1 What is Vocational Training?

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is post-compulsory education and training which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills.

The Film and Television Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia.

FTI offers Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Qualifications that are recognised as part of Australia’s nationally recognised training system.

2 What software does FTI use in it's courses?

At FTI we constantly liaise with members of the local, national and international to ensure that we are teaching on the most relevant software and equipment.

Some of the programs we use include

• Adobe Flash
• 3D Studio Max
• AVID
• Adobe Premiere
• Pro Tools
• Audition

When you enrol in a program our staff will be able to tell you which software will be utilised. We believe that the best approach to teaching is to focus on the funamentals rather than the intacicies of a particular peice of software.

3 What ID do I need provide before hiring equipment from FTI?

To ensure that we are fully covered by our insurer, we need to be sure we know who’s taking our gear. To this end, we carry out a 100 point ID check on all customers. One of the easiest ways to comply with this requirement is to show us either your Birth Certificate or passport, plus a current photo driver’s licence. If you’re unable to provide us with these documents, just call the Equipment and Facilities Department on 9431 6717 to discuss other options. You only need to produce these documents on the first occasion that you hire from us as we keep a record on file for future reference.

4 I want to hold regular screenings for a film club in our local hall – how do I go about doing this?

Distributors hold the screening rights to most films. If you go to www.imdb.com you can find out who holds the rights to the film you wish to screen. Many distributors will not allow you to screen from DVD as the quality is poor.

5 I want to hold a film festival screening local films how do I go about arranging this?

To screen local films you will need the permission of the filmmaker and you will also need a festival screening clearance from the Office of Film and Literature Classification as most locally produced films will not have an OFLC classification.

6 I want to run a screen culture event and I’m wondering if FTI will sponsor such an event?

Look on this site to find the two streams of Screen Culture funding that we offer. You may apply for up to $4000 for your event or apply for the waiver of venue hire. FTI members receive 25% discount off venue hire.

7 Is there any discounts offered on courses?

All short courses, seminars and workshops at the Film and Television Instiute have been subsidised by our funding partners ScreenWest and the Australian Film Commission.

We also offer a discount to FTI members on most programs and have a number of partnerships with other arts organisations.

8 How are short courses, seminars and workshops at FTI developed?

There are several ways we develop our program content.

Industry Consultation
We regularly discuss our program with local, national and international production companies and screen industry associations. We find out where the skill shortages are, what new skills are being required in the workplace and what the latest trends are.

Member’s Requests
FTI is a membership based organisation so we develop courses that our members want to attend. If you have a skill you want to learn or knowledge you need to develop, let us know – we might be able to put something together.

Searching for People
We are always on the look out for people who can share knowledge with other screen artists and industry members. If you have a skill or expertise to share get in touch with us.

9 How do I enrol in a training opportunity at FTI?

There are several ways you can enroll in a program at FTI.

1. Download the form that is on the course page of this website and send it back to us.
2. Give us a call at FTI 0n (08) 9431 6700 and we can enroll you.
3. Come and see us in person at 92 Adelaide Street in Fremantle. We are open for enrollments from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

10 Does FTI offer work experience opportunities?

FTI has extremely limited opportunities for work experience and normally only a few participants are taken on each year.

There is however another way you can get involved with FTI:

Volunteering
FTI has opportunities for volunteers during the Fremantle Outdoor Film Festival, Tropfest and the WA Screen Awards.

11 Where can I find sample contracts for my production?

The artslaw website has sample contracts www.artslaw.com.au. Arts Law’s sample contracts are produced with explanatory notes and sample wording for each clause. They have been created to assist low income creators and organisations in drafting contracts suitable for their needs.

12 I’ve got a great idea for a film… what next?

All films start with a great idea… but it takes time and effort to get it to the screen and it is often a long process.

To start, you need to have a written concept that you can present to potential producers.

There are four main ways to get an idea (of course there are more – let me know)

1. Write a script yourself. If you have never written before, perhaps you could consider doing a screenwriting course to get started. Also, there are many books / resources available to assist you (check out FTI’s bookstore).

