11 May 2021

Blockbuster course prepares students for the revolution in filmmaking

| Lottie Twyford
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Filming on set

If you fancy yourself as the next Steven Spielberg, the new world first course at the AIE might be where you get started. Photo: AIE.

As Canberra starts to place itself on the map as a destination for Hollywood films, local students will soon be able to study a world-leading film course.

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) will begin delivering the world’s first and only course to specialise in Film and Virtual Production in February 2022.

AIE Executive Chairman John De Margheriti says rapid changes in the film industry make it the perfect time for this course to begin.

“The technologies used in productions like Disney’s The Mandalorian and Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder are new and exciting, and we want students to be able to work with these so we keep up with the rest of the world,” Mr De Margheriti said.

“We hope that the next generation of film directors, producers, cinematographers and crew will be comfortable working on set for major film studios or developing their own independent future films or TV series,” he explained.

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According to Mr De Margheriti, this means staying up to date with the latest Hollywood-grade techniques.

He describes what is happening in Hollywood at the moment as a revolution.

“Typically, you’d do everything post-production, whereas now there is a really big emphasis on doing it beforehand.

“What you shoot is what will go into the final work, and it means actors and directors can actually see what’s happening as there is no green screen,” he explained.

Students who undertake the course will work with cutting-edge technology like Arri camera equipment, motion control robots and LED Volume virtual stages.

Australia’s only technodolly will also be available for students to use – although it’s currently in operation on the set of the new Thor film.

For CEO Vicki De Margheriti, it’s an apt time for such a development in AIE’s history.

“We are currently celebrating our 25th year. We once created the world’s first video game development courses, so we decided there was no better way to celebrate our birthday than by delivering world-first courses again,” she said.

The course is also extremely hands-on, emphasised Mr De Margheriti.

“Students will actually be able to use a brand-new LED soundstage as part of their final year production,” he said.

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The course has been developed in consultation with leading film directors, producers, game engine developers, film and visual effects studios.

To assist with the delivery of the course, virtual production soundstages are currently under construction in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Upon completion, students will have achieved the nationally accredited Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

AIE Canberra will be hosting an exclusive Virtual Production studio demonstration at its upcoming Open Day on Saturday, 15 May for people interested in finding out more about the new course in Film and Virtual Production.

To reserve your place at this special event, please register your interest here.

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