Study Film & Animation at SIT

If you’ve ever dreamed about working in the film industry – either as a creator or technical guru – or simply want to get the best results from your home video camera, then the Diploma in Digital Film (DDF) could be the perfect course for you.  Supported by professional filmmakers, DDF students learn a wide range of creative and technical digital film skills, through several very “hands on” papers and a lot of fun.  Possibly the only course of its kind in the world to be offered by distance learning, DDF SIT2LRN students who are New Zealand citizens also qualify for the Zero Fee Scheme.

Imagine having the chance to turn raw footage from a professionally shot, feature-length film, into a fully edited scene, including sound.  That’s exactly what DDF students do as part of their learning, thanks to collaboration between SIT and DDF facilitator Phil Davison.

The film, Ghost TV, was written and directed by Davison and funded by the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).  Soon to be available for paid download on the iTunes movie section, footage from the film is used to test students’ skill and creativity.

It’s just one of the highlights from a course that will ensure participants gain basic competencies in the whole realm of digital videoing, including camera recording, editing and screen writing.

Davison says the DDF is a great “taster” for both technically able and creative people who are interested in the industry but unsure about which direction to take.  “You can go out and create yourself a job from it if you are highly motivated. It’s also good for entry level opportunities in film or television.  Alternatively, once you’ve completed the DDF you can join the second year of the Bachelor of Digital Media, which is offered on campus, at SIT.”

Students don’t need to have expensive camera equipment to get a head start in the industry either.  “Gear is getting so good these days and the prices keep coming down.  As long as you’ve got a digital video camera that is compatible with the course software – Final Cut Pro or Adobe CS Suite – you’re good to go.” says Davison.

He recommends anyone considering buying second-hand gear to contact him first to make sure they’re not paying too much.  “If you want to buy new, I would recommend the Canon 550D.  You have the added benefit that it’s a still camera with really good video for not much more than $1000.00.”

To achieve the DDF students must complete eight papers including three that are compulsory: DDF101 Video and Audio Craft; DDF104 Short Film Screenwriting and DDF105 Video Editing.

After that, there’s a further 12 papers to choose from, focusing on both technical and creative elements of digital film.

There is a total of seven DDF facilitators: six are based in Dunedin, with one in Wellington and all are just an email away for support.  Davison believes distance learning has several advantages.

“If you were in a classroom situation, chances are, if a student is stumped I would lean over their shoulder, push a button and fix it for them.  Distance learning enables students to figure things out for themselves – it can be a slower way of finding out things but it’s far better in the long run.”

And having your own camera is better than sharing or relying on a pool of gear.  “You can get to know your camera really well and be sure that it’s always available and how it will operate.”

Colleague Dell McLeod, who was the principal actor in Ghost TV, says while it’s possible to get digital film tips online, DDF students have the benefit of professional industry support.

“All assignments received are acknowledged and each student receives personal feedback on the work they have submitted and, if necessary, suggestions on techniques or improvements.”

Bitten by the film making bug while working for a regional television station, film tutor Patrick Gillies originally trained as a camera man and video editor for television news and current affairs.

Since his career-changing decision, he hasn’t looked back, delving into both short and long-form comedy for the big and small screen.

Over the past two decades, Patrick’s comedic short films have been selected for over 40 international film festivals.  His credits include two feature films with international distribution and three broadcast television comedies.

Patrick has been part of the team at the Southern Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation for the almost three years and in this time he has developed a real passion for teaching.

“The most enjoyable aspect of my role is interfacing with the students and being able to make a difference to their work,” he says.

“Helping them through those early developmental stages and finally seeing them through to completion – that is, projected up onto the big screen at our end of year Flicks Film and Animation showcase.”

In his leisure time Patrick enjoys spending time with his children at the skate park.

“One of my goals is to resurrect my long dormant skateboarding abilities,” he says.

And when his children have gone to bed, Patrick and his wife enjoy a good TV comedy.

“Larry David or Ricky Gervais come top of the list.”

When Australian-raised Mel Larson completed her Diploma in Digital Film (DDF) in 2011, she travelled from her home in Brisbane to Invercargill for graduation and a holiday. And she never went back.