2. Find a screenwriter who is willing to write a script based on your idea. You will also need to find a producer and director who are interested in pursuing it too…

3. Find a script that has already been written – talk to the writer about making it into a film.

4. Find a short story / poem / image / almost anything and get a writer to adapt it for screen. You could do yourself too…

The Australian Writers Guild (AWG) has a list of writers and their pay rates. You can download useful documents from the Screen Australia website that will show you the correct way to format your script and getting started in the industry.

13 Does FTI accept International Students?

FTI does not accept International Students for full-time or partime vocational training programs.

International students are welcome to participate in short courses, seminars and workshops that are offered at the Institute.

14 How Is Your Application Assessed?

The Film & Television Institute uses a panels for all funding rounds. The panel consists of three professional industry practitioners, chosen by Production Support. Each panelist is sent all applications and supporting material to read and assess. The panel members then convene at FTI to discuss each application with focus on the script, the budget and the merits of the creative team.

The panelists will assess projects in terms of:

STORY

The quality of the script and originality of the idea. The story, the exploration of form and narrative. The potential for direction and performance. Is it well developed and production ready? Is it 5-10 minutes? Is it innovative?

TEAM

Team composition and their ability to deliver within the proposed timeline and budget. Do they have a good show-reel? Do they have a good track record? How are the Directors and Producers statements?

BUDGET

Have they provided a realistic budget that adequately reflects the project’s requirements?

MARKETING

Will the film be likely to do well at festivals?

15 Can I find someone to make my film for free?

In a word – “No.”

In several more words, “Maybe, but do your homework.”

If you have an idea that you write, produce, direct, act in, shoot, edit, post-produce and distribute on your own – then that film is yours entirely because you paid for every minute of it literally and in terms of owning the Intellectual Property (IP).

The moment you get other people involved and use their time and talents, then you are in a creative relationship and a business relationship. You may even be opening up the issue of who owns the IP on the project. It is not a simple matter of “just getting someone to help.”

Basically, volunteering or working for free is something that should be done on a limited basis and there needs to be some form of written agreement with clear parameters between the Producer and the Volunteer.

We do not recommend cast or crew working for free for any significant length of time. We know it happens, but your time has a market value.

16 What about copyright? I don’t want people to steal my idea!

An idea is not automatically copyright protected, that is why you need to have a document, such as a script, that has a date on it. Also keep good records about who you show your work to. If you want to be absolutely sure that your script is protected, the Australian Writer’s Guild has a script registering service that will ensure your script is protected.

17 What software does FTI use in it's courses?

FTI has a wide range of different software for training purposes. We follow a belief though that we are training skills rather than intracies particicular software packages.

When enrolling in a program ask the consultant which packages will be used.

Some of the commonly used packages at FTI include

AVID XPRESS PRO / MEDIA COMPOSER HD Editing
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Discreet Combustion
3D Studio Max 8
Flash 8

18 What Crew Do I Need To Have Locked In For My Application?

FTI recommends you have your key crew locked in – most importantly, a Producer and Director.
Having a Producer allows the writer or director to concentrate on the creative elements, and the producer can take care of everything else.

A Director will provide information on HOW the film will look, what processes will be used in order to achieve the ‘look’. Basically, what the final project will be like.

It is great if you can have a Director of Photography, Production Manager, Sound Department and Editor also locked in.

19 Does FTI offer work experience opportunities?

FTI rarely has the ability to take on students for work experience. We do however have many alternate pathways pathways for career development that you should consdier.

Some options include,

• Joining the Member’s Production Group
• Attending a courses, seminars or workshops
• Taking part in production initatives
• Volunteer opportunities at the Fremantle Outdoor Film Festvial
• Volunteer opportunities at the WA Screen Awards
• Why not call us and ask for some career advice

20 Where is FTI located?

FTI is at 92 Adelaide Street in the historical port community of Fremantle.

The Main Building of the Institute is an old heritage listed building in the centre of Princess May Park.

FTI also has additional spaces nearby, but all programs commence at the main building.

1 How Do I Prepare A Budget?

An A to Z Budget can be downloaded from the Screen Australia (SA) website or you can enlist the services of a production manager or producer to prepare a budget for you.
There are many publications and resources to help you with your budget.

We have a template budget for OOMPF, Raw nerve and Town Of Vincent.

