8 Week Program I Mondays OPEN PROGRAM I  7pm - 9pm I Commencing 16th of February 2015

8 Week Program I Tuesdays BY INVITATION    I  7pm - 9pm I Commencing 17th of February 2015

We are beyond thrilled to confirm that one of Australia's most influential Television Producers will be joining us in Term 1, 2015. Jo Porter is currently the Director of Drama at production giant, FremantleMedia Australia.

FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) is the country’s market leader in the creation and production of entertainment brands.  FMA produces some of the country’s most-viewed, most-talked about and highly respected programs including Neighbours, The X Factor, Australia’s Got Talent, Celebrity Apprentice, Grand Designs Australia and The Farmer Wants A Wife and original dramas such as Wonderland, Wentworth, Mr & Mrs Murder and Better Man.  FMA is part of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international production companies in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries.

Conducted by Australian Film & Television icon Simone Buchanan, as well as invited industry guest Jo Porter, the TEXT to SCREEN-TEST Program has been meticulously shaped to guide and encourage students to work on their specific areas of weakness when SCREEN-TESTING FOR PRIME TIME DRAMA.  Simone will work with actors both individually and as a company, assisting students to POP from moment one of an audition. Please see below for a breakdown on what to expect from this fantastic program. Scenes are assigned to students each week (one week prior to their next class) along with an outline on the course content and prep work for each session.

For actors who participated in 2014, they have another opportunity to work in this on-going manner with Simone, who is increasingly familiar with them and the areas in which they need to develop further. Continuing across the terms with Simone ensures stability in training & rehearsal, and consistency in terms of the guidance & feedback offered, with scenes selected to target specific areas of weakness and strength. The studio also welcomes actors to the program who did not participate last term as they can begin this process, leading to a stronger understanding of the requirements of screen testing.

In the final weeks, students will be able to put their hard work into practice during their one-on-one screen testing session with Television Producer & Director of Drama at FremantleMedia Australia, Jo Porter. This is a wonderful opportunity for our actors to meet and greet Jo and to showcase their work to this very talented EP.

Simone Buchanan is best known for her stunning portrayal of Lizzy Curtis on internationally acclaimed feature film Shame starring alongside Debra-Lee Furness. But it was her years on Sitcom Hey Dad that hold the fondest of memories in the hearts of most Australians when she played wacky Debbie Kelly. After many years of stage work Simone returned to our screens in various roles on almost every Australian television drama including McLeod's Daughters, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, All Saints, G.P, Push, A Country Practic, Sons and Daughters, The Flying Doctors, A Good Thing Going, Secret Valley, Pacific Drive, and award winning feature film My Brilliant Career (Directed by Gillian Armstrong).  Simone’s more recent fans would know her as Samantha Fitzgerald on Neighbours, a role she has been enjoying playing for many years. She also completed filming on the much anticipated Australian feature film Patrick, starring Rachael Griffiths, and guest starred on hit ABC Comedy Upper Middle Bogan.  Simone is a semi-regular guest host on Network Ten's popular morning talk-back show Studio 10.

EXECUTIVE TELEVISION PRODUCER Jo Porter is the Director of Drama at FremantleMedia Australia, a position to which she was appointed after producing more than 500 hours of television drama in-house at the Seven Network.  

She first joined the Seven Network in-house drama department in 1997 where she produced five drama series, including All Saints, Always Greener and Packed to the Rafters. These series were ratings and critical hits. In 2013 Jo launched and executive produced Wentworth (the highest rating Australian Television Drama in SOHO Network History), and Wonderland with great success. Jo is also the co-creator of Wonderland.  We are thrilled to have Jo as our very special guest at the Film & Television Studio International.  

To enrol, simply book via our website.  It will automatically be sent to enquiries@filmtv.com.au.  We will then process your application. If you send your application form and all placements have been filled we will be in touch to notify you.  If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on 1800 FILMTV (1800 345 688).

*All applications are processed on a first in first served basis.  Once your placement has been confirmed, you will recieve a full week by week breakdown on what to expect from your program, together with further course materials which are sent to you via email.

Melbourne Studio I 390 Clarendon Street I South Melbourne I VIC 3205 I www.filmtv.com.au