AFTRS is expanding its national short course program, to offer in-person training with partners in Perth, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.
The partnerships with Edith Cowan University (Perth), RMIT (Melbourne), Apple Box Studios (Hobart) and The Mercury (Adelaide) enable AFTRS to further deliver on its remit to support the Australian screen industry nationally and to build on the extensive range of online courses already offered by the School.
The courses have been developed with industry and partners to specifically address identified skills gaps and roles which are currently in demand.
AFTRS is also partnering with industry guilds (such as the newly formed Australian Location Managers Guild) to further validate training as high-quality, industry-relevant and current; and AFTRS will train experienced industry practitioners to teach these short courses in their area of subject matter expertise.
To enhance professional development opportunities, wherever possible AFTRS is combining the training with placements, mentoring and community engagement. Participants in the Locations Department Course, for example, will also receive a membership to the Guild and be considered for placements. Others will be invited to attend an industry networking event.
In 2024, AFTRS delivered four highly successful courses in Perth in partnership with Edith Cowan University. This year, another four courses will be offered – Locations Department Intensive (10 to 14 March), Budgeting Fundamentals (31 May and 1 June), Writers Room Intensive (14 to 18 July) and On Set Onboarding (1 to 3 October). Further details.
AFTRS’ partnership with RMIT follows up a Production Accounting Intensive course in Melbourne, with three courses to be offered this year – Locations Department Intensive (24 to 28 February), Assistant Directing Fundamentals (24 and 25 May) and Intro to Screen Business & Producing (16 and 17 August). Further details.
Launching in Adelaide this year are two courses where AFTRS will partner with The Mercury: On Set Onboarding in May and Intro to Screen Business & Producing (28 and 29 June).
Upcoming in Hobart, in partnership with Apple Box Studios, are two courses – Premiere Pro Fundamentals and Intro to Screen Business & Producing. AFTRS website will have updated details as soon as they are available.
AFTRS has also partnered with Screenworks to provide On Set Onboarding training around the country as part of the Regional Crew Pathways program. The program is a pathway into a first job in the screen industry and participants can nominate to be considered for a six-month paid placement. Next sessions are in Hobart (26 – 28 February) and Darwin (31 March – 2 April)
Robbie Miles, AFTRS’ Head of Industry & Alumni Engagement, said: “A thriving and sustainable Australian screen industry needs sustainable careers. Partnering with these excellent organisations around the country means we can deliver AFTRS industry-leading training in key skills gaps such as Locations, Production Accounting and Assistant Directing.”
Sarah Lancaster, General Manager, The Mercury, said: “The Mercury is thrilled to partner with AFTRS, Australia’s pre-eminent screen industry training body to deliver valuable industry-led short courses in Adelaide. This training will provide South Australia’s emerging and early career filmmakers with key skills, and grow their knowledge base to fast-track progression towards a career in the screen industry. We are delighted to increase the professional development opportunities on offer at The Mercury through this valuable partnership.”
Emma Wilson, CEO, Apple Box Studios, said: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but the collegial mentality doesn’t have to stop there. Working together to create positive career outcomes is integral in helping to strengthen the creative sector in Tasmania. Collaborating with other arts organisations, to bring in relevant training to meet the skills gaps, can only improve the prospects for Tasmanian creatives. Therefore, Apple Box Studio is very excited to be working with the Australian Film Television and Radio School, to provide opportunities for Tassie locals to meet, listen to, learn from, and work with, industry professionals from the national screen sector.”
AFTRS short courses, taught by expert practitioners, provide relevant practical skills and knowledge to help progress or kick start careers in the screen and broadcast industry. With over 50 years’ experience and international recognition in screen and broadcast training, AFTRS is the ideal place to reskill, upskill, cross-skill, and be inspired.
Short Courses run throughout the year ranging from one day to several weeks, with weekend, weekday and evening options, and delivery both online and in person. on-campus and around the country. For the full list of courses currently on offer, visit Short Courses.
