Training & Professional Development

film, video & TV training | professional development

Course Finder:

Short Courses

Open Channel offers specialised training in all key creative areas of screen practice. Courses are led by current industry professionals working in the screen industry and on independent productions. Small class sizes ensure that you will develop skills to enter the industry and develop your creative voice as a screen practitioner.

Courses will run when minimum enrolment numbers are reached. If you are interested in a course but the dates don't suit you, we encourage that you register your interest by email to enrolments@openchannel.org.au and specify the course name. Once we have enough students, courses can run at a time that suits the group.

During the year, additional courses are often announced, so check this website or sign up to receive our fortnightly news bulletin OpenLine.

PRODUCING & PRODUCTION

SCREENWRITING

DIRECTING

DOCUMENTARY

CINEMATOGRAPHY

DESIGN

SOUND

TELEVISION ON-SET & STUDIO

POST-PRODUCTION

UNDER 18

TEACHERS

SENIORS

REGIONAL

Take your next film from Script to Screen

Package together three short courses and receive a 10% discount. Places Limited.
Email shortcourses@openchannel.org.au for more info.

PRODUCING & PRODUCTION - join our special interest group on Production, Production Management and Assistant Directing / Join our special interest group on Transmedia and cross platform

INTRODUCTORY COURSES:

Exploiting your Digital Rights
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
You're a Producer, you've got a show to sell, and are about to sign a big distribution contract with a Network. But the way audiences consume media isn't quite as simple as it used to be, right?

Production Management (PPM1301)
Starts May 2
This course is designed for those seeking to production manage or produce independent productions.

Law, Camera, Action with Shaun Miller (LAW1301)
Starts May 9
Leading film lawyer Shaun Miller takes you through the legal issues relating to film/TV development, production and distribution.

Pitching Workshop with Kim Farrant (PI1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
A project lives and dies in the pitch. In this intensive one day workshop, Filmmaker Kim Farrant (Naked on the Inside, Alias, Sammy Blue, Beloved) will take you through how to present your idea and yourself - to funders, investors, and producers in a succinct and engaging way.

Screen Producing - The Dark Art
Starts May 29
Demystify the 'dark art' of screen producing with prolific Australian producer Stephen Luby.

ADVANCED COURSES

2013 Ideas Incubators
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
The 2012 Ideas Incubator series develops strong concepts for film, television and transmedia with clear market direction. Workshop your ideas, in a collaborative hot-house together with leading industry practitioners & other participating filmmakers.

Understanding the Marketplace (CUF60107FS/M4)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Examine the screen marketplace looking at contemporary and traditional methods of development and financing. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Packaging and Pitching (CUF60107FS/M6)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Develop the creative package and your creative pitch. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Establishing a Screen Business (CUF60107FS/M7)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Give your production company and your production the best possible start with this intensive business course. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Take your Project to the Marketplace with James Hewison (CUF60107FS/M8)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Understand the audience for your film or series, how to connect your project with them, and how to take your project to
the marketplace. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

SCREENWRITING - join our special interest group on Screenwriting

INTRODUCTORY COURSES:

Screenwriting Introduction (SI1301)
Starts April 16
Learn to craft your ideas into a strong narrative with this practical writing workshop led by Ben Michael, Script Editor and Screen writer of award-winning short films and TV (Neighbours and Out of the Blue)

Documentary Scriptwriting (WYD1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Develop your ideas for a compelling documentary project through a thorough explanation of the craft of documentary scriptwriting with award-winning international documentary filmmaker Diane Perelsztein. During the past 25 years, Diane has written, directed and produced a number of feature-length documentary films - here in Australia (with the FFC, Film Victoria and SBS Independent), and in Europe with the support of some of the leading European broadcasters (Canal+, ZDF, Arte and France 3).

Script Supervision / Continuity (SSUP1301)
Starts September 14
Working closely with the Director and Editor, the Script Supervisor is responsible for the coherence of the finished film. This is a critical role and good Script Supervisors are always in high demand.

