Fas Courses

Jim · 18-01-2004 11:46pm #1

I was thinking of doing one of th media courses in Fas and was basicly looking for some feedback on people who already done them.

cheers,
jim.

Addition to the sticky, by Lump.

If you post on this thread looking for course advice, please give the following info, so people on here can help as much as possible.

Duration you'd be interested in doing the course for?

Your current skill level? (software used etc)

What you hope to get out of your chosen course - Going for the standard "I want to make movies is a little wide, think about the areas you enjoy/ would be interested in. Directing, writing, techincal (Camera, Sound, Editing, these are the 3 main areas, but of course there's more) Also a big issue, do you want to work in Film or digital technology. Not such a big issue for editing, but still has to be thought about.

How much are you willing to spend? Many companies run courses in specific editing platforms for example, also consider if you wanted to go to the UK/America there's costs involved, so giving an idea of how much you are willing to part with helps. Saying as little as possible doesn't give much scope for bouncing ideas around.

I know I included camera, sound etc etc in the above points, but I think most people that have done media will have a general idea what's on offer in these areas too, it's nice to open this up into a media wide type thread.

John

Ajos · 22-01-2004 3:29pm

If you're talking about Screen Training Ireland then highly, highly recommended. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. Some of the best training in the world, quite literally.
If you're not, then I have no idea.

Dustaz · 22-01-2004 8:12pm

There is a FAS course you can do in video production. I know one or two people whove done it, ill try and track them down and ask.

Its in tralee iirc.

Jim · 22-01-2004 10:26pm

Originally posted by Dustaz
Its in tralee iirc.

thats the exact one im think of doin. any feedback would be great.

cheers.

mycroft · 22-01-2004 10:35pm

I know the course in Tralee is supposed to be excellent, and I know someone who's making a good career for themselves out of it, also I know the caliber of the tutors they get is excellent, all industry professionals.

voodoo · 09-02-2004 4:45pm

Anyone got any further information on this? Is it offered anywhere else? Are these courses something that can be done part-time ( that is, if you are working full-time in something else already).

Cheers,

Voodoo

Jim · 09-02-2004 5:35pm

While most of the courses are day time there are also night time courses available.
Theres a similar course in Malahide I'm looking into myself.

Go to www.fas.ie for a full list of courses.

father_ted9t9 · 09-03-2004 12:30am

howya! i currently am workin as an online editor for one of the national stations and i know a few people who are working with me came from the FAS Course. Sounds good but if you really are interested in gettin training, check out BCFE.ie closing date is mon and head of lecturing name is John moriarty, give him a call or drop him a line!! if ya have any questions drop us a pm

Jim · 09-03-2004 1:09am

Tried looking at the site, but the page was just blank. What does bcfe stand for?

lodgepole · 09-03-2004 1:23am

Originally posted by Jimeatsmenu
Tried looking at the site, but the page was just blank. What does bcfe stand for?

Ballyfermot College of Further Education

Dustaz · 09-03-2004 1:15pm

The course in ballyfermot is a great course.

Its geared specifically towards people who wish to become operators in the industry rather than the producer/director type of courses on offer in Dun Laoghire and DIT.

John is a legend of a lecturer too

lodgepole · 09-03-2004 4:06pm

Originally posted by Dustaz
The course in ballyfermot is a great course.

Its geared specifically towards people who wish to become operators in the industry rather than the producer/director type of courses on offer in Dun Laoghire and DIT.

John is a legend of a lecturer too

On top of that, by next year their multi million euro TV studio/control room/editing suites should be relativelty up and running. You won't be able to pry John away from them...

If you're prepared to put in two years of a full time course, Ballyfermot will be the place to go next year.

Dustaz · 09-03-2004 7:34pm

I didnt know they got new gear. Any idea of the specs?

lodgepole · 09-03-2004 7:45pm

Originally posted by Dustaz
I didnt know they got new gear. Any idea of the specs?

Brand new building and top of the range studio and control room... I don't know the exact specs because i'm graduating this year and we haven't gotten to use any of it (long story). The studio has a gantry, is two stories high and has a proper lighting rig. The control room is on the upper story of the building looking down over the studio on one side through a glass window, and on the other side, over a multi purpose hall with wheel out seating. The entire building is wired together, with all the feeds going through a tech office. All the edit suites will be feeding off a stack of hard disks accessible to every machine... It's a stunning facility. Was supposed to be finished this year but we were dicked around by the Department of Education.

