Fas Courses

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?

afatbollix · 08-04-2009 12:02pm

i just did teh tv corse in bcfe.. i went stight onto concert sites and events.. then at the end of the summer work dried up so im now running one of the irish tv channels.. at the moment with job losses and productions being cut its harder to get a job.. but once your in and your good at your job word will go around.. i know some people who did nothing on our corse and went into the world of tv thinking they were great are still on the dole 10 months on.. its a industry with work hours of 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.. expect long hours strange days of working.. most shoots are on weekends so if you like your weekends forget it.. it can be rewarding tho seeing your work on TV..

irelandtvreview · 08-04-2009 12:54pm

By running a tv station, do you mean MD? CEO? just interested how you could have just finished college and be in charge of an Irish tv station when there is so few.

afatbollix wrote: »

i just did teh tv corse in bcfe.. i went stight onto concert sites and events.. then at the end of the summer work dried up so im now running one of the irish tv channels.. at the moment with job losses and productions being cut its harder to get a job.. but once your in and your good at your job word will go around.. i know some people who did nothing on our corse and went into the world of tv thinking they were great are still on the dole 10 months on.. its a industry with work hours of 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.. expect long hours strange days of working.. most shoots are on weekends so if you like your weekends forget it.. it can be rewarding tho seeing your work on TV..

afatbollix · 21-04-2009 6:58pm

irelandtvreview wrote: »

By running a tv station, do you mean MD? CEO? just interested how you could have just finished college and be in charge of an Irish tv station when there is so few.

Sorry i ment the transmission side of it...

ultain · 26-05-2009 1:15am

Do you know if there's any courses fas might running like this in galway, i did a two year course with the v.e.c. on TV and video production, not sure if that would affect my chances of getting on to another media course though. A little of topic here, but has anyone seen 'the twilight hour' by Jason figgis? been trying to track it down i think he was meant to release it on to u-tube.

Murts-Rig · 15-06-2009 5:23am

They have some priceless courses in FAS, Check it out

Mr.Nice Guy · 19-06-2009 6:16pm

I guess I should put my query here. I'm interested in the area of putting video pacakges together (guess that would be classed as video editing?) and I'm curious if anyone can recommend some courses to check out?

As regards to the questions in the OP...

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

Possibly 2 years although I'd also be quite interested in doing a night course or maybe a 1 year postgrad course.

Your current skill level? (software used etc)

I only use Windows Movie Maker which is a pain in the arse but I feel I have done good stuff with it. Hoping to advance my knowledge of video editing.

What you hope to get out of your chosen course -

I'm not sure what I want to do long-term but I enjoy the area and could possibly see myself doing it as a career. I want to do it as a course to see if its right for me.

How much are you willing to spend?

Don't want to spend thousands. Not sure if grants would help me in this area.

Anyone got any ideas on courses that would suit my situation? I found this one on the BCFE:

http://bcfe.comedio.org/bcfe/courseinfo.php?course=27

Anyone know much about this? Apologies for the twenty questions...

patrickthomas · 27-08-2009 4:57am

Applied for a course in Tralee, got turned down, despite showing them a film made with massive attack, still working in this area, willard grant conspiracy, sparklehorse, seems tralee do not want people with talent, was quite pissed off as I have a studio that is way more up to date than their one and have clients that are looking for original work.

methinks that if you have real ideas about film-making then stay a mile away from the likes of tralee as they produce editors for the processed TV A Ceathair that is short lived and doomed to fail.

tiir · 28-08-2009 10:10am

I did the tv production course in FAS Tralee. It was the best career decision I ever made. The course and teacher are great, its all very hands on learning. It can be tough to get a position as only a small group are chosen each year from the whole country. There is an interview involved so any experience even if its with your mates or schools camcorder is a benefit. Since completing the year I have been working full time in TV and at least six of the people I work with also came from FAS Tralee. It is worth going for.

14-09-2009 2:24am

Is there a similar course being offered by Fás in Ennis at the mo? I've tried searching it on the web but haven't come up with anything.

Helpfulness, please, not snottiness.

zero19 · 15-09-2009 6:28pm

patrickthomas wrote: »

Applied for a course in Tralee, got turned down, despite showing them a film made with massive attack, still working in this area, willard grant conspiracy, sparklehorse, seems tralee do not want people with talent, was quite pissed off as I have a