Now the New Zealand-born 33-year-old has set up a new life in New Zealand’s southernmost city and plans to study at SIT’s main campus there.

“I’m now doing the Diploma in Digital Photography part-time – there are cross-credits from the DDF; the rest of the time will be the Bachelor of Digital Media, with an eye on getting involved in making movies down here.”

Mel says studying for her DDF has opened up a whole new world of opportunities she could never have dreamed about.

“If it wasn’t for SIT2LRN and the Zero Fees Scheme I never would’ve been able to afford it.  It’s a good thing I’m a New Zealand citizen because doing it in Australia would easily have cost $15,000.”

With a creative background and an interest in graphic art and design, Mel found it difficult to pursue the career she really wanted.  So she decided to go one step further and chose the DDF, with electives in photography and graphic design for film.  “I learned more about the industry, about screen writing, video editing and a lot more about Photoshop.”

As a result she finds she’s a better writer and good at putting movies together.  “I’m also good at directing, that’s something I didn’t know.”

Now she’s looking forward to campus life and sharing ideas, experience and project work with like-minded students.  She’s picked up some photography gigs, including a wedding – her first such opportunity.

Mel has simple words of advice for anyone contemplating the DDF.  “If it’s what you want to do, just go for it. Zero Fees really does open up a lot of doors.”

Good luck Mel!

Law graduate Emma Schranz always had an interest in filmmaking from a young age but thought a career in filmmaking was unrealistic. Now she is pursuing her dreams! First she completed a Diploma in Digital Film through SIT2LRN distance learning, then she decided to undertake the full degree course in Digital Media at Invercargill campus.

When choosing her study path, Emma Schranz's wish list included a ‘hands-on’ degree with real experience on set, not just the theory of film.

“I wanted to learn all aspects of film making, lighting, camera, gripping etc, so that as a director I could understand the various roles and speak the language to the crew,” she says.

“I guess I wanted to be able to walk the walk, as well as talk the talk.”

The Southern Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Digital Media was the perfect fit.

“I have been obsessed with films ever since I was a little kid watching 'E.T' and 'Jaws' over and over,” she says.

She used to direct her friends in home movies and make them act in her plays, but it wasn't until she was in her 30's that she realised the skill-set she had acquired over her working life actually suited becoming a film director and writer.

Emma says the course was amazing and loved her classmates, who were as passionate and committed as she was. 

"It's such an asset to know that we have a film crew on stand-by at any time for future projects."

“It's only since graduating and working with people in the industry that I realise just how comprehensive our training really was.“

Having made several short films while studying, many of which have done well in the national and international Film Festival circuit, meant by the time Emma graduated, she already had a body of work behind her to showcase her vision and creativity.

This has led her to being part of the Talent Development scheme at the New Zealand Film Commission and helping her on the way to being a feature film director.

During her degree, Emma worked on the feature film 'The Weight of Elephants' and as a result formed some great friendships with film industry people.

“The internship gave me on-set experience, work in production, location scouting and even casting which was so invaluable” she says.

“In my first year I shot the Behind the Scenes on a music video for Sony, which led to more jobs. I worked on Grinspoon's "Passerby", Max & Bianca's "Love Drunk" and the hugely successful band, Boy & Bear's "Southern Sun" and am still friends with the bands and crew!”

Emma is currently working on her feature film, which she has been researching and writing for the last five years.

“Late last year I was one of eight people selected nationally as part of an initiative looking for the best feature film ideas in the country. I’ve since been mentored in the script writing process by one of New Zealand’s biggest directors, which has been so humbling. With funding and development support from the NZ Film Commission, I am so stoked to say my feature film is officially "in the pipeline" and heading into production in the near future.”

Emma has also just had two short films selected for funding by Short Film Otago for $10,000 each, which is a first for the board.

“It’s a blind submission so the board were pretty shocked when they discovered both scripts they had selected for funding were written by the same person”.

Emma looks forward to commencing pre-production on her next short film later this year, so she can continue gaining invaluable directing experience prior to tackling her feature film.

She says SIT has played a huge part in getting her to where she is today.

“Everything I did, no matter how unrelated it felt at the time, or how big or small, led me to this point.”

