Visual Impact Academy - Introduction to HD

VI began offering the Introduction to HD course in 2009 and was then in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. Since this time over 150 students have completed the course, with many of them finding employment within the film and TV industry. "The course is aimed at giving students a foot in the door, equipping them with real skills that allow them to add value to a film and TV production," says Paul Lensen - VI Academy director.

The course was made possible by a discretionary grant that was especially awarded to the VI academy because of its strong track record in offering meaningful industry related skill training.

"All the courses that are offered by VI are credit bearing and carefully aligned with the relevant Unit standards as described by the NQF. It was important to us that the learner graduating from our skills programme was able to earn credits towards a diploma as well as gaining valuable practical knowledge," says Lensen. Mzuvukile Ncedini describes the course as the "perfect balance between theory and practical" and this certainly true with learners covering everything from set etiquette to rigging and de-rigging HD camera, lighting and sound recording for ENG crews.

All learners are assessed individually by trained assessors (industry experts), with leaners receiving valuable feedback on their specific level of competency. Areas that require improvement and further learning are discussed, with an "Action Plan" being put in place to ensure that learners are able to meet the required standard, before a certificate is issued.

Unique to the course is the "Value-add" of between one to two weeks of skills transfer through the VI academy Internship programme.

The VI Internship programme is a "work related experience" that many aspiring film makes are keen to be a part of. "Nothing can replace the experience of working in busy real-life environment rental floor, with high end equipment, demanding clients and tight deadlines," remarks Marius van Straaten - VI Managing Director. Students from the Netherlands, Korea as well as locally, have been part of the programme and we give learners attending the VI Academy an opportunity to put into practice what they have learned.

"Perfect balance between theory and practical," says Mzuvukile Ncedini and while we can't teach everything in 4 days - it certainly sets many aspiring film makers in the right direction.

If you would like to learn more about the exciting courses VI Academy has on offer, please click here.

Links to academy page: http://www.visuals.tv/Visual_Impact_Academy.php
Link to website: www.visuals.tv