Owenw · 10-03-2004 12:43pm

This sounds great.
When do they have their next open day and when should you apply for next years courses? (I always miss the deadline for applications!)

mycroft · 10-03-2004 12:51pm

Was supposed to be finished this year but we were dicked around by the Department of Education.

Hell they were telling me it was supposed to be finished for the start of the '00 term....

How many edit suites? What are they using Xpress or media composer?

lodgepole · 10-03-2004 12:57pm

Originally posted by Owenw
This sounds great.
When do they have their next open day and when should you apply for next years courses? (I always miss the deadline for applications!)

Unfortunately you've missed the open day, and i'm fairly sure there isn't another one. Not sure about the date for late applications but the interview process for next years students is taking place next week, so you may want to get on the phone if you're interested...

Originally posted by mycroft
Hell they were telling me it was supposed to be finished for the start of the '00 term....

How many edit suites? What are they using Xpress or media composer?

I'll get some info once i'm back in class, i'm sick as a dog right now.

Owenw · 10-03-2004 1:21pm

thanks for the info, hope you feel better soon.

father_ted9t9 · 15-03-2004 5:18am

I Think you may have missed application deadline mate, i know that interviews for the course are this week. As i said b4 if you are interested in the tecchie side of things this place is the dogs B*&&!x. They have their new studio built, and have everything ready to go, except for one major thing...the equipment! There is a budget problem with the CDVEC at the moment but they are hoping to have the equipment in by sept this year.Best of luck to john gettin it too, ya wont find a better lecturer, Or Should i now call him by his new title "Head of Film And Television" haha! Maybe if you contact them you may get a late interview and if someone then decides not to attend course or drops out they sometimes call on a standby list of hopefuls!

The_Scary_Man · 29-03-2004 8:02pm

I don't want to start a new thread if I can piggy back on this one so I hope you don't mind

I'm looking for film courses too but in the Cork area. I haven't been able to source anything. All the FAS ones are in Dublin and Galway.

Owenw · 30-03-2004 9:31am

I think FÁS run a film course in Tralee, The_Scary_Man

Some of the other more knowlegeable posters can probably give you more info...

The_Scary_Man · 31-03-2004 1:27pm

Thanks for the info OwenW. I'll see what I can source on that myself.

Cheers

dory · 04-04-2005 5:07am

Anyone know any course in the Kildare/Dublin area that's really technical? I want to learn about editing and sound and stuff. I'm doing a BA in Media Studies and it's all theory. Learning about philosophers and the like.

And whenever they give us a media project they literally say, 'Here's the project, go do it', and give us absolutely no help.

mycroft · 04-04-2005 1:44pm

dory wrote:

Anyone know any course in the Kildare/Dublin area that's really technical? I want to learn about editing and sound and stuff. I'm doing a BA in Media Studies and it's all theory. Learning about philosophers and the like.
And whenever they give us a media project they literally say, 'Here's the project, go do it', and give us absolutely no help.

Lump. Again hate to be a pest but could we edit the first post in this thread to include a request that a questionare details the duration they'd be interested in doing the course for, current skill level, what they hope to get out of it, and how much are they willing to spend?

So doxy

duration you'd be interested in doing the course for?

Your current skill level? (software used etc)

what tyou hope to get out of it?

and how much are you willing to spend?

Lump · 04-04-2005 2:48pm

Not being a pest... I have plenty of time today, not working

Plus I want this board to be as helpfull to other people that are in a similar situation that I was in a few years ago Re. College and a few months ago Re. Work.

Pester me all you want.

John

Lump · 04-04-2005 2:55pm

Added a few bits of my own, let me know if you disagree, want me to add more.

Also any other suggestions.

John

mycroft · 04-04-2005 11:41pm

Lump wrote:

Not being a pest... I have plenty of time today, not working

Plus I want this board to be as helpfull to other people that are in a similar situation that I was in a few years ago Re. College and a few months ago Re. Work.

Pester me all you want.

John

Ditto I can remember how hard it was picking a course, and the variety of courses available. And this was in the late 90s the growth has been phenomnial (It could be worse, on a mailing list one contributor in the states is bemoaning cable tv adverts akin to "learn how to drive the big rigs" offering potential students a chance to work in the "exciting and rewarding field of audio/video editing" with "no artistic talent required"), and the change thats occured in student skill level and technology over the past few years has been intense.

