TallPoppiesGrowHere

2015 Application Kit

Visit acmi.net.au/hothouse for more information

By far one of the best things I’ve ever done- Cameron, Hothouse 2013 Participant

Hothouse is an initiative of the Victorian Government

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CONTENTS What Is Hothouse? ........................................................................................................... 3 What Will I Do? ................................................................................................................. 3 What Is the Australian Centre For The Moving Image (ACMI)? ..................................... 4 How Do I Apply? Overview ............................................................................................... 5 Part 1: 'To Camera' Introduction ..................................................................................... 6 Part 2: Photo Essay .......................................................................................................... 7 Part 3: An Optional Example Of Your Work .................................................................... 9 Hothouse Application Form .................................................................................... 10-11 How To Submit Your Application .................................................................................. 12 Hothouse FAQ .......................................................................................................... 13-14 Parents & Guardians FAQ ............................................................................................. 15 Resources To Help With Your Application ............................................................. 16-19 Notes For Teachers ....................................................................................................... 20

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HOTHOUSE Tall Poppies Grow Here What Is Hothouse? Hothouse aims to develop the skills of Victoria’s most promising screen talents. We’re looking for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to come to ACMI in June/July 2015 and get hands-on experience in a fast-paced production studio. You’ll get advice from leading professionals and a chance to pick their brains about what it‘s like to work in the industry. In 2015, ACMI Hothouse is all about documentary. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 10 talented students – and it’s all free of charge. So get your application in by Monday 25 May for a chance to live your dream! Hothouse is an initiative of the Victorian Government. What Will I Do? If you are selected for Hothouse, you will spend an intensive week in ACMI’s production studios, mentored by documentary professionals and ACMI staff. You will receive in-depth learning about key skills in documentary filmmaking such as research, concept development, interviewing, shooting and editing. You will work on a documentary project in a team with other Hothouse participants. Being part of Hothouse means: • exploring pathways into further study and careers in documentary making • taking away new material for your showreel • considering the diversity of directions for documentary in the contemporary screen

industry • having special access to ACMI resources • opportunities to expand your network One of the most important features of Hothouse is the opportunity to work collaboratively with other talented young people: to experience the challenges and benefits that come with working as part of a professional team. To get a feel for what it’s like to be part of Hothouse, check out http://www.acmi.net.au/acmi-channel/2014/hothouse-wraps-for-another-year/ for interviews with participants in Hothouse 2014 (Animation). At the end of the program, Hothouse participants become ‚Hothouse Ambassadors‘, with opportunities for further special involvement in ACMI events, such as the Intermix program. So if you have a passion for documentary and are ready for the creative challenge of a lifetime – we want to hear from you!

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What is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)? A globally unique cultural institution located at the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square, ACMI is a Victorian Government-funded cultural agency that presents and champions the art and culture of the moving image. Through a vibrant annual calendar of award-winning exhibitions, screenings, film festivals, live events, creative workshops, education programs and collection resources, ACMI provides a wide diversity of audiences an unsurpassed range of ways to engage with the moving image. As one of Victoria’s major cultural, tourism and learning attractions, and a national centre of screen culture debate and innovation, ACMI has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading moving image centres. For more information, see http://www.acmi.net.au/our_story.htm ACMI has a strong legacy in the documentary field. As a world leader in digital storytelling, we have helped hundreds of individuals and communities create their own stories in a moving-image format. Our documentary projects also include ACMI in the Regions, a series of documentaries created with towns across regional Victoria as part of the ‘Memory and Place’ project. For more information on Digital Storytelling see http://www.acmi.net.au/collections-research/community-engagement-projects/digital-storytelling/ For more about ACMI in the Regions see http://www.acmi.net.au/collections-research/community-engagement-projects/acmi-in-the-regions/ ACMI also offers numerous programs for students and teachers that nurture an interest in documentary and the moving image. These include workshops and talks, the annual ‘Screen It’ student filmmaking competition and online resources such as the award-winning ‘Generator’ website. For more information see Teachers http://www.acmi.net.au/education/teacher-programs-resources/ Students http://www.acmi.net.au/education/student-programs-resources/ Screen It http://www.acmi.net.au/education/student-programs-resources/screen-it/ Generator http://www.acmi.net.au/education/student-programs-resources/generator/