ADVANCED COURSES:

2012 Ideas Incubators
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Clarify your project strengths and define development goals. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Planning your Project and Script Development (CUF60107FS/M1)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Clarify your project strengths and define development goals. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Script editing (CUF60107FS/M2)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Learn how to edit scripts, and how to use feedback from editors, in this extended case study of a project in development
across a number of drafts. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Advanced screenwriting and cinematic storytelling (CUF60107FS/M3)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
A series of advanced workshops designed to help you polish your script. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Concept to Script (C2S1301)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Develop your idea for a feature or TV series with AWGIE/AFI winning screenwriter Robert Greenberg (Round the Twist).

DIRECTING - join our special interest group on Directing

INTRODUCTORY COURSES:

Digital Filmmaking Introduction (DFI1302)
Starts September 20
This practical, weekend course introduces beginner filmmakers to the complete process of digital filmmaking.

Shooting Video with a DSLR camera (DSLR1302)
Starts June 14
This practical, weekend course introduces beginner and emerging filmmakers to the complete process of digital filmmaking using a DSLR camera.

Make your Film on a low to no budget (PROD1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Pick and choose your areas of interest with our micro-budget labs. This four part course is designed for those seeking to produce independent productions in a short or feature format with a challenged budget.

Transmedia/Multi-Platform Digital Filmmaking (CPD1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
A great idea for TV is no longer enough. This course will give you the tools to take your documentary trans-media.

Assistant Directing (AD1301)
Starts June 8
Assistant Directors are rarely out of work. Led by Kath Hayden (Mission Impossible, Janus, Mercury, Corelli, Simone de Bouvoir's Babies), this course is designed to provide you with the skills to forge a career as a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Assistant Director.

Music Video Production on a Shoestring (MVSS1201)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Learn the tricks of the trade to make a stand-out music video on a budget.

Introduction to Directing (ID1301)
Starts August 10
Designed for beginners, this course provides you with essential skills for directing for the screen. Apply your skills by directing a cast of actors under the guidance of an industry professional.

Script Supervision/Continuity (SCSUP1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Working closely with the Director and Editor, the Script Supervisor is responsible for the coherence of the finished film, and needs patience and a keen eye for detail.

ADVANCED COURSES:

Casting and Actor Based Development (CUF60107FS/M5)
Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
Develop a casting approach, and bring script alive through actor based development. More Information here.
This program can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Features and TV Series Development Program)

Directing Actors with Alkinos Tsilimidos (DA1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Learn to cast, rehearse and direct performance with the "actors director" Alkinos Tsilimidos (Em4Jay, Tom White, Blind Company) in this 8-day intensive course.

DOCUMENTARY - join our associate special interest group on Documentary

INTRODUCTORY COURSES:

Documentary Filmmaking Introduction (DOCFI1302)
Starts May 23
Get the skills to make your own short documentary with this intensive practical course. Designed for beginners, this course gives you a solid technical and creative foundation.

Shooting Video with a DSLR camera (DSLR1201)
Starts June 14
This practical, weekend course introduces beginner and emerging filmmakers to the complete process of digital filmmaking using a DSLR camera.

Transmedia/Multi-Platform Digital Filmmaking (CPD1301R)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
A great idea for TV is no longer enough. This course will give you the tools to take your documentary trans-media.

Video Journalism (VJ1301)
Starts November 31
This unique course equips journalists and filmmakers with the necessary skills to tell compelling, timely stories as a single person crew.

Documentary Scriptwriting (WYD1301)
Starts June 11
Develop your ideas for a compelling documentary project through a thorough explanation of the craft of documentary scriptwriting with award-winning international documentary filmmaker Diane Perelsztein. During the past 25 years, Diane has written, directed and produced a number of feature-length documentary films - here in Australia (with the FFC, Film Victoria and SBS Independent), and in Europe with the support of some of the leading European broadcasters (Canal+, ZDF, Arte and France 3).

ADVANCED COURSES:

Documentary Filmmaking: The Next Step - Creating Compelling Documentaries (DOCNS1301)
Starts September 19
Take your next documentary to a new compelling level. Learn about advanced concept development, shooting on location vs in the studio, advanced interview techniques, ethics and some tips on festival-worthy ideas.

CINEMATOGRAPHY - join our special interest group on Camera, Lighting and Grips

Cinematography Foundation (CIN1302)
Starts November 9
Led by multi award winning Australian filmmaker Julian Filer, this practical and popular introductory workshop provides a solid foundation for new Cinematographers.