First few years are tough.

Lump · 05-04-2005 1:50am

mycroft wrote:

Ditto I can remember how hard it was picking a course, and the variety of courses available. And this was in the late 90s the growth has been phenomnial (It could be worse, on a mailing list one contributor in the states is bemoaning cable tv adverts akin to "learn how to drive the big rigs" offering potential students a chance to work in the "exciting and rewarding field of audio/video editing" with "no artistic talent required"), and the change thats occured in student skill level and technology over the past few years has been intense.

First few years are tough.

Glad we agree, it's amazing how one matures when they're in the industry!

John

gibbon75 · 01-08-2005 2:49pm

Any opinion about St.John's College in Cork City?
They have a 2 year course in Video and Film Production.

Here's the link:
http://www.stjohnscollege.ie/index.php?pageID=22

mycroft · 03-08-2005 3:17pm

gibbon75 wrote:

Any opinion about St.John's College in Cork City?
They have a 2 year course in Video and Film Production.

Here's the link:
http://www.stjohnscollege.ie/index.php?pageID=22

one thing that leapt out at me, super8 film making? Who on earth makes films on super 8 any more. I'd find out whom the tutors are, how much pratical film making you'll actually be doing, and the format's you'll be shooting on. Many of these course claim to be film and video, but the film end is all theory and you only work on video.

Lump · 03-08-2005 3:47pm

Yea, AFAIK, the only place that still shoots film is YE OLD BALLYFERMOT. Shoot on Bollox (Bollix.... However it's spelt) 16mm.... may have changed their cameras since I went for and interview there.

John

mycroft · 03-08-2005 4:00pm

Lump wrote:

Yea, AFAIK, the only place that still shoots film is YE OLD BALLYFERMOT. Shoot on Bollox (Bollix.... However it's spelt) 16mm.... may have changed their cameras since I went for and interview there.

John

Nope dun laoghaire still do as well.

Ballyfermor have a set of old Bollex 16mm clockwork cameras, but also have a decent enough Arriflex.

gibbon75 · 03-08-2005 7:18pm

Yeah,there is a 3rd year option,when you have access to a 16mm camera...at least this is they promise
http://www.stjohnscollege.ie/index.php?pageID=23

Lump · 04-08-2005 12:08pm

I though Dun Laoghaire was all digital now? Obviously I suck

John

Dick Darlington · 04-08-2005 4:47pm

I just finished Film in Ballyfermot.
They've a brand new Arri SR3 and Avid suites, think d count is 11 suites n pro tools suite. Studio space for sets etc n plenty of lights and other accesories (jib etc).
There's also still the Aaton n Bolex which we shot on in 1st yr.
There's also the trusty Steenbecks !!

Course is very good but John X is a *Libel*. He might be good at TV stuff but as a head of the film course he really is *Libel* and a grad film was nearly not made because of him.

But overall the equipment and facilities are there to be used and what lets most people down is not actually applying themselves and using it, i'd def recommend the course.

*Edit* Learn how to spell and type. Also naming people and abusing them is libel. *Edit*

mycroft · 04-08-2005 8:26pm

Dick Darlington wrote:

I just finished Film in Ballyfermot.
They've a brand new Arri SR3 and Avid suites, think d count is 11 suites n pro tools suite. Studio space for sets etc n plenty of lights and other accesories (jib etc).
There's also still the Aaton n Bolex which we shot on in 1st yr.
There's also the trusty Steenbecks !!

Course is very good but John X is a *Libel*. He might be good at TV stuff but as a head of the film course he really is *Libel* and a grad film was nearly not made because of him.

But overall the equipment and facilities are there to be used and what lets most people down is not actually applying themselves and using it, i'd def recommend the course.

*Edit* Learn how to spell and type. Also naming people and abusing them is libel. *Edit*

Also cough Dick I'd agree with your assesment of Mr X, he was the Orginal head of the film course but taken off it, after six months and replaced with brand Y, who quit two years ago. The catch with film tutors is that if they're good enough to teach, they're good enough to work, so either, they don't stay long, or theirs something wrong with them (personality wise)

A noble exception would be Stephen Davenport who would have been your production lecturer last year? Old classmate of mine.

Dick Darlington · 05-08-2005 1:04pm

Yeah, Stephen was supervisor on our grad film shoots and in fairness to him he ended up doing more work than some poeple on the crew.
Definitley a great help on the shoots and when we had class with him.

