Hothouse

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Victorian Government have together created the ultimate incubator for emerging documentarians and are seeking promising young Victorians to apply for this once in a lifetime learning opportunity.

Hothouse is a week-long intensive program for Victorian students in Years 10 to 12, aimed at nurturing creativity and moving image skills.

Ten students are hand-picked each year and dropped into a fast-paced production studio to gain hands-on production experience, contacts in the industry and plenty of career inspiration.

In a workshop facilitated by ACMI staff, with appearances by industry professionals, participants spend the week learning, sharing, and creating, in what promises to be memorable personal and professional growth opportunity.

The program takes place over one action-packed week in the July school holidays and it is free for selected participants.

The Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley MP, encouraged students across Victoria to apply: 'For any young person interested in filmmaking, and documentary in particular, Hothouse offers a great opportunity. You'll gain practical industry experience and insider knowledge, work with professionals, develop networks, and get practical advice on how to pursue a career in the film industry. Hothouse participants represent the future of our creative industries, and I look forward to seeing where their careers take them."

The program is structured around a production timeline and allows students to develop vital skills for the film and television industry including idea development and research, scripting, interviewing, location shooting, editing, post-production time management and planning skills. Throughout the course of the week, participants will have the use of ACMI's state-of-the-art production facilities including a fully equipped TV studio, editing suites and sound booths, but will also shoot off-site in a range of conditions.

Participants will collaborate in small groups to create a five to seven minute documentary, the subjects of which will be arranged by ACMI. The week culminates in a screening of the films for the participants' family, friends and teachers.

The Hothouse program has built a creative alumni community of young filmmakers, animators, game developers, and now, documentarians. Alumni of the program are often engaged by ACMI to participate in other programs and activities, and benefit by broadening their network, and building friendships with likeminded creatives.

Support for those living outside of Metropolitan Melbourne is also available.