Cinematography Lighting Workshop (CINLW1301)
Starts November 17
Learn how to plan, light and shoot a dinner party scene using low-budget lighting and a digital camera under the guidance of leading DOP Alan Cole (Lost & Found, Under a Red Moon).

Multi Cam Studio Operation (MULTICAM1301)
Register your interest by email to training@openchannel.org.au
Learn all aspects of operating multi camera set up within a television studio.

DESIGN - join our special interest group on Art Department, Costume, Makeup & Hair & Production Design

Production Design (ART1301)
Starts July 20
Production Design encompasses the entire look of a production. Led by former ABC Head of Design Julie Belle, this course takes you through the fundamentals of Production Design.

Wardrobe Department/Costume Design (WARDROBE1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
The Wardrobe department encompasses the entire fashion look of a production. Led by former Neighbors Head of Wardrobe, this course takes you through the fundamentals of the Wardrobe department/Costume Design.

Hair & Makeup (STYLE1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
The Hair and Make-up Department is responsible for the design, application, continuity and care of hair and make-up during feature film production. They are a key component in the overall design of a film. This course takes you through the fundamentals of the styling department.

D.I.Y Stop Motion Animation (STOPMOTION1301)
Due to commence July 2013 - Register your interest training@openchannel.org.au
D.I.Y. Stop Motion course is a four week course that trains participants in the basic skills of creating Stop Motion animations using accessible production tools, under the supervised of award winning animator Jacquie Trowell.

SOUND - join our special interest group on Location Sound, Music and Post Sound

Location Sound (LOCS1301)
Starts August 24
Sound is a major part of the impact of your film. In this course you will learn the basics of screen location recording for film and television with industry sound experts.

Sound Post Production Basics (PSOUND1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Learn the basics of sound editing and mixing for film and television, within the Soundtrack Pro environment (part of the Final Cut Pro Production suite).

ADVANCED COURSES:

Advanced Location Sound Recording (ALOCS1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Sound is a major part of the impact of your film. In this course you will learn the advanced skills of screen location recording for film and television. Nominations for best sound here we come!

TELEVISION ON-SET & STUDIO - join our special interest group on Television & Studio

Reality Television (RTV1301)
Register your interest by email to training@openchannel.org.au
This jam packed course is essential for anyone passionate about working in Reality TV. This course focuses on the role of the Reality TV Producer/Director. It covers a range of genres from Observational Documentaries through to American style Reality TV. You will cover everything you need to know from initial research and development, to protecting your ideas. The course covers who to talk to in the industry and how to network. It also covers how to develop and produce your own project.

Set Protocols & Screen Industry Induction (SPSII1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Aimed at new practitioners, this course will provide you with a thorough understanding of working in a production environment.

Television Studio Operations (TSO1301)
Register your interest by email to training@openchannel.org.au
Learn all aspects of operating a television studio at Melbourne's Community Broadcaster, Channel 31.

Multi Cam Studio Operation (MULTICAM1301)
Register your interest by email to training@openchannel.org.au
Learn all aspects of operating multi camera set up within a television studio.

POST-PRODUCTION - join our special interest group on Editing

INTRODUCTORY

Introduction to Editing (EDIT1303)
Starts May 31
This comprehensive weekend workshop is an exercise-based course covering basic editing procedures and the many features of the beginner packages (AVID, PREMIERE, FINAL CUT).

Craft of Editing (COE1301)
Starts July 13
You've got the basics, now learn the history, theory and conventions of editing, and develop your own style.

Transition to Avid Media Composer 6 from Final Cut Pro 7 Editors (FCP-AVID1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Do you want to transition from FCP7 to Avid 6? This comprehensive weekend workshop is an exercise-based course comparing the many features of Avid Media Composer 6 with Final Cut Pro 7.

ADVANCED

Editing Advanced (EDITA1302)
Starts June 21
Do you want to work faster, more efficiently and more professionally as an Editor using Premier Pro, Avid Media Composer 6, Final Cut Pro 7?

Craft of Editing Advanced (COEADV1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au

SPECIALISED

Motion Design in Adobe After Effects (MOTION1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
In this introductory course, you will work with a professional motion designer to create your own stunning title sequence using Apple Motion. You'll also look at a range of title sequences from existing films and analyse them from a design perspective.