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HOW DO I APPLY? OVERVIEW First sign up for our mailing list by sending an email to hothouse@acmi.net.au with ‘Add me to the mailing list’ in the subject line. Include your full name and school in the email. Don’t wait until the application deadline to sign up for the mailing list – sign up now so you receive important updates about Hothouse. Next, carefully read this application pack and get ready to complete all required sections, including: Part 1 -‘To Camera’ Introduction in which you talk directly to a camera, introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be part of Hothouse. Format: video file uploaded to web, max 1 min Part 2 – Photo Essay Create a Photo Essay with a short introductory paragraph followed by 10 still photos in a slide presentation that tell a story on their own. Use your own photos, not photos you have found online, and exhibit a clear visual narrative. Format: video file uploaded to web Part 3 (optional) - An example of documentary or film work you have already made. This could be work you have already produced OR something you make especially for this application. If your work was made as part of a group, please provide a credit list and clearly specify your role. Format: a video file uploaded to web, max 1 min If you haven’t made a documentary yet, don’t worry – this step is optional and you can still apply! Part 4 - Application Form Please see pages 6-11 for detailed instructions on how to complete and submit the above sections. Remember - leave plenty of time to complete your application. You will need to: • Organise equipment (eg. camera, scanner) • Brainstorm, plan and create (Parts 1 and 2- maybe 3) • Export and upload your movie files for Part 1 (‘To Camera’ Introduction), Part 2 (Photo

Essay) and Part 3 (Optional) to the web • Print and complete your application form. Get it signed by a parent/guardian and scan or

photograph it. Complete and send your application by 5pm Monday 25 May 2015. Email your completed application form, including links to your work for Steps 1, 2 and 3, to hothouse@acmi.net.au Please note, if you do not have access to video editing software to put together your photo essay for Step 2, you can also submit this step as a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation or a PDF document. You can email this to hothouse@acmi.net.au along with your application form, making sure your name is included in the filename. Please note, a maximum of 10MB can be attached per email.

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PART 1: 'TO CAMERA' INTRODUCTION What is this? A video file, no longer than 1 minute, featuring YOU! Introduce yourself and explain why you want to be part of Hothouse 2015. In Detail What is a ‚to camera‘ introduction? Basically it‘s you sitting in front of a camera and talking to us. Set up a camera or web cam in a fixed position and position yourself in front of it. Think about what is in the background and about the sound recording. Can we hear you? Film inside to avoid wind noise or sounds that are out of your control. Don’t stand too far from the camera or we won‘t hear you, but make sure you‘re close to the microphone. Help us get to know you – and show us your passion for documentaries. Remember, this is not a pitch for a documentary idea, this is about introducing yourself to us. Don’t worry if you feel shy – we welcome quiet types, show-offs and everybody in between! Tell us briefly about: • your experiences with documentary so far • what you love about documentary • your thoughts about team work and what strengths you will bring to working in a team in

the Hothouse program. Use this part of the application to really sell yourself. Demonstrate why you should be selected for Hothouse. How to Submit Part 1 Upload your ‘to camera’ introduction to a video-sharing site of your choice, such as Vimeo or YouTube. List the web address (URL) on the application form in the space provided. We recommend using Vimeo if you don’t want to make your video visible to the general public, as this site allows you to password-protect videos. If you password-protect your video, make sure you list the password on the application form.

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PART 2: PHOTO ESSAY What is this? This is a photo essay to show off your skills in telling a non-fiction story through images with minimal text. A short introductory text should be followed by a sequence of still images, submitted as a movie file. In Detail We are looking for your storytelling abilities through images. These images must be created by you (not taken from the internet). Begin with a short paragraph to set up your story. This should be the only text in your story. Then use a sequence of 10 photographs (max) to tell your story purely through visuals (no text). If you like, choose one of the following topics as a starting point: A special place Your passion An inspiring person A social issue Or choose your own topic – it’s up to you! Show us your visual storytelling ability. Think about how you frame your images and how they connect together. How can you communicate each part of the story as clearly as possible? For example, are there moments where you need to ‘set the scene’ and show the environment? What about moments where it would be better to use a close up so you can draw attention to a particular detail? In each image, think about what information the audience needs to help them understand the story. Also think about how you reveal your story over time. What will the viewer know about this topic at the end that they didn’t know at the beginning? How to Put It Together Create your story as a slideshow in iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Windows Movie Maker or similar. Make sure the introductory paragraph is on screen long enough for us to read the text and that each image is on screen long enough for us to take it in. Only use music if you have permission from the copyright owner. Look at this example of a photo essay. We are looking for a shorter version but this can give you an idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLPJV4BRT8Q

