AFI Conservatory.
Submissions will open on September 3 for the second Screen Australia-Onbass Fellowship, a scholarship providing full tuition for a student to attend the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory.
The Conservatory’s two-year program offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in one of six disciplines: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design and screenwriting.
Funded by screen industry veteran and philanthropist Greg Basser and his wife Kiera O’Neill, the Fellowship will cover tuition plus a stipend toward living expenses. Applicants can enter the AFI Conservatory in one of the six disciplines offered.
The inaugural scholarship was awarded to cinematographer Meg White. White, who is entering her first year of study at the AFI Conservatory says: “I look forward to beginning my studies at the AFI Conservatory and will endeavor to make the most of the relationships, exposure, access and work prospects the Fellowship and AFI will provide.”
Basser, who recently created the annual Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship to assist students who require financial assistance to attend AFTRS, said: “The AFI Conservatory is recognised as the leading graduate school for film professionals globally.
“By creating an opportunity for Australians to come to Los Angeles to be taught by and study alongside the ‘best of the best,’ Kiera and I look forward to Aussie fellows taking these skills back to give back, at home.”
Applicants will preferably have an undergraduate degree from a US-accredited academic institution or a bachelor’s degree equivalency from Australia or another country to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Those who have studied at Australian film schools such as AFTRS, VCA and Griffiths will be highly regarded. The AFI Conservatory will consider applicants who have no tertiary qualifications but, if successful, these applicants would graduate as an Associate Fellow.
Applications close on October 31. The recipient will be notified in December and formally presented with the scholarship at the G’Day USA Gala in LA next January. He or she will start studying in August 2020.
To apply go here.