The inside scoop on studying film and television at Bond University

Written by Bachelor of Film and Television student Anna Pata

As a student who’s over halfway finished with the Bachelor of Film and Television (CRICOS 063066E) here at Bond University, I’ve already experienced a lot of what my program has to offer. From the classes available to the industry experience offered outside of uni and the fantastic equipment we get to use, I’ve got the inside scoop on what it’s really like studying a film and TV degree.

The inside scoop on classes

Unlike some other universities with similar degrees, Bond’s film and TV program focuses on both theoretical and practical learning. During my first semester, all my classes were very hands-on, meaning I got to use film equipment every single day. Whether it was learning how to operate cameras in my Photography or Cinematography subjects, or recording audio in Sound Design, physically interacting with real, industry-standard equipment proved to be the best way for me to learn and retain that information. Plus, producing and recording a short film idea in a two-hour tutorial with friends is always a fun, yet challenging task! 

On the other hand, this semester, my classes are more theory-based and allow me to learn industry-standard software rather than play with equipment. In Advanced Screenwriting, our professor is guiding us through writing our graduation films using Final Draft – a software used by virtually every screenwriter in the biz. In Screen Editing, we are learning the basics of editing with Avid Media Composer, and in Screen Style & Storytelling, we’re learning how to analyse and form arguments about different elements of filmmaking. 

The inside scoop on assignments

One of my favourite parts about studying the Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond is that our assignments are primarily based on creating, rather than testing. For example, in my Cinematography class, our assessments were to make a 3-minute short film in teams, as well as a solo commercial project. In my Sound class, we got to choose a scene from any movie (I did Elle Woods’ admissions essay from Legally Blonde) and completely redo the sound using various props and our own voices. And, now that I’m in my final year of my degree, my classes are becoming more geared towards writing, pitching, and directing my graduation film, which is helping me to build my skills even further and channel them into a polished final product. 

The inside scoop on film teachers

At this point, I’ve been taught by most of Bond’s film and TV teachers, and can confirm that they have added so much depth to my existing film knowledge. 

A big bonus about studying film and TV at Bond is that most of my teachers currently work in the Australian or American film industries, in addition to teaching. Every few weeks, teachers will send us invitations to attend movie premieres in Brisbane, that often include panel sessions with the directors and producers following the screenings. In addition to teaching, many of them also have their own businesses that offer film-related services, so they’re actively connecting and working with other industry professionals. Just a few days ago, one of my teachers brought in a former Bond film student who offered a work experience opportunity on set of his next film. And guess who’s got to work on that film set? Me! 

The inside scoop on our facilities 

Finally, one of the biggest perks about studying film and TV at Bond is that you have access to Bond’s Equipment Loan Store. They have industry-grade cameras, sound recording equipment, lighting setups, dollies, and much more that you can borrow by simply creating a booking online. The people who work in the store are former Bond film students who are available to educate you on how to use equipment. They even offer free trainings for advanced equipment, such as steady cams. Bond also has a full-scale Film and TV Studio (one of the biggest and most modern in South East Queensland), several editing suites, a sound suite, and a colour-grading suite, all of which students can use to create their own films in their free time. As well as the store and suites, film students have special access to the only cinema room on campus. It’s very easy to find me and my friends there on a Friday night, watching one of the hundreds of DVDs stocked in Bond’s library in our own private cinema screening. 

There you have it – my insight into what it’s like to really study film and television at Bond! All in all, I’ve had an amazing time studying here and have gained so much invaluable knowledge and perspective on the film industry.