How to Submit Part 2 Upload this to the same Vimeo/Youtube channel you created for Part 1. Make sure you include the password if you have set this up as a restricted channel. Make sure you include your full name with the video. If you do not have access to editing software, you can put your photo essay together as a PowerPoint presentation, Keynote presentation or PDF document. If you choose to submit

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your work this way, email it to hothouse@acmi.net.au with your application form, making sure the file size is no larger than 10 MB. The ACMI mail servers will not accept attachments larger than 10 MB. For tips on making a PDF document and reducing file size see the Resources section. Make sure the file name includes your full name: eg. sallywatson_photoessay.pdf. Also, include your full name within the document.

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PART 3: AN EXAMPLE OF YOUR WORK (OPTIONAL) What is this? A video file, no longer than 1 minute, demonstrating your documentary or filmmaking work. Don’t worry if you don’t have any footage. This section is optional. In Detail Here’s your chance to show off your talents! Any film, documentary or other work is acceptable in this section. Choose something that best shows off your storytelling talents. You can submit something you have made in the past or you can make something new. If your work was made with a group, that’s fine - just make sure you provide a credit list that clearly states your role. If your work is longer than 1 minute, please select a 1 minute section to submit, or a few different examples edited into a 1 minute (or less) show-reel. Please note: all submissions should be G-rated. No violence, swearing, smoking or alcohol. How to Submit Part 3 Upload this section to the same YouTube or Vimeo channel you have used for Parts 1 and 2. List the web address (URL) on the application form in the space provided. If you created the work as part of a group, please provide a credit list and clearly state your role. This Part is Optional. Why? If you don’t submit this step but show excellent potential and creativity in Steps 1 and 2, you can still be selected for Hothouse. This means if you haven’t had an opportunity to make an animation yet, or don’t have access to the right equipment, you can still apply.

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HOTHOUSE 2014 APPLICATION FORM, PAGE 1 OF 2

Applicant Information

First Name Last Name

Street Address

Suburb State Postcode

Phone E-mail Address

Age School Year Level

School

School Address

Are you available to attend these dates:

Meet and Greet Session, Fri 26 June 2015 Y / N

ACMI Hothouse workshop, 29 June - 3 July 2015

Y / N

CHECKLIST: Have you included the following sections in this application?

Signed up to the Hothouse mailing list

Part 1: ‘To Camera’ Introduction

Part 2: Photo Essay

Part 3: Example of Your Work (optional)

Part 4: Completed Application Form with Parent/ Guardian Signature

VIDEO URLS. Please provide the web addresses (URLs) for your videos , If they are password protected, please list the password. URL for Video Pitch: Password, if Applicable:

URL for Video Pitch: Password, if Applicable:

URL for Example of Your Work: Password, if Applicable:

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HOTHOUSE 2014 APPLICATION FORM, PAGE 2 OF 2

Areas of documentary you are most interested in (please number up to five areas, from 1 (top) to 5)

__ Directing __ Producing __ Concept & Script Development __ Research

__ Interviewing __ Cinematography __ Video editing __ VFX

__ Sound Design __ Other (please write):

How did you find out about ACMI Hothouse?

__ ACMI Website __ ACMI e-News __ Friends or family __ Other Website or Newsletter. Please List________________________________________________ __ From my teacher/principal. Teacher/principal’s name:____________________________________ __ Other, please list:____________________________________________________________________

What production techniques (eg. shooting, sound recording) and software (eg. Final Cut Pro) do you have experience in?

Parent/Guardian Information

                                                       Last Name First

Street Address

Suburb State Postcode

Phone E-mail Address

Parent/Guardian Permission Hothouse is a free, selective entry program that any Victorian student in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2015 is eligible to enter. Ten participants will be selected. Hothouse 2015 takes place 29 Jun – 3 Jul at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne and at selected nearby locations. Successful applicants must be able to attend every day. ACMI may provide travel assistance to regional participants. ACMI Staff will not supervise participants outside workshop hours. Successful applicants will have their name, school name and school location announced via the ACMI website. These details may also be announced in a State Government press release. Some parts of the Hothouse workshop will be photographed and filmed for possible use in media releases, online content for the ACMI website, and for the ongoing development of ACMI Hothouse program. Successful applicants will receive further information when offered a position.

