Victorian College of the Arts

I did a Bachelor of Film and Television Degree from 1996 - 1998. When I was there you made a video in first year, a 16mm film (taken to double head only) in 2nd year, and a 16mm film (finished on film) in 3rd year. The school invested about $AU 6000 and I invested about the same to get the film made. These days there are more students working on 35mm and investing more money. They are showcasing films with higher production values rather than content. Also there is not a huge emphasis on experimental filmmaking. All in all VCA had a reputation for content over production values but I believe this is changing as more money is pumped into slick films with no content. VCA is currently 2nd in rank (prestige, resources etc) film school in Australia. Number One is AFTRS in Sydney - but they have always been more commercially orientated. Overall, resources are there, industry contacts excellent - film school is what you make it after all - just be ready for it!

VCA is recognised as producing and encouraging innovative story telling techniques. Priding itself on the qualities of script writing rather than technical prowess. The current mantel of this is the work of academy award winning animator Adam Elliot who originally started animating from the VCA department. If you are a looking into Australian Film schools you have two predominant choices, AFTAS in Sydney and VCA in Melbourne. AFTAS film tend to focus upon the technical or commercial aspects of film making. They also have far superior funding than VCA. On the other hand VCA tends to have reputation of more experimental, content and character driven pieces.

"Every day I feel privilaged to be working amongst such talented staff and students. With most of the staff - both Acadmic and Administration being practicing artists - whot would you expect! The wealth of experience and diversity of our students makes a real melting pot of creativity. One of our Alumni won an Oscar this year - I can tell you that was a pretty exciting moment for us all!"