 2 video installations (one was exhibited during the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the other during SALA festival). In Adelaide, John also worked as a sound editor on Locky Leonard (Channel 9) and created his first sound design for a 'mini feature' called Angela's Decision (2006). Since moving to Melbourne at the end of 2006, John has collaborated with dozens of filmmakers, animators, musicians and video artists from all over Australia. Key film works include The Grey Cloud (2006), Monkeynaut (2007), Rhythm and Poetry (2007) and Angel's of the Wind (2008). In 2008, he also collaborated with celebrated Perth art duo 'pip-n-pop' with the installation Edge of the World at West Space art gallery. He currently has his work screening at this year's MIFF.
Write Your Documentary
Develop your ideas for a documentary project with a thorough exploration of the craft of documentary scriptwriting. From research to interview questions, treatments to scripts, this course explores the challenges of writing compelling stories for documentary.
Guided by an experienced documentary writer & filmmaker, practical group sessions in developing concepts and constructive feedback on written treatments will push you towards a strong, well thought-out project.
Who should do this course?
Suitable for writers or directors interested in documentary. Also relevant to those with some experience in writing and want a deadline to develop their documentary concept.
Pre-requisites: Basic English literacy necessary. Beneficial to bring your ideas for documentaries to the first session.
When: August 20, 27, September 3, 10, 17, 27
Cost: $360 full / $300 OC members
Time: 6:15 - 9:15pm Wed, 10.00am - 5.00pm Sat
Duration: 5 evenings & 1 day
Maximum participants: 12
Tutor: DIANE PERELSZTEJN
Diane Perelsztejn is an award-winning, international documentary film-maker. During the past 25 years, she has worked extensively in documentary in Australia and in her native Belgium (which she left in 1996). As an independent film-maker, she has written, directed and produced a number of documentary films - in Australia (with SBS Independent, Film Victoria and the FFC), and in Europe with the support of some of the leading European broadcasters (Canal+, ZDF, Arte, Avro and France 3). Her films (Modus Operandi, Robert Fortune The Tea Thief, Escape to the Rising Sun…) have been theatrically released and broadcast in many countries around the globe.
Testimonial
The most satisfactory areas of this course:
Advice on writing a treatment (& support!)
Receiving excellent feedback on my treatment
Looking at Docos and discussing devices & creative choices used
Workshopping ideas & knowledge
Length of course
Presenter/tutor
Tutors experience in the industry. Elise was excellent!
Developing own project within a group, really helpful to get your project moving
August class, 2007