I have read and understood the above information and consent to (Entrant Name) _____________________________________________ applying for ACMI Hothouse. Signed: (Parent/Guardian)

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HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION 1. If you have any questions about the Application Process email them to

hothouse@acmi.net.au well before the closing date. 2. Upload your videos (Part 1, 2 and (optional) Part 3) to Vimeo or a similar site. 3. Print and fill in the Application Form. Make sure you include the links to your videos

on the form along with passwords if your videos are password protected. Make sure you get your parent/guardian to sign the Application Form.

4. Scan or photograph the Application Form. Make sure you include your full name in the file

name: eg.sallywatson_applicationform.pdf/ sallywatson_applicationform.jpg 5. Email your Application Form to hothouse@acmi.net.au 6. If you have trouble making Part 2 as a movie file and want to submit it as a PowerPoint

presentation, Keynote presentation or PDF file, please email the file to hothouse@acmi.net.au along with your Application Form. Note, all attachments must not exceed 10 MB as this is the maximum size limit ACMI servers will accept.

Entry Deadline: 5pm Monday 25 May 2015

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HOTHOUSE FAQ What is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)? A globally unique cultural institution located at the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square. ACMI is a Victorian Government funded cultural agency that presents and champions the art and culture of the moving image. Through a vibrant annual calendar of award-winning exhibitions, screenings, film festivals, live events, creative workshops, education programs and collection resources, ACMI provides a wide diversity of audiences an unsurpassed range of ways to engage with the moving image. As one of Victoria’s major cultural, tourism and learning attractions, and a national centre of screen culture debate and innovation, ACMI has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading moving image centres. For more information, see acmi.net.au/our_story.htm What is Hothouse? What happens when you ask Victoria‘s most creative Year 10 - 12 students to submit a pitch to get them in a room with industry professionals? You get Hothouse – a mad, crazy, creative frenzy that takes raw talent, runs it through a creative blender and in a week of intensive production, provides lifelong career inspiration! ACMI is running Hothouse every year for four years as an initiative of the Victorian Government. Year 1 (2012) focused on videogame making. Year 2 (2013) focused on narrative film making and Year 3 (2014) focused on animation. 2015 is the year of documentary making. Hothouse provides not only hands-on experience and contact with industry professionals, but also offers information and guidance on tertiary pathways. How many applications can I submit? You can only apply once each year, as long as you will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in the year you are applying for the program. Can I submit a group application? I have some friends I would like to work with. No. Hothouse only accepts individual applications. However, it is ok if you created Part 3 (an example of your work) as part of a team, you just need to explain clearly what role you played. If your team members are also interested in attending Hothouse, it is essential that they submit their own applications. Is there an application fee? No. It is free to apply to Hothouse. What if I get selected for the workshop? Does it cost anything? No. The Hothouse program is free.

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Why should I sign up to the Hothouse mailing list? Signing up for the mailing list means we can keep you up-to-date with any news about the Hothouse program and the application process, including news about information sessions that can help you with your application. Can I apply if I do not attend a conventional secondary school? You are welcome to apply to Hothouse either as an individual or through your educational institution. The program is for Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Do I have to be able to attend all dates? Yes. It is important that you attend all days and events of Hothouse to make sure you get the most out of the program and ensure maximum involvement. Can I have extra time beyond the application deadline? No. Your application must be submitted by the deadline. Applications received after this will be ineligible for selection. How are applications assessed? Hothouse applications are assessed by a panel of ACMI Staff and industry and education professionals. The selection process is extremely rigorous. The decisions of the panel are final and no correspondence concerning the selected applicants will be entered into. What is the selection panel looking for? Selection Criteria used to assess applications include: Part 1: ‘To Camera’ Introduction: Content: Is the introduction clear, creative and convincing? Presentation: Does the applicant present themselves well? Do they show potential to make a positive contribution to the Hothouse team and potential as a Hothouse Ambassador? Does the introduction demonstrate passion and interest in the moving image? Part 2: Photo Essay and Part 3: Example of Work: Demonstrated Creative Ability Strength of Ideas Use of the form: does the student communicate their ideas and story well using visual/audiovisual language?

