What is the Australian Film Television and Radio School?
AFTRS is Australia's premier national training institution for the screen and broadcast industries. The School is an Australian Commonwealth Government statutory authority and was founded in 1973 as part of a Government strategy to revive the Australian film industry. The School enjoys strong political, industry and public support.
AFTRS vision and mission are focussed on advancing the success and sustainability of Australia's screen and broadcast industries by developing the skills and knowledge of talented individuals and undertaking cutting edge research.
Why should I choose to study at AFTRS?
Since 1973, AFTRS has launched the careers of over two thousand film, television, radio and new media professionals – many of whom have gone on to experience success in local and international contexts.
AFTRS attracts students from all over Australia who want to experience the best training available in Australia for the screen broadcast industries.
A degree will not guarantee you work in the screen and broadcast industries, however what an AFTRS qualification can provide is opportunity.
AFTRS operates as a collaborative environment, where real production teams are formed to create radio broadcasts and film, television, digital and interactive productions - with mentoring provided at each stage of the process.
Benefits of Studying at AFTRS
AFTRS requires dedication from its students – the hours are long and the workload is intensive - however the benefits are significant:
- Opportunities to form meaningful networks and professional relationships
- Acquire industry-ready skills
- Work in a collaborative and cross disciplinary environment
- Access state-of-the-art facilities
- Tap into internship and scholarship opportunities
- Access FEE-HELP for AFTRS Award Courses
While at AFTRS students learn the craft of bringing Australian stories to life 'by doing' as they work as real teams on real productions - to deadline and budget - resulting in the production of short films, TVCs, animations and more.
AFTRS track record of success at the Academy Awards®
Since 2002, three AFTRS short films have picked up Academy Award nominations:
- Inja in 2002 - directed by Steve Pasvolsky and produced by Joe Weatherstone
- Birthday Boy in 2004 - directed by Sejong Park and produced by Andrew Gregory
- The Saviour in 2006 - directed by Peter Templeman and produced by Stuart Parkyn.
AFTRS graduate successes in local and international contexts includes:
- Camera d'Or
- Cannes Palme d'Or
- Palme d'Or for Best Short
- Academy Awards® for Best Cinematography
- Academy Award for Best Screenplay
- Australian Film Institute Awards
and
- Best Short Fiction at the Sydney Film Festival.
Out of nine nominations, AFTRS graduates have won three Academy Awards®:
- Jane Campion for Best Original Screenplay, The Piano, in 1993
- Andrew Lesnie, for Best Achievement in Cinematography, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, in 2001
- Dion Beebe, for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Memoirs of a Geisha, in 2005.
AFTRS graduates making their mark
- Oscar®-winner Andrew Lesnie Cinematographer, Babe, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong
- Sue Brooks and Alison Tilson Director and Writer, Japanese Story
- Phil Noyce Director, Newsfront, Rabbit Proof Fence
- Oscar®-winner Dion Beebe Cinematographer, Chicago, Collateral, In the Cut, Memoirs of a Geisha
- PJ Hogan Director and Writer Muriel’s Wedding, My Best Friend’s Wedding
- Oscar®-winner Jane Campion Director and Writer, The Piano, An Angel at My Table, In the Cut
- Peter Andrikidis Director, Grass Roots
- Robert Marchand Director, The Potato Factory
- Amanda Higgs Producer The Secret Life of Us
- Alex Proyas Director, The Crow, I Robot
- Rolf de Heer Director, Ten Canoes, The Tracker, Alexandra’s Project
- Gillian Armstrong Director, My Brilliant Career, Oscar and Lucinda, Charlotte Gray
- Rowan Woods Director, Little Fish
- Cate Shortland Director, Somersault