Develop the skills to write, direct and edit your own films in either documentary or narrative specialisations.

The Master of Film and Television offers you intensive, studio-based training in writing, directing, and editing of your own productions, with complementary studies in research methods, screen language, and technical crewing.

Across two years you will write, direct and edit three films in your chosen specialisation. The film duration and production parameters are extended as you move through the course and are aimed at facilitating the development of your unique, creative voice as a screen director.

The course features studio-based intensive classes with a range of industry guest lecturers, as well as regular ‘insiders’ Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers. In addition to directing your own projects, you will be required to crew on your peer group productions, a process that develops creative collaboration and effective communication skills as a director. This production experience is crucial to providing you with the skills and confidence to maintain your directorial vision within the challenging environment of film and television production.

In second year you will have the opportunity to collaborate with Master of Producing students to realise your major graduating project. The invitation to showcase student films in many leading international film festivals has given Master of Film and Television students the opportunity to meet and network with fellow filmmakers from around the world, connecting them with the global film, television, and new media industries. You will develop enduring peer networks throughout the program, which are instrumental to the realisation of your professional projects out in the industry.

The course can be undertaken in one of two specialised directing streams:

Documentary

If you have an enquiring mind and a highly visual outlook, documentary filmmaking is an inspired choice of profession. Documentary at the VCA will challenge you to create critically reflective films that capture a distinct place and time in our society. The program combines the study of documentary history, theory, ethics, and aesthetics with mentoring, masterclasses, and practical exercises in documentary filmmaking delivered by specialist practitioners.

Narrative

The narrative specialisation emphasises the screenwriting, direction, and editing of narrative film and television. You are encouraged to be innovative and experimental, explore ideas and develop the expertise to express them to an audience through a visual medium. The program includes masterclasses, one-on-one tutoring, screenwriting lectures, and practical exercises in directing actors, conducted by industry professionals.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Film and Television is designed for graduates and/or professionals in the film and television industry, who are looking to pursue a career as a successful director in the film, television, and allied industries.