There are some things that can only be learnt in a physical classroom, or on set with hands-on experience –but that doesn’t mean online learning has had its day.
As Krista Jordan, Head of Animation, and Head of Short Courses and Industry Certificates at AFTRS explained: ‘There is always a portion of the craft that’s based on practical hands-on skills, but around that is a whole bunch of other truly important learning that helps in the application and context of those practical skills. And it’s those things that can be learnt very well in an online environment.’
Jordan speaks quickly and enthusiastically about the online short courses offered by the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
‘I love what you can do with them,’ she said, telling ScreenHub about the extensive menu of options available. ‘Because of the flexibility you can really fold them into your life, and choose according to your individual circumstances and learning styles, whether you’re a newcomer, or a person in the industry who wants to upskill or cross-skill.’
SHORT AND SWEET BUT TAUGHT BY EXPERTS
The current AFTRS short course curriculum encompasses everything from a two-day Narrative Comedy workshop with Tim Ferguson to four-day Production Accounting course to a three-week Intro to Directing. For those wanting a more intense experience there are ten-week courses on Writing a TV Series, Screenwriting for Film or The Director’s Journey with Elissa Down. That’s just a small taste of the online short courses, all taught by experts with recent and significant industry experience.
Whether you’re a 16-year-old high school student with a documentary idea, or a 50-year-old veteran wanting to brush up or branch out within the screen industry, there’s something for everyone. You just need a computer and a decent internet connection.
Jordan said the beauty of short courses lies in their flexibility and responsiveness, not just to student needs (including those students with access issues), but to the industry’s evolving requirements for new kinds of skills.
‘Right now there’s a lot of discussion around virtual production and virtual craft,’ said Jordan, who previously worked at Animal Logic as the Sydne-based company’s Learning and Development Manager, with her film credits including The Matrix, Moulin Rouge and the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet.
RESPONSIVE TO STUDENT AND INDUSTRY NEEDS
‘I spent 25 years working on the virtual side of things,’ Jordan explained.
‘I’ve worked with R&D teams and amazing artists, huge teams and little teams, and what I’ve learnt from that experience is that when you have to work on the cutting edge of things, you have to come with a sense of responsiveness and agility. That capacity to be responsive is best placed in the short courses team. We can turn things over, try new things, and see if we’re having an impact.’
Examples of such responsiveness include new courses being developed at AFTRS specifically in virtual production, ‘looking at ways cross-pollination can happen between virtual and non virtual crafts,’ said Jordan.
She is also excited by the evolution of other areas complementary to production, like film and television finance.
‘We have short courses and industry certificates in production finance that are doing amazingly well, with students coming out of those courses with direct industry experience and contacts. A number of students have gotten jobs before they’ve even finished the course because there’s great demand and, as with many courses, the people teaching them often stay in touch with students who’ve proven their abilities.’
VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS, REAL SOCIAL NETWORKS
More than other industries, the screen and broadcasting sectors run on social networks – who you know, and who you’ve worked with before. And while it seems surprising that online courses can assist with such networking, Jordan says this is indeed the case. Many students underestimate or under-utilise the social aspects of the classes, she said.
‘There are great opportunities to develop communities and build your network with online short courses.
‘My big tip for any student is to embrace the fact that you can speak and interact with your fellow students and your teachers. Sometimes shy people silo themselves away and make online classes a kind of darkroom activity, but I would say you need to think laterally and really chat, reach out and engage.
‘This is a really easy way to push yourself a little bit, try something new, learn some skills and make friends and contacts,’ Jordan said.
A TASTER: THREE SHORT COURSES STARTING SOON
Intro to Documentary 31/8/2021
Explore the role of a documentary filmmaker as you learn more about the genre, including factual TV/documentary series, feature documentary and online docs. This course is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of the documentary genre but have a strong interest in storytelling and connecting with audiences through telling true stories. The six evening Zoom sessions over three weeks will be made up of lectures, screenings and discussions, and led by Industry expert Dylan Blowen.
Mobile Content Creation 6/9/2021
Learn how to shoot and edit quality video on your mobile device, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad or Android, in this introductory course delivered completely online. Five modules are delivered (either over five days with a daily Zoom session during business hours, or over five weeks with an after-hours weekly Zoom). Alongside practical lectures delivered via video, there are live Zoom video classes, and practical exercises which can be submitted to the course lecturer for feedback. The tutor is cinematographer Gareth Tillson (LBF).
The Director’s Journey with Elissa Down 4/10/2021
Learn how to become a working director and build a sustainable career in this ten-week, 100% online course. Designed for emerging filmmakers with some experience, offering insight into the role of the director to help take your craft to the next level. Led by AACTA, AWGIE and ADG award-winner Elissa Down (The Black Balloon, Feel The Beat), who works in both the US and Australian industries, you’ll develop your directing knowledge and skills from the comfort of your own home.
Start your new career journey with an online short course at AFTRS, Australia’s premiere screen and broadcast school.