Jacqui currently resides in Mataura, Southland with her husband and five year old daughter. A full-time mother to a young daughter with Autism Spectrum Disorder means that the freedom of Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)’s SIT2LRN distance learning was perfect for Jacqui to fit study around her busy schedule of doctors, appointments, speech and language lessons, sickness, surgeries and pre-schools.  

Despite the hectic nature of her day-to-day, Jacqui says she never felt overwhelmed. “I found it extremely manageable. The coursework is broken down week to week with clear, concise feedback. I always knew what I needed to do and the more technical aspects, or things I really needed further assistance with, the facilitator either pointed me in the correct direction online or was very clear on what I needed to do.”

Studying the Diploma in Digital Film, Jacqui discovered the course when her husband was searching for IT courses and stumbled upon it. Having a background in theatre, productions and amateur films, once Jacqui encountered SIT’s Diploma in Digital Film, it provided her with the potential to gain the skills necessary to help her break into the film industry, as well as the freedom to do it all from home, part-time, while looking after her daughter.

Not content with just finishing the course, Jacqui has also entered film competitions such as the international 60-hour film festival in the United Kingdom. Entering with a short film she wrote, shot, directed and edited, she has also completed a feature-length film script and entered it into a competition called Script Pipeline in the United States. Another short film Jacqui wrote is currently in production in the U.K. with an online production company, and you get the feeling that Jacqui is just getting started!

“SIT has opened the doors to these opportunities as I have the skills to get noticed and get my work made.”

Jacqui is confident in her future in filmmaking. “Studying at SIT has made me believe in myself and my ability to get things done. I really now believe that I have a future in this field and have a unique voice to share stories. Being able to take criticism and have it elevate my work was a game changer and huge thanks to the facilitators for that”.

With plans to move to Invercargill in 2018 and take up full-time study in the Bachelor of Screen Arts, Jacqui wants to connect with other filmmakers and continue to hone her craft.

“Filmmaking is not a solo experience and I am so looking forward to that next step. Once that is completed, I am looking to continue writing, selling my work, making films and taking each opportunity that comes my way in writing, directing and producing. This will be a lifelong journey for me.”

A fascination with movie and game creation led Jasper Hayward to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Bachelor of Digital Media programme and ultimately, employment at Weta Digital.

After completing high school, he wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted to do, but was looking for a course that wasn’t too narrowly focused.

“I liked the way the Bachelor of Digital Media was structured to allow students to try a bit of everything in the film making pipeline, then focus on their strengths,” says Jasper.

His interest in animation came from an early obsession with video games, after his grandmother purchased a Playstation that he could play on during school holiday visits.

“Having it as treat that I only got to play every few months, somehow really made the obsession stick,” he says.

“My Grandma also introduced me to Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and many other fantasy novels, really kick-starting my fascination with fiction and storytelling in general.”

Jasper says the course exceeded his expectations in many ways.

“The technology and gear available to use was always up-to-date, and the tutors provided great support along the way.”

He says the most enjoyable part (and also most challenging) was working on his final 3D animation.

“I learnt a huge amount tackling that project.

Another cool aspect was being given the opportunity to work alongside the film students on a joint project – it was a fantastic learning experience.”

SIT provided Jasper with the tools, opportunities and industry contacts he needed to create a diverse portfolio, just the edge he required to obtain a position as assistant technical director in the lighting department at Weta Digital.

“The highlight for me so far has been working on The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and getting my name into the credits,” he says.

“The Tolkien books and Peter Jackson movies were a huge part of my childhood so it was pretty special moment for me.”

At this stage, Jasper is simply keen to see where each project takes him and obtaining as much experience at Weta as he can.

“I have gotten to experience several different departments at Weta so far, and enjoyed many aspects from each,” he says.

“Eventually, once my brothers (who are also studying at SIT) and I have had some more industry experience, we want to work on a project together.”

Daisy’s creative spirit has been evident for many years, winning her multiple filmmaking awards and she is still only 18!

Hailing from Wanaka, she decided on the Southern Institute of Technology as it was the most practical course with the best equipment she had come across while researching her options. Meeting one of SIT’s digital media tutors at the Rocket Film Festival in Southland also opened her eyes to the quality of SIT’s Bachelor of Screen Arts programme.

