Indigenous screen media professionals from the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA), Imparja and Pintubi, Anmatjerre, Warlpiri (PAW) Media and Communications have spent this week skilling up with the Northern Territory Film Office (NTFO) in the Old Courthouse, Alice Springs.

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) have developed a special course for the Territory in making segments for television, the course has been offered at no cost to participants to skill them up to help them further develop their careers.

NTFO Director Penelope McDonald said this is a great opportunity for Territorians, and again is an example of the value adding that the Northern Territory Film Office can bring to the local screen industry professionals through partnerships.

“The NTFO has been supporting AFTRS in bringing professional training to the Territory for the past four years, and this course has been specifically tailored by AFTRS to meet the needs of indigenous professionals in the Territory screen industry.

“The course is a pilot and if it goes well it will travel to other parts of Australia, and possibly the Territory.”

Ms McDonald said the 10 participants are fortunate to have a terrific instructor in John Millard who has extensive experience in media production and teaching media.

“John has worked on well known television programs including Australian Story, The Investigators, Hot Chips, Four Corners, A Big Country and Nationwide,” Ms McDonald said.

“The quality of John’s work has been recognised with national awards including a Walkley award, UN Media Peace Awards and Human Rights Awards.

“The NTFO has been a buzz of activity over the past few days with all the learning that is going on and it’s great to know that following this course, there will be 10 Territorians with an increased skills base leading to increasing productions coming out of the Territory.

“Last month AFTRS brought an editing course to Darwin and Alice Springs and the NTFO is currently in discussion with AFTRS about further professional development for Territorians, particularly in documentary making.”