It's also good to deal with somebody who's gone through the system we were in then.

mycroft · 05-08-2005 1:16pm

Dick Darlington wrote:

Yeah, Stephen was supervisor on our grad film shoots and in fairness to him he ended up doing more work than some poeple on the crew.
Definitley a great help on the shoots and when we had class with him.

It's also good to deal with somebody who's gone through the system we were in then.

Stephens a fine bloke, that moderately beat up bmw he drives was a present after all his work on the second series of Bachelor's walk.

dory · 10-08-2005 7:37pm

mycroft wrote:

Lump. Again hate to be a pest but could we edit the first post in this thread to include a request that a questionare details the duration they'd be interested in doing the course for, current skill level, what they hope to get out of it, and how much are they willing to spend?

So doxy

duration you'd be interested in doing the course for?

Your current skill level? (software used etc)

what tyou hope to get out of it?

and how much are you willing to spend?

I want to do a night course starting in September. I don't mind how long it is. 10 weeks to a year.
At the moment I don't know much about editing. I've only used a basic minidisc machine to edit in college and we get to watch people edit our video projects.
I want to find out what pro tools are and what an mpeg is! And start using them.
As for, 'What I hope to get out of it?'. I want to be able to edit my own movies. I just bought an Apple Powerbook and I want to know how to edit on it.
And I don't mind how much it cost.
And I just did a lot of my recording on my camcorder and it said it was in 'LongPlay' mode. Other than the tape being longer, does anyone know what difference LP mode makes to the finished product?

mycroft · 10-08-2005 8:13pm

dory wrote:

I want to do a night course starting in September. I don't mind how long it is. 10 weeks to a year.
At the moment I don't know much about editing. I've only used a basic minidisc machine to edit in college and we get to watch people edit our video projects.

I'm not sure who does night courses. Sorry. Try the adult learning guide, or night classes book, usually found it any bookshop or newsagent.

I want to find out what pro tools are and what an mpeg is! And start using them.

Protools is a very sophiscated and popular audio editing tool. Generally considered to be the industry standard.

MPEG are the motion picture industry standard video and audio compression standard.

As for, 'What I hope to get out of it?'. I want to be able to edit my own movies. I just bought an Apple Powerbook and I want to know how to edit on it.
And I don't mind how much it cost.

If you've got cash to burn go and pick up a copy of FCP5. Your powerbook must be ram heavy. 512mb plus.

And I just did a lot of my recording on my camcorder and it said it was in 'LongPlay' mode. Other than the tape being longer, does anyone know what difference LP mode makes to the finished product?

For starts it is inferior picture quality, secondly it uses an additional type of compression on the DV tape, it will play off your tape, but you'll be unable to load it via firewire or play it on a professional deck.

dory · 10-08-2005 8:17pm

What do you mean I'll be unable to play it on a professional deck?
Will I be able to load it onto iMovie? And eventually burn it to disk?
And my laptop has a gig of RAM.

mycroft · 10-08-2005 8:24pm

dory wrote:

What do you mean I'll be unable to play it on a professional deck?

A professional rather than a domestic deck, as in player, which reads time code.

Will I be able to load it onto iMovie? And eventually burn it to disk?
And my laptop has a gig of RAM.

I don't think you will to be honest I don't think it's compatable with Firewire, could be wrong though,

If you're looking for a professional video editing software, could do worse than going onto www.avid.com they've a freeware version of their software. Avid is the industry editing tool.

dory · 17-08-2005 8:45pm

Hello again.

I've found a course I really want to do. The only thing is that it's in Dun Laoghaire, and I live in Maynooth.
The course outline is here: http://www.dlcfe.ie/EC46.HTM

Now, does anyone know a similar course (Evening course in Sound Engineering, not too expensive) that's maybe in Dublin city?!?

Fridge · 08-09-2005 12:57am

Hi, I need advice on a course I was thinking of doing.

On the ScreenTraining Ireland website in the "Getting Started" section it seems to recommend getting training in the basics in either Filmbase, Galway Film Centre or Fás in Tralee.

I don't have a camcorder or anything but want to get started. Not really sure what I want to do yet, could be directing, camera-work, not sure, but would like to do a part-time introductory course.

