KEY POINTS:
TRAINING PLACE
What: Diploma in Film and Television
Where: South Seas Film and Television School New Zealand
Ph: 09 444 3253
Email: info@southseas.tv
Web: www.southseas.co.nz
Entry Requirements: At least 17 years old. Interviews. Wanting motivation, determination, team player, communication skills, creativity
Intake: 108 domestic students and 20 international students
2008 course costs: $9646.50
Starting Pay: Varies hugely. Can get $300 a day for one job, $300 a week for another
The next time you watch the news or a local drama on television give a thought to the people who bring it to your screen.
South Seas Film and Television School train people for entry level positions on and off screen. The NZQA approved 43-week course has a strong emphasis on practical production exercises and group work.
Students learn the basics about the technical aspects of film and television. These skills cover everything from film and digital video camera operations and post production editing techniques, to on-screen acting, lighting and set dressing.
Students are assessed on practical and written work. They also receive skills reports, designed in consultation with industry experts, to provide prospective employers with an accurate assessment of the graduate's skills and potential for employment.
GRADUATE
Huia Tangira (31)
Video editor for Te Kaea (News), Maori TV
Graduated end of 2005
News editors pull together the vision and audio according to the script. To edit a news item, you first discuss the item with the reporter, then you go through the story using appropriate visual sequences to enhance what is being said, mix the audio and send it on. It requires a tight turnaround compared with drama or documentary editing. You have to master the technical side before you can put your energy into thinking about the look and feel of the item.
My first editing role was with Te Aratai Productions as post production editor for Tu Te Puehu, a youth show. Then I got a director's assistant role at Maori TV kids' show, Pukoro, and also shadowed the Maori TV news editors to learn more about news editing and their system. I signed on full time with the editing department in April.
I became interested in TV production after doing administration and accounts work for a Rotorua production house. South Seas was recommended to me by two different people. I did a one-week course, loved it and signed up for the next intake.
It is a practical course and very intensive and the staff put enormous energy into it. We often worked from 8am to 10pm. I was told the hours reflected the reality of the industry - and they do. Shift work is all different hours.
I specialised in editing, so I couldn't double major because editing schedules aren't as flexible as other roles. However, I still managed to do a bit of camera operations and I directed my own documentary. I wanted to develop other skills because my long-term goal is to set up a production house in Gisborne.
The course helps you develop good networks with your peers. It is expensive so it is not a course you should do on a whim.
EMPLOYER
Craig McLean
Maori TV team leader, editing
Huia freelanced with us for a year before she joined full time as a video editor. There are five staff news editors with Te Kaea and Native Affairs. Huia is one of two editors fluent in te reo.
Huia is incredibly proactive with a strong passion for TV and performs at the level of someone with much more experience than she has.
Editing involves a chain of technical events that must happen smoothly, with creativity and sensitivity towards the subject being edited.
Technical ability has to come first but te reo ability is also important because an editor's understanding of the script affects their editing judgment. Huia is a find because she has both.
Our NewsEdit system is unique in New Zealand so we need people familiar with non-linear editing and comfortable with learning about new technology.
They need to be able to anticipate problems and work to extreme deadlines and pressures. They also need good interpersonal skills and be able to co-ordinate with other production areas.
It is hard to evaluate South Seas' training regarding news editing because news editing is a specialist craft learned mainly on the job and difficult for a school to emulate.
However, I think the course does well in teaching the editing fundamentals of putting the most appropriate vision to script. We have now had a couple of trainees from South Seas and they have had good understanding and attitude.
However, there is such a wealth of TV production graduates around the country that they must realise their first job is likely to be a runner or production assistant. It takes time and experience to get a more hands on role.
