University degrees: Courses, Postgraduate
At MAPS Film School industry practitioners trained in vocational education instruct students in the exciting practice of filmmaking. Our philosophy is simple – learn by doing. Each year around 50 short films are produced. Students learn the practical aspects of filmmaking as well as the art of collaboration from making films.
We replicate the real world industry and operate like a production house. Students generate original ideas, develop and pitch their projects, crews are formed and projects are realised from pre-production to shoot to post-production. It’s a fun, vibrant, hard working environment where students can pursue projects they are inspired by. We make short dramas and comedies, short documentaries, music videos and experimental art pieces. Our films are screened publicly at the Mercury cinema at the end of each year.
At MAPS we have trained over 1000 alumni and produced over 1500 films in the past 35 years. MAPS films regularly win awards and screen at festivals and online. MAPS graduates work locally, interstate and internationally in all areas of filmmaking. They can be found behind the camera, directing, producing, recording sound, in the edit suite, writing scripts and more. We are highly regarded by the industry for preparing students artistically and technically for work.
For those interested in MAPS 2021, MAPS will hold open nights in the latter part of 2020. It is recommended that candidates come along to learn about the course and determine if it is a good fit for them.
To apply, candidates must submit an application form and resume.
Candidates will be interviewed in December 2020. Candidates will be given the opportunity to show their creative works.
The Media Arts Production Skills(MAPS) film school is a media production school established in 1983 by then Vermont High School principal Richie Walsh. The original program was held with 12 students with limited resources. The facilitator was Roger Manogue also known as Stretch. He and Richie worked tirelessly to build the course into a well recognised and respected program. Peter Thurmer took over from Roger in the late 80s and was the key driver who continued to shape the program for many years. Peter left after over 20 plus years service and his and Rogers legacies are many students who have gone on to forge successful film and television careers.
It is located within Hamilton College, a public secondary school. It offers training in film production. There are currently three faculty members teaching around 25 students.
Areas of study at the school consist of cinematography, directing, producing, editing, screenwriting, production and post-production audio, photography, visual effects, film theory and digital media.
The school favours the production of short, commercially viable films over academic theory.internship during each course.
The school consists of a dedicated building for Diploma students and the Film School proper for Advanced Diploma. The school is outfitted with non-linear video editing facilities, 4K cameras and monitors and audio engineering studios equipped with industry standard software.
