Overview
*Application Deadline has now been extended to March 30, 2010.
The School of Film and Television at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne offers you the opportunity to be part of an exciting three-week program studying film production and experiencing the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). Students will participate in a film production course, plus attend the Melbourne International Film Festival to view and critique films from all over the world.
The production course involves a series of industry lectures taking you step-by-step through the filmmaking process and culminating in the writing, directing, editing, and production of a short film as a group project.
At the festival, over a period of 17 days, students will engage in the vibrant culture of the festival and indulge in a program of hundreds of films from over 50 countries including a strong Asia-Pacific focus. The film festival has an excellent animation and short film program, plus forums, special events, guest lectures, and critique sessions.
Location
One of Australia’s most exciting and vibrant cities, Melbourne has a spectacular combination of architecture, elegant streetscapes, diverse ethnic communities, lavish parks and gardens. Plus, you will find some of Australia's best restaurants, shops, and transportations systems. 
Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia and a hub of filmmaking and cultural arts. Courses will be held on the Prahran campus of Swinburne University of Technology. You will be living in the exclusive and fashionable inner-city suburbs and only 10 minutes from the Melbourne City Centre.
During this three week course you will have the opportunity to truely immerse yourself in the unique artistic culture of Melbourne, Australia. During the program students will receive a three week transportation pass, which will allow students the freedom to explore the art muesuems or Melbourne, the Melbourne aquarium and so much more. You will also have a little free time to see the surrounding sites of Melbourne, which may include the famous Great Ocean Road along with Port Philip or French Island.
Melbourne: A city bustling with cultural and artistic opportunity
Academic Focus
Course Objectives
Explore filmmaking via a hands-on approach including a series of lectures, screenings, and hands-on technical exercises and projects.
Course Structure
Workshops will focus on:
- Screenwriting
- Directing
- Camera/light/sound production
- Digital editing
- Film critique and analysis
A group project will include a short film script, director’s statement, storyboard, production, and editing for a 90-second film. Classes will be delivered in university film and television teaching labs and studios.
Students will also be required to attend the Melbourne International Film Festival to view and critique a series of films and take active participation in the festival’s many offerings.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated on scripting, director’s statement, production and delivery of a 90-second film, and participation in a final film screening session. They will also be asseded on critical and comparative evaluations of films at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Credit
A transcript from Swinburne University of Technology equivalent to 3-4 U.S. credits will be issued upon successful completion of the course. Program Highlights
- An incredible opportunity to write, direct, and produce a short film from concept to finished product, under tutelage of leading film experts
- Learn the filmmaking process step-by-step through a variety of workshops delivered by the film industry professionals at the Swinburne University of Technology School of Film and Television
- Actively participate in the Melbourne International Film Festival, one of the world’s biggest and most important film events
- Study in and experience the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne
Who Should Apply
Best suited to communications students majoring in film/television production, considering a career in the film industry with at least sophomore standing. A background in film/TV is not required however participants should have a keen interest in international film including Australian film and a desire to learn and practice film production techniques. Melbourne International Film Festival
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is Australia's most critically acclaimed film festival. In 2010, the Festival will be celebrating its 59th anniversary, marking it also one of the oldest film festivals in the world. Over a period of 17 days, it hosts a variety of films from over 50 countries and on average 190,000 participants and guests. In 2009, the Festival screened close to 300 films, many of which were also featured in other international film festivals, such as Cannes and Sundance. It also screened approxiametly 100 short films and is the most highly regarded festival featuring short films in the Asia-Pacific region. While MIFF remains mostly a non-competitive festival, it has staged a highly-regarded short film competiton since 1962. It also presents popularity awards for feature films and documentaries.
The Festival is currently accredited by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Australian Film Institute, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It is the only Festival in Australia to be accredited by all three.
AccommodationsThe Melbourne Film Experience: Digital Film Production in Australia will house students in the heart of Melbourne. Students will be a short tram ride away from campus and the State of Design Festival. Students will live in flat/apartment style housing where they will be placed with their fellow peers and share a living space in fully furnished apartment suites. A fully  equipped kitchen will allow students to cook their own meals, along with a shared living space ideal for study. High speed internet will be available (additional charges apply). Breakfast everyday and a Melbourne Metro Transportation pass is included in the Program Fees. Students are only minutes away from the Arts and Theatre districts, The Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Tennis Centre and the fashion meccas of Toorak, South Yarra and Richmond - renowned for their designer and speciality shops as well as factory outlets clothing stores - are all just an easy walk down the road. A wide variety of restaurants, shops, markets and grocery stores are also a short walk away.
You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice. All housing fees are included in the Program Fees. Travel: Group Flights
AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.
Flexible Return Date
Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked. Scholarships AvailableScholarships Through Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is sponsoring one $500 AUD scholarship for the 2010 program. A scholarship application will be available once accepted to the program.
To see additional Scholarship Opportunities please visit the AustraLearn Short Course Scholarship Resource page. FeesFee IncludesProgram Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, lectures, field trips and excursions to culturally significant sites, guest speakers, course material, attendance to the Melbourne International Film Festival, health insurance, ISIC Basic card, accommodations, airport transfers in Melbourne, daily breakfast, orientation, Melbourne public transport costs, arrival, and farewell functions. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. **International airfare and other meals (lunches and dinners) are an additional cost, along with personal expenses and excursions. Fee SemesterThe above stated fees are the finalized Summer 2010 Program Fees. Please contact AustraLearn directly for a detailed budget sheet or any questions about the Short Term Program fees. Program fees for future terms are subject to change. Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| Summer 2010 - Summer | Application Deadline: March 30, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 23, 2010 | | Start Date | July 25, 2010 | | End Date | August 14, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | - | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
Entry RequirementsBest suited to communications students majoring in film/television production, considering a career in the film industry with at least sophomore standing. A background in film/TV is not required however participants should have a keen interest in international film including Australian film and a desire to learn and practice film production techniques.
Required GPA: 2.50
University Specific ScholarshipsIn addition to the scholarships offered through the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education, Swinburne University of Technology supports AustraLearn students with one $500 AUD award per year for the Melbourne Film Experience: Digital Film Production in Australia short term program.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Kimberly Tibbetts | | Title: | Manager, Short Term Programs | | Department: | Short Courses and Specialty Programs |
BIO:
Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants.
Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel. |
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