The AFI Conservatory.
Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Greg Basser and his wife Kiera O’Neill will join with Screen Australia and G’Day USA to provide the first-ever scholarships for Australians to attend the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory– the world-renowned, graduate-level film training program.
The two-year AFI Conservatory program offers fellows a Master of Fine Arts degree in six disciplines: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design and screenwriting.
The AFI Conservatory uses hands-on collaboration to prepare fellows for the real-world professional filmmaking environment. Some 81 per cent of graduates report they are working and at top creative levels in their field.
The initial scholarships will be awarded to two Australian fellows entering the AFI Conservatory, the first in August 2019 and the second in August 2020. The scholarships will cover the full costs of tuition plus a stipend towards living expenses.
Applicants, who can apply in one of the six filmmaking disciplines offered, have until October 15 to apply for the first Fellowship and the recipient will be announced at the G’Day USA Gala in January 2019. The application process for the second scholarship will be announced in mid-2019.
Melbourne-born, LA-based Basser has been a long-time supporter of the Australian screen industry and has been instrumental in building opportunities for Australians wanting to pursue US or bi-coastal careers in entertainment. He is a G’Day USA Champion, the inaugural CEO member of the American Australian Business Council, a Qantas Orry-Kelly International Award recipient and is on the board and executive committee for Australians in Film.
“By establishing the Screen Australia-Onbass Fellowships, we are seeking to open another door for Aussies wanting to hone their US market skill set, with the benefit of learning quite literally in Hollywood’s backyard,” he said.
“Getting into the AFI Conservatory will not be easy and studying there will be even more taxing but the repute of the course is such that graduates are highly likely to have a sustainable career. I wish all applicants luck in pursuing this extraordinary opportunity.”
For more info and how to apply go here.