[press release from The Lantern Group]
Jane Smith has been appointed as the inaugural Head of the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s (AFTRS) new Centre for Screenwriting, following on from the announcement of the school’s brand new courses for 2009.
The new AFTRS Centre for Screenwriting offers a Graduate Diploma of Screenwriting. The one-year part-time program has been developed in collaboration with the Australian Writers’ Guild. The centre-piece of the course is the development of a major project under the guidance of an experienced and appropriate industry mentor.
Jane Smith says, "The new screenwriting program at AFTRS is a great opportunity to build capacity for the industry. I am looking forward to using my experience in development, particularly from Aurora, in this new position.”
Students will also have the unique opportunity to watch actors interpret and explore their words, observe a director shape their material for the camera and watch as the editing process draws out and accentuates key moments. These intensive workshops will utilise the creative expertise of professional actors, directors and editors to demonstrate that writing for the screen goes beyond just writing for the page.
Sandra Levy says, “We are thrilled to have Jane on board with the writers centre, her extensive experience in script development will bring a fresh approach to the school.”
Jane was previously the CEO of the New South Wales Film and Television Office for over nine years, and then went on to work as Vice President of SEED Productions in 2007.
Visit www.makeit.aftrs.edu.au for more info on the AFTRS Centre for Screenwriting.