I'm thinking of doing this one in Filmbase (I couldn't find out where they do the course - would it be in Temple Bar?)
Film Foundation Course 9 Weekends
The film foundation course is run over nine weekends. It will take the participants through the filmmaking process from script to screen. This course culminates in two groups shooting a short film on 16mm.

Or this one:
Digital Foundation Course 9 Weekends
This foundation course is run over nine weekends. It will take the participants through the filmmaking process from script to screen. This course culminates in two groups shooting a short film on DV. This is a new Filmbase course and has been designed to encourage and develop independent digital filmmaking.

Does anyone know if these courses are any good and if they do them every year, because I think I'm too late to do them this year.

Jim · 10-01-2006 8:40pm

Not sure if I'm too late in replying but anyway...

Did the Film Foundation course myself a couple of years ago. It was pretty decent, gives you a good idea about the whole film making process and a general grouding in all aspects of film work. I wouldn't really consider myself qualified to do any work after it but I suppose it might give you a taste of what you want to specialise in.

Another helpfull thing I found on the course is that alot of the instructors were very informative and answered any question I asked about the film industry in Ireland and how to get into it.

As I said though I wouldn't go into it expecting a job straight after completion.

Fridge · 15-01-2006 10:35pm

Thanks, that helps. Might try it out next time it's on so.

incontinentia · 01-11-2006 10:55pm

just back to the fas course
there are digital media, film and video production and audio production courses running out of the Tralee fas Training center the I did the digital media course year before last it involved flash, director, premiere, Digital Video Digital photography and was quiet good we would socialise with the digital video crowd . and were given tour of their facilities pretty impressive for a course that you don't have to pay for. 6 production kits (for 18 people) full TV studio kit and video production lab. and some other stuff we weren't alloed see. course runs for nearly 12 months and they organise work experience for you. some of the people I know in that are back in tralee and have started a production company one was working in tnag another was in film so they seem to be doing alright.

the audio production is run out of a recording studio near ballyheigue just north of Tralee.

you get a fas training allowance and rent allowance and access to a subsidised canteen. definitely it was one great year. one of the guys on my course was staying in student apartments and with rent allowance it was costing him 30 euro per week he got internet access and heat with that afaik you won't go crazy on that money but its not means tested so it beats a kick in the head. there is alot of accomodation in tralee so you might get cheaper somewhere else.

robs666 · 21-07-2007 1:38am

well im doing interactive multimedia in the IT in tralee but ive heard the fas course is alot more hands on and that you learn more, now whats the point in a 4 year degree course when you can learn more below in fas? plus you get paid in fas too!! im so jealous!! but yea im learning dreamweaver, flash, director, photoshop, illustrator, final cut pro, SQL and lots more which is a pain in the backside when all i wanna do is FILM!!

loumac · 24-10-2007 8:20pm

I did Film In Ballyfermot 99-01. I know there have been upgrades to the TV facilities, details on specs I don't have. I can tell you that the HND (Higher National Diploma) offered in BCFE are generally 2 years (Film anyway) The same qualification takes 3 years at DLIADT with the option of a 4 year degree programme if that blows your skirt up? The great thing about BCFE is the hands on approach to everything. You NEVER use video on the Film course, so you're up to your neck in it from the outset.(This is good) If you want to get practical training in the areas of camera & lighting, sound recording, script-writing & editing for FILM, this is the course for you. There are a few clangers in there like Film History and French. (Didn't bother me but these are not hands on modules) The 78a can be an interesting bus ride too. A few overheard conversations that may be script-worthy!

ned209 · 23-07-2008 2:19am

hi there. quite hyped about finding this thread. ill sort out the Q/A's first:

Duration you'd be interested in doing the course for?

dont mind, id educate myself forever, though I've just completed an hon degree course in graphic design/multimedia and and am weary of being broke. 2 years is cool though.

Your current skill level? (software used etc)

final cut pro. ive made two video projects this year with this software, which I adore. im a fairly fluent upstart, if there is such a thing... ive seen adobe premiere and media 100, and they both look quite similar

What you hope to get out of your chosen course -

video editing. id like to get a job as a video editor.

How much are you willing to spend?

preferably nothing. this wonderful country allows us to do that, so if i can I'll go state funded.

so thats me. forgetting modesty for a sec i reckon ive got a knack for video editing, and I'd lap any advice you could offer.

many thanks,
ned .

BostonB · 23-07-2008 2:24am

What are the realistic job prospects?

Fas Courses

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