Colour Grading (COLOUR1301)
Register your interest shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Learn how to Colour Grade in Apple's final cut pro editing software. Peter Cave has been editing for 26 years and has used both linear and non-linear editing systems. Originally trained by the ABC in Melbourne, major organisations Peter has worked for include ABC Melbourne, Network TEN Sydney and MTV Asia Singapore. He presently runs his own business called EditCave. Peter has been editing with Final Cut Pro since version one and has extensive offline, online, grading and compositing skills.

Craft of Editing (COE1301)
Starts July 13
You've got the basics, now learn the history, theory and conventions of editing, and develop your own style.

DVD Studio Pro (DVDSP1301)
Register your interest by email to training@openchannel.org.au
Learn the basics of creating DVDs and interactive menus utilising DVD Studio Pro.

After Effects (VFXI1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This comprehensive weekend workshop covers editing procedures using Adobe After Effects CS5 (Part of the Adobe Creative Suite 5)

UNDER 18

Young Filmmakers Holiday Workshop (YFHW1301)
Starts July 9
Don't just watch films these school holidays...learn how to make them in this fun filled 3-day course for 13 to 17-year olds.

* Students are encouraged to supply their own digital video camera (with microphone and headphone input and ability to attach a tripod base plate). Otherwise students will have shared access to Open Channel cameras.

Video Game Design for Kids (GAME1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Don't just play electronic games these school holidays...learn how to make them in this fun filled 4-day course for 13 to 17-year olds. School holiday fun where kids learn how to develop and create their own video games. This highly practical, fun and engaging new workshop aims to teach basic design and development skills for video games for 13 - 17 year olds. During the course the participants will create two games which they can take home with them and play again and again. A great way to engage young people in new technology and give them the head start to express their creativity.

SENIORS

Seniors' Filmmaking Bootcamp (BOOT1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This is a course to give you the skills to make a short narrative or documentary film of your life or that of a friend. Let the memories last for future generations.

TEACHERS

Teachers' Filmmaking Bootcamp (TEACHERS1301)
Register your interest by email to shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This is a course to give you the skills to assist your students to make a short narrative or documentary film in record time with no budget.

REGIONAL

Regional dates have not been scheduled yet for the following courses, but click the course name to get an overview of the course content.

Documentary Filmmaking Introduction (DOCFI1301R)
Warrnambool - Starts June 28
Ballarat - Starts August 2nd
Bendigo - Starts July 29th
Shepparton - Starts July 11th
Register your interest in other towns by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Get the skills to make your own short documentary with this intensive practical course. Designed for beginners, this course gives you a solid technical and creative foundation.

Young Filmmakers Holiday Workshop (YFHW1301R)
Warrnambool - Starts July 1
Ballarat - Starts July 4
Bendigo - Starts July 8
Shepparton - Starts July 11
(Register your interest in other towns by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au)
Don't just watch films these school holidays...learn how to make them in this fun filled 3-day course for 13 to 17-year olds.

Regional dates have not been scheduled yet for the following courses, but click the course name to get an overview of the course content.

Teachers' Filmmaking Bootcamp (TEACHERS1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This is a course to give you the skills to assist your students to make a short narrative or documentary film in record time with no budget.

Final Cut Pro Introduction (FCP1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This comprehensive weekend workshop covers editing procedures using Final Cut Pro - the industry standard.

Digital Filmmaking Introduction with Nick Moore (DFI1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This practical, weekend course introduces beginner filmmakers to the complete process of digital filmmaking.

Shooting Video with a DSLR camera (DSLR1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This practical, weekend course introduces beginner and emerging filmmakers to the complete process of digital filmmaking using a DSLR camera.

Music Video Production on a Shoestring (MVSS1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
Learn the tricks of the trade to make a stand-out music video on a budget.

Transmedia/Multi-Platform Digital Filmmaking (CPD1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
A great idea for TV is no longer enough. This course will give you the tools to take your documentary trans-media.

Avid Media Composer (AVID1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This comprehensive weekend workshop covers editing procedures using Avid Media Composer 6.

Premiere Pro (PMR1301R)
Register your interest in regional areas by emailing shortcourses@openchannel.org.au
This comprehensive weekend workshop covers editing procedures using Adobe Premier Pro CS5 (Part of the Adobe Creative Suite 5)

Lucinda Gamble
Professional Development Manager 0430 548 610 shortcourses@openchannel.org.au