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PARENT/GUARDIAN FAQ What is my child signing up for with Hothouse? Hothouse is an initiative of the Victorian Government to encourage students who have a keen interest in film to build and explore career pathways to follow their interests and talents. Students who are successful in their application will be required to come to ACMI at Federation Square, Melbourne, for a one-week intensive program from Mon 29 Jun – Fri 3 Jul 2015, with a meet and greet session prior to the workshop on Fri 26 Jun. During this week students will be expected to travel to the city, work in ACMI’s studios with industry experts from 9am until 5pm or 6pm. Students must be able to attend every session. Catering will be provided on these days. Please check that your child is available for all dates. All selected students need to have appropriate guardian approvals to participate in Hothouse. This includes permission for ACMI to use images and recordings of Hothouse attendees in media releases, online content for the ACMI website, and for the ongoing development of the Hothouse program. Selected students may have their name, school name and school location published on the ACMI website and in a Victorian Government press release. We are from rural Victoria, is there any support for our child to attend the workshops? If there is an issue about the distance that you live from ACMI, we will do our utmost to cater for and to help your child have the opportunity to participate in Hothouse. Please email us for further details if required: hothouse@acmi.net.au More information If you have a question that isn't answered in this FAQ please email us hothouse@acmi.net.au

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RESOURCES TO HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION Overview Documentary filmmaking begins with the subject and concept. • Why are you telling the story and whom/what is the subject? • Where will the images come from? • What style are you using to tell the story? (In Part 3 of your application, you may submit any style of documentary or film work for consideration by the selection panel.) ACMI Generator (http://generator.acmi.net.au/) has plenty of online information to get you going. See http://generator.acmi.net.au/resources for a step-by-step guide to the film making process, including concept development, storytelling, editing and sound design. Computer software There are many software programs available for editing. Your school may already have some suitable programs. Many computers come with basic editing software. The most common are Windows Movie Maker: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-live/movie-maker-get-started and Apple iMovie: www.apple.com/ilife/imovie More advanced editing programs include Adobe Premiere http://www.adobe.com/au/products/premiere.html and Apple Final Cut Pro http://www.apple.com/au/finalcutpro/

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Where can I find music to add to my video? It is important that you have permission to use any music that you add to your videos. Productions with uncleared, copyrighted music cannot be played in public. Try making your own music if possible! You could try using software like Acid (for PC) or Garage Band (for Mac) to make original sound. There are also a number of websites that offer royalty free music for use in student productions. Some examples are: Dig.ccMixter: http://dig.ccmixter.org/ The Freesound Project: http://www.freesound.org/ Partners in Rhyme: http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/ Freeplay Music: http://www.freeplaymusic.com/ ACMI Generator: http://generator.acmi.net.au/library Many of these sites require that you credit them in your film – make sure you read their terms and conditions carefully. For more information on copyright clearance see the Smartcopying Website, the official guide to copyright issues for Australian schools: http://www.smartcopying.edu.au Tips for Uploading Videos To upload your videos to a video sharing site like Vimeo or YouTube you will first need to create an account. It is free to create an account. To work at their best, videos need to be exported/saved (compressed) using the recommended settings for these sites. Vimeo compression guidelines: http://vimeo.com/help/compression YouTube compression guidelines: http://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1297408 If you would like to password protect a video so the general public can’t view it, we recommend using Vimeo. See this page about password protecting videos on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/help/faq/privacy#/help/faq/privacy If you password protect your videos, make sure you send us the password along with the web address.

Saving Your Work as a PDF File To make Part 2 into a PDF file ready to email with your application form, you’ll most likely need to use another software program first then save or export as a PDF file. Here are a few options: Compile your images and text in PowerPoint (recent versions for Mac or PC) or Microsoft Word (recent versions for PC) then save as a PDF file • Import your images into a Word document or PowerPoint presentation, arrange them in

order and add the text to the introduction. • Click ‘Save As’ and choose ‘PDF or XPS’. • In the Save Window, make sure you choose ‘PDF’ under ‘Save as Type’.