Email me if you would like a copy – yvette_coyne@fti.asn.au

2 How are the courses, workshops and seminars developed?

FTI is a membership based organisation so many of the ideas for courses, seminars and workshops come from our members.

If there is a particular skill or knowledge you would like to develop, let us know and we’ll see if we can offer a program in this area.

Alternatively if you have a skill or expertise in an area that you think other members may like to hear about why not get in touch with us.

The staff at FTI are always following new trends in filmmaking and screen culture and constantly socialise so that we meet interesting people.

3 How do I get to FTI?

FTI is easily accessible by walking, car, buses and trains. We are located in central Fremantle.

If you are catching the train to FTI, catch the Train to Fremantle station. Once you leave the station cross the road and walk up Market Street. Turn left into the High Street Mall. Continue on down Adelaide Street, cross over Queen Street, cross over Point Street and continue walking until you reach Princess May Park and FTI.

If you are driving to FTI there is parking in the Point Street multi-story carpark, this car park is open until 7pm.

There are also carparks nearby on Beach Street, these are open until 6pm.

There is street parking on Cantonment Street and Adelaide Street. Parking here requires a ticket, the time limit is 1 hour from 9am to 5pm and 3 hours from 5pm to 1am.

4 Where do I find cast and crew rates?

Download the Motion Picture and Entertainment Agreement from the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) website. This link will take you straight to the downloads
http://www.alliance.org.au/resources/

5 What is the difference between a workshop, a course and a seminar?

As a general guide we class learning opportunites with the following guidelines,

Workshops
These usually involve a ‘hands on’ experience. So your going to be picking up a camera, turning on a computer or gluing together a minuture set.

Seminars
A seminar will be a subject matter expert talking about their experiences or giving a lecture about a specifi topic.

Short Courses
Short Courses may be ‘hands on’ skills or knowledge based lectures but they will be spread over several sessions.

6 Do I need to leave a deposit when hiring equipment or facilities?

A deposit must be left with us when hiring facilities such as the Cinema, but FTI does not require a deposit on equipment hire. Call us on 9431 6717 for further information.

7 What about getting one of your students to make my film?

Seriously, “No.”

The FTI has film students as do the TAFEs and Unis around Perth. But the reason they are students is that they are learning their craft. There is a difference between professional standards and student film-making.

Also our students are too busy completing an intensive course in filmmaking to have spare time to complete outside work.

And finally if you are able to persuade a student filmmaker to make your film, then they are still entitled to charge you for their time.

Student filmmaking does not equal free filmmaking.

8 How do I enrol in a course or workshop at FTI?

There are several ways.

• Come into FTI at 92 Adelaide Street Fremantle between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

• Give us a call on 9431 6700 and speak to one of our staff, you can even pay by credit card over the phone.

• Download the application form from the website on the page where the course is listed.

• Send us an email at ftitraining@fti.asn.au

9 How much experience do I need to have to do a course at FTI?

We have a huge range of courses that cover all different experience levels.

If your not sure about your level of suitability for a program ask our consultants and they will be able to guide you.

10 So how do I make my own film?

Going from Filmmaking Newbie to the Next Big Thing takes a lot of time and effort. The film you want to make is probably slick, clever and stars Hugh Jackman. The film you can make right now will be shot on home video and will star your next-door neighbour. But you have to make this film and many more like it first. Unless your next door neighbour IS Hugh Jackman.

Start studying informally. Dig out the various movie-making applications that come with most computers and have another go at editing Uncle Stanley’s wedding footage. Do a music video version. Do an art film version. Learn from your mistakes and the over-use of the star-wipe transition.

If you work full time, go on the net and look at the dazzling range of film study options on-line. There are many part-time options for people who want to learn how to make a film. Then consider studying film formally. At the FTI.

11 What do I need to know about submitting my film to FTI?

FTI Digital Delivery Guidelines

GOAL: To attain a digital copy of a film as a file that will serve in lieu of a traditional ‘Master Tape’

Please take care when preparing your file for delivery to FTI.
You have likely invested considerable time and other resources in finishing your film.
Taking the time to prepare a good master is most worthwhile.

