OPEN CHANNEL SCREEN RESOURCE CENTRE, SHED 4, DOCKLANDS, VICTORIA

   
get skilled up!

Training

Short Courses

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.

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.*
* Please read the refund policy carefully before enrolling

If you don't see the course for you, think about Customised Training.

Contact the Short Course Coordinator for further information or enrolments:
shortcourses [@] openchannel.org.au

Course descriptions and dates

Courses are listed alphabetically.


Cinematography: Painting with Light

Be inspired! This comprehensive workshop will have you experimenting with the possibilities of lighting for video, guided by a professional cinematographer and lighting technician. Learn how to translate the written script into visual language, to capture the character, mood and landscape of the story. 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 their trade and discuss pertinent issues including electrical safety, on-set etiquette, the gaffer/ cinematographer relationship, and short cuts to achieving your lighting needs.

Who should do this course?

This is the perfect course for camera operators and other film professionals wishing to heighten their artistic skills, and aspiring directors wanting to better understand the potential of their cinematographer.

Some camera experience necessary.

When: August 31, September 1, 2 Time: 6:15-9:15pm Fri, 10am-5:00pm Sat & Sun Cost: $372 full/$310 OC members Duration: 1 evening & 2 days Maximum participants: 12
When: August 31, September 1, 2
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $372 full / $310 OC Members
Duration: 1 evening and 2 days

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Design Your Film

Think before you shoot; think about what's in the frame... As a visual medium, everything in film is composed for audience interpretation. This intensive workshop introduces you to the basics of art direction, costume and set design. Consider what will visually represent your story before the camera rolls.

An experienced production supervisor will introduce you to mise-en-scene, the design process (from brief to shoot), the many crew roles in film design, onset design (standby props, wet sets, doubles), script breakdowns, costumes/fittings, as well as the opportunity to hear from Guest Speakers who specialise in production design and special FX.

Who should do this course?

An ideal beginning for anyone interested in film design; including the many crew roles in costume, sets, production, make up and props departments. This is also the perfect course for producers and directors interested in understanding the complex world of film design.

When: October 5, 6, 7
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $240 full / $200 OC Members
Duration: 1 evening and 2 days
Maximum participants: 16

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Digital Filmmaking Introduction

An intensive, practical workshop for beginners that takes learners through the basics of shooting a short drama script. From directing actors and crew to editing the footage into a short film.

This highly popular course introduces participants to the processes of digital video production and postproduction. Designed for the beginner, this intensive, practical workshop covers basic video production and familiarises participants with the digital video camera, lighting, sound and editing.

Shoot a short drama script and experience the crew roles of directing, camera operation, sound recording, lighting and editing. 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.

When: September 28, 29, 30
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $372 full / $310 OC Members
Duration: 1 evening and 2 days
Maximum participants: 10

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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. Know when to break with convention, how to build suspense with pacing and shot selection and what breaks 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. Final Cut Pro Introduction and Advanced courses are suitable pre-requisites.

When: December 1, 2
Time: 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $180 full / $150 OC Members
Duration: 2 days
Maximum participants: 16

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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 5.

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 three 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. There is no pre-requisite for the course, however, a basic understanding of Mac based computer systems is a plus.

When: July 20, 21, 22 / August 17, 18, 19 / October 19, 20, 21 / November 16, 17, 18
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $678 / $565 OC Members
Duration: 1 evening and 2 days
Maximum participants: 3

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Final Cut Pro Advanced

This intensive workshop builds on participants' existing Final Cut Pro skills and covers advanced 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 class group of three participants ensures you plenty of hands-on learning with optimal support and advice from our highly experienced trainer.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for learners with editing experience wanting to learn the advanced features of Final Cut Pro. Final Cut Pro Introduction is the pre-requisite for this course.

When: Aug 31, Sept 1, 2 / Sept 14, 15, 16 / Dec 7, 8, 9
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Fri, 10:00am - 5:30pm Sat and Sun
Cost: $678 / $565 OC Members
Duration: 1 evening and 2 days
Maximum participants: 3

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Law, Camera, Action!

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.

When: August 4, November 24
Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm Sat
Cost: $66 full / $55 OC Members
Duration: 1/2 day
Maximum participants: 20

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Present Yourself

A practical workshop covering all aspects of television presenting. Learn how to host a program, talk to camera and conduct compelling interviews.

Experienced television directors and presenters, will guide you through practical exercises that will skill you up in presenting, hosting and interviewing on camera. Be prepared to watch your work, receive constructive criticism and improve each time. By the end of the week, you will have conquered your nerves and have the beginnings of a showreel.

Who should do this course?

Designed as an introduction, this course is best suited to those with little or no experience, wanting practical experience in television presenting. It is also suitable for documentary directors interested in interview techniques.

When: December 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm Mon to Fri
Cost: $480 full / $400 OC Members
Duration: 5 days
Maximum participants: 12

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Producing and Production Management

Making films is more than a creative art, it is a business, and excellence in production management is a key ingredient in any successful film project.

Learn 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 a comprehensive 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.

When: October 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, November 3, 5, 10, 12
Cost: $495 / $412 for OC Members
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Mon, 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat
Duration: 5 evenings and 5 days
Maximum participants: 16

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Write Your Documentary

Develop your ideas for a documentary project with a thorough exploration of the craft of documentary scriptwriting. From research to interviews, treatments to scripts, the course explores the challenges of writing compelling stories for documentary.

When: July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 25
Cost: $360 full / $300 OC Members
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Weds, 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat
Duration: 5 evenings and 1 day
Maximum participants: 12

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Write Your Short Film

Learn to craft your ideas into a strong narrative with this practical writing workshop. Individual feedback will cover script formatting, structure and narrative. Get inspired, share your ideas and work with a professional scriptwriter.

In seven weeks, develop your 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. Complete (or be well on the way to completing) a short film script.

Be prepared to write, write, write!

Who should do this course?

Suitable for beginners and those with some experience in writing and want a deadline and script editing support to complete a script.

Must come with a short film idea to the first class as a pre-requisite.

When: October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6
Time: 6:15pm - 9:15pm Thurs
Cost: $360 full / $300 OC Members
Duration: 7 evenings
Maximum participants: 12

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Young Filmmakers Holiday Workshop

Photo of Young Filmmakers class of April 2005

These school holidays, don't just watch films... make them! If you love film and TV and can see yourself behind the camera or in the director's chair, then you need this three-day, hands-on course for young people who want to make movies.

With a professional filmmaker, learn how to operate a camera, sound, lights and edit a short video. Work in small groups, rotate through crew roles, act, direct, shoot with professional gear, edit on Final Cut Pro and learn the skills you'll need to make your own videos. This is a great way to meet other young people who are passionate about filmmaking.

All students get a DVD of the completed film.

Who should do this course?

Designed for 13 - 17 year olds only. No EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

When: July 3, 4, 5 / July 10, 11, 12 / September 25, 26, 27 / October 2, 3, 4
Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm Tues to Thurs
Cost: $250
Duration: 3 days
Maximum participants: 10

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OPEN CHANNEL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Film Commission<br>and Film Victoria

OPEN CHANNEL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Film Commission and Film Victoria.