This four-week course is perfect for those who want to study abroad for film studies in Auckland and is structured around a practical production process based on professional television industry practice. Screen Tools is a hands-on course designed to set you up with the essential skills you need to launch your career in film, television and digital media industries.
A background in film or media production, drama, or creative writing is preferred, but not essential
Open to juniors and seniors (Students with only one year of undergraduate experience and a strong creative portfolio are also eligible for entry)
Completed API Application
University Approval Form
One letter of recommendation
Official transcript
Entry requirements: valid passport
Program Details
What You’ll Study
PROGRAM DETAILS
TOTAL CREDITS - 3-4 semester credits
This four-week course is perfect for those who want to study abroad for film studies in Auckland and is structured around a practical production process based on professional television industry practice. Screen Tools is a hands-on course designed to set you up with the essential skills you need to launch your career in film, television and digital media industries.
TRANSCRIPTS
API students receive their transcript from the University of Auckland upon completion of their program.
Courses
COURSE OFFERINGS
CREDIT INFORMATION
API partner universities in New Zealand operate on a credit ‘point’ system. Courses in New Zealand are commonly referred to as “papers.” The credit point weight per paper varies from 15-20, depending on the course with 18 credit points most common. Generally speaking, one 18 point paper is generally equivalent to 3-4 U.S. semester credits. Most students take 3-4 papers per semester for 54-72 credit points per semester or 12-16 U.S. semester credits. Given that point values vary, the way in which credits completed abroad will transfer to a student’s home campus will be under the discretion of the student’s home institution, and should be verified in advance.
Filmmaking Course - Screen Tools
Under the guidance of experienced actor, producer, and director John Callen, as well as guest instructors from the television industry, students will work as a team to develop the pilot episode of a serial drama or web series. Students will learn and practice story creation and character development for a script they will write, produce, design and direct.
From pre-production to post-production students will experience first-hand the various aspects of television industry operations, including studio protocol and the management of a production and shoot. Students will gain an understanding of cameras and sound recording equipment as they develop their production; and will learn strategies for directing the actors who will bring the story to life.
Students will have access to the university's high-end production and editing equipment and facilities to produce multi-camera recorded scenes in the television studio, as well as shooting on location in the beautiful harbourside city of Auckland.
In a time when people are more often turning to new digital platforms for their media consumption, Screen Tools places a focus on the “saleable” value and digital delivery of one's final piece. With the students' production team, they will decide on a target audience and the mode of broadcast for their production.
This course is ideal for recent screen production graduates, or students looking for a study abroad experience with a practical option. Course field trips include a visit to the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, and a customized tour of the Academy Award® winning Weta Workshop and Park Road Post Production facilities in Wellington.
Highlights
Classes taught in English
Four-week practical course for emerging filmmakers
Faculty
Tiana Meintjes
Tiana will be your Resident Coordinator in Auckland and a resource for you while living in New Zealand with us!
Rebecca Cott
Rebecca Cott will be your Program Manager and prepare you to go abroad!
API students participate in several excursions per session designed to help familiarize them with areas of their host city, country, and surrounding region. The following is a listing of all excursions for API Auckland programs. All excursions and cultural events are subject to change.
Auckland - Orientation
API New Zealand students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Auckland. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API, and university procedures, and rules, to explore your new host city and to allow for a smoother transition into New Zealand life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.
Sky Tower
Students will enjoy 360-degree views of Auckland from the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure, followed by a taste of Auckland’s best gelato!
Blue's Rugby
Depending on the season, students will attend a game of rugby under the stars, watching the Auckland Blues take on one of their competitors!
Housing
All API Auckland students will be housed close to each other in student self-catered apartments on/near campus. Students will have their own private bedrooms, and share common areas such as a kitchen, dining/lounge room, and bathroom facilities with their flatmates. Internet and utilities are included. Due to the range of housing options, semester housing costs have been separated out from the program costs. The housing range for this program is $4,400-$4,950 per semester. These fees include internet, electricity, linens, and kitchen utensils (in most placements). Housing is billed separately and once housing placement has been confirmed. Please contact the API office for more information.