FTI is very flexible in the formats it can accept, however it makes sense to utilise a format that as closely matches your workflow as possible.
If you have shot on a P2 camera and have edited DV100 then it makes sense to submit in this format. There is nothing to be gained in rendering out to say a 10 bit uncompressed 4:4:4 file. Likewise if your entire workflow has been 8bit then nothing will be gained by submitting a 10bit file and in fact this could actually compromise things during later processing.

All we really ask is that you attempt to deliver us the VERY BEST quality copy of your production that you are capable of.
Please also check through what you are submitting. We often find 1 or 2 frame glitches in the vision or audio. These may be unavoidable but we like to feel assured that you have gone through and checked this prior to submission.

We strongly recommend submitting as DNxHD or ProResHQ 422 in full raster 1920×1080 or 1280×720.
Other formats that may be more appropriate to your workflow could be:

* Uncompressed 4:2:2 8bit YUV (as in Apple or Blackmagic or Bluefish codecs) – could be SD 720×576 or full raster square pixel HD * Uncompressed 4:2:2 10bit YUV (as above – but 10 bit. Only do this if you have been working and mastering 10bit) * Uncompressed 4:4:4 8bit or 10bit – as above but using full RGB sampling. You might also consider using Quicktime Animation codec at 100% quality in this situation. * DV100 (please note Apple & Avid have slightly different implementations) * DV25 (Apple Quicktime DV)

In all cases field order must be correctly identified.
We also want to know whether luminace is full range 0-255 or 601/709 16-235

Audio should be at minimum stereo 16bit/48khz

We ask that you try and refrain from submitting any interframe compressed formats (eg AVCHD, MPEG-2, HDV, MPEG-4[inc h264])
We also would like you to avoid submitting in proprietary intermediate codecs such as ‘Apple Intermediate Codec’ or ‘Cineform’.

We ask that you submit 1) a 25fps master file starting from the first frame of the production and ending with one second of black with stereo audio. 2) 75% PAL EBU bars/tone/leader from ‘start of timeline’ to ‘first frame of film’ . This will help us ensure correct setup for any processing.

Any variations such as 24P master, 2K or 4K raster, or surround audio tracks can probably be accomodated – but you will need to contact us to organise on a case by case basis.
We would however still like you to attempt submission of a standard 25fps master suitable for the Australian market.
Believe us – we love innovation and a challenge. We hope we will be battling with how to accept and process a 3D master soon!!

We ask that you keep your master project available for 30 days from the date of submission. This allows us time to thoroughly check your file and work with you if any errors or incompatibilities are found

To view the online Digital Delivery Guidelines and Form, please visit the link:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dvrh4g8_27cf4jxkc8

12 How do I submit information for inclusion in the FTI E-Vent notice?

If you have an event or news that you would like included in FTI email newsletter send it to communications@fti.asn.au and clearly mark it as ‘For consideration in the E-Vent notice’.

The deadline for consideration is 12pm Monday and the news is usually released on Tuesday afternoon.

Information submitted should be concise with around 75 words of text and may include a hyperlink to a website with additional information. Images are encouraged and should be in a .jpg format

The decision and approval on which items are included in our communication networks or on our website rests with our Chief Executive Officer.

13 Are these all the FAQs?

No way. We will post more as they come to hand. Let us know if you have a question that will make it to Production Support’s FAQ page. Email “Lynda”:mailto:lynda_doulas@fti.asn.au

14 How Do I Write The Statements Required?

Here are a few tips to help you write statements for your application.

Writers statement
What is the film about? Whose story is it (which character is the voice)? What is happening? What are the challenges faced by the characters? What is the resolution? What are the themes? Why is this film important?

Directors statement
How will the story be told? what conventions will be used? what is the visual style of the film? if referencing styles /. films – HOW will you achieve the look / feel? Will colour or other thematic conventions be used to convey themes / ideas? How do you envisage the finished film? Are there actors chosen or in mind to participate? Where do you think the film should be filmed? What is the genre(s)?

Producers Statement
How will the film be made? Locations? Actors? Costumes? SFX? Safety? Money allocated to all of these if required? Is the crew sorted? How will the film be marketed – what are the plans once the film is finished? Which film festivals will the film be entered into? Have you allocated money in the budget? Think ‘what needs to organized & thought of in order to make this film the way I want?”