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• Make sure you include your full name in the file name. • For more information see: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/save-as-

pdf-HA010064992.aspx - BM14 To compile your images in recent versions of Microsoft Word (recent versions for Mac) then save as a PDF: • Import the images into a Word document. • Click ‘File’ then ‘Print’ then choose ‘Save as PDF’ or click the ‘PDF’ button if visible. • Make sure you include your full name in the file name. • For more information see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968197

Making Image File Size Smaller: Tips If you decide to email your Photo Essay for Part 2, you need to keep it under 10 MB. Digital cameras and software programs often create photos at a very high resolution, meaning they might have very large file sizes. To keep your document for Part 2 under 10 MB you might need to reduce the file size of your images before importing them into your document. Here are some ways you can reduce image file size: • If you are shooting images with a camera, reduce your camera resolution setting before

shooting (Make sure you are still shooting at a high enough resolution for viewing on screen – check by shooting a test image to look at before you start on your final images).

• Use image editing software like Photoshop, iPhoto (for Mac) or Picture Manager (PC) to

resize your pictures before compiling them into a document or PowerPoint presentation. We recommend creating a backup copy of your original images before you make any changes. That way, if you make a mistake, you still have your originals to go back to. See the following links for some tips on resizing photos:

o In Picture Manager: http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/resize-a-picture-HP006247355.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HA010298371

o In iPhoto: http://help.apple.com/iphoto/index.html#pht6e157c5f o In Photoshop:

http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-7945a.html - WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-7943a

• Reduce the file size of the images in your PowerPoint presentation:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/reduce-the-size-of-your-powerpoint-files-HA001116882.aspx

• Reduce the file size of the images in your Word document (before exporting to PDF): http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/reduce-the-file-size-of-a-picture-

HA010192200.aspx

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Ideas, information and instructional videos for making a documentary Types of Documentary http://www.meridianstories.com/storytellers/tool-kit/six-principal-modes-of-documentary-filmmaking/ How to Film an Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoRSdlMiD7s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2zrWh82iU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdzQHSZRd2Y Interview Framing Techniques https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcfpHq6XfwM Audio Tips for Filmmaking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ3sS5si1vw How to Write a Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4TswJ84cyE Some Examples of Short Documentaries http://www.shortoftheweek.com/category/genre/documentary/ http://vimeo.com/categories/documentary https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ZBGEJrp1LfD4rGDdsmZGOMGClZJ1S1w Recommended http://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/06/27/living-like-kings/ https://player.vimeo.com/video/59749737?autoplay=1

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NOTES FOR TEACHERS Hothouse wants to find Victoria‘s most creative Year 10-12 students. Please encourage talented students to apply! We’d love you to help them get involved. By assisting your students to understand the resources in this kit and supporting them with the application process, you‘ll give them the best possible chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind experience. Applying for Hothouse gives students the chance to work with professionals and gain industry insights. Information about obtaining access to universities with dcoumentary related courses will help students understand pathways to tertiary study. Best of all, you’ll be helping to provide them with lifelong career inspiration. Hothouse focuses on a different form of moving image each year. In 2015 the focus is documentaries. As part of Hothouse, ACMI wants to support teachers in encouraging their students to reach new heights, by offering creative briefings on the appilcation process via video conference with the ACMI team and industry professionals, and through an online educators community. Sign up to the Hothouse mailing list for updates about information sessions. To sign up, send an email to hothouse@acmi.net.au with ‘Add me to the mailing list‘ in the subject line. Please include your full name, school name and your position (eg. Media teacher, Principal, English teacher, etc.) in the email. Many of the steps described within this Application Kit could be developed as classroom teaching and learning experiences. These steps encourage students to develop many and varied skills such as: • Developing an original idea and researching information • Understanding visual and cinematic language • Constructing narratives • Creating and presenting a pitch • Verbal presentation skills • Time management and planning skills As teachers you can also find support by joining ACMI' s online educator community via the ACMI Educator’s Lounge: http://educatorslounge.acmi.net.au. In this collaborative space, you can explore the practices related to digital technologies and the ways in which they intersect with existing and emergent classroom activities. If you are helping students to put an application together, make sure they are aware of the deadline. The required parts may be more time consuming than students expect. If you would like any additional information or support, you can contact the Hothouse team at hothouse@acmi.net.au