Currently in her second year, she is enjoying how practical the course is and the opportunities that have come her way while studying.

“We help out with filming the Southland Sharks basketball games, I got to work on the ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ movie, and have had an internship over summer with a film crew in Glenorchy”.

Daisy’s ultimate goal once she has finished studying is to become a film director. Or perhaps an Art Director or cinematographer. Whatever happens, she is soaking up as much knowledge as possible so she can hit the ground running.

The tutors she speaks highly of are also proud of her achievements, including recently winning the ‘Tertiary Film’ category of the Canon Eye-con competition. Her prize haul included $1,000 cash, $3,000 to spend on Canon products and an all expenses paid experience day with New Zealand filmmaker and mentor, Duncan Cole. She hasn’t been on her mentor day yet, but is looking forward to meeting someone with so much acclaim and experience.

“I mostly enjoy getting out of the classroom and having the opportunity to put what we have learned into practice. My main focus is always on the visual aspects of the film. I like to do shots really cinematically and so I often include minimal dialogue so the visual aspect can come through.”

Already having travelled to Singapore, Vietnam, Paris and New York as part of winning multiple film competitions, Daisy isn’t letting anything hold her back from what are sure to be lofty dreams.

Marcus Beirowski decided on a change of life direction when moving to New Zealand from South Africa. A practicing architect in South Africa, in 2009 he and his family settled in Taupo where he home-schooled his sons for four years before working at a resort as a graphic designer, producing promotional web videos and advertising material.   

Looking to get into filmmaking, Marcus discovered SIT through a web search for New Zealand film schools, and once learning of the Zero Fees Scheme and the good reputation of SIT’s Bachelor of Screen Arts, was sold on committing to his filmmaking future with SIT.

Surpassing expectations at the end of his first year, Marcus won the Southsure Emerging Artist Award worth $2000, as well as the Excellence in Film prize of $500. His win afforded him the opportunity to meet an Otago filmmaker interested in his work and has also created an opportunity for him to work with a local start-up tech business to produce a launch video for their product.

Highly recommending the course, Marcus states that “the opportunities, facilities and equipment available present an outstanding opportunity to launch your filmmaking career”.

Miten Raichura and George Elizalde, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts students were fortunate to take part in the recent Goodbye Pork Pie remake being filmed in Southland.

Producer Tom Hern came to SIT to interview prospective students and both Miten and George were successful.

Miten decided to study at SIT as the fees were cheaper in comparison to other institutes and because SIT is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

“I was not too sure if I would get the opportunity,” said Miten.

“I was the lighting intern, but never felt like a new guy or an intern.

“It felt like I was with the crew for a long time and was treated as equally as the other crew members.”

Miten has worked on several films in his home country India, but Goodbye Pork Pie was the first international film he has been a part of.

He learnt a lot of new skills throughout filming.

“I have learnt a lot about lighting and everyday there was something new to learn.

“I loved the experience and would say I definitely got lucky to be part of the crew.”

Class mate George came to Invercargill in February this year from the Philippines, and has enjoyed living in New Zealand as he loves the outdoors.

“At home, I always felt a lack of complete learning in this field, even when I was practising and I had the desire to fill in that gap,” he said.

“I did my research back in the Philippines and found SIT’s curriculum and course work fitted my learning needs.”

George was fortunate to also be selected to help with the remake of Goodbye Pork Pie after showing his film show reel and photography portfolio to Tom.

 “I was assigned as a stills photographer,” he said.

“My task was to take photos of the movie scenes needed for the publicity of the film as well as general behind the scenes coverage.”

This is the first movie George has been involved in and he said it is a great addition to his experience in covering different kinds of events/projects.

“I have always been interested in camera work,” said George.

“Being on set and having the opportunity to observe first-hand how the DP (Director of Photography) does his job, like deciding how to light a scene, the choice of lenses, camera position and framing in a given scene, gives me a very valuable insight to how a DP works a set.”

George said the DP organised for him to get up on a crane truck to take photos of the car chase scene up close.

“It was one of the most awesome experiences that I have had as I was able to take fantastic photos of the action.”

He also had the chance to take photos from the stunt helicopter and worked at different locations.

“It as a fun learning experience and I am really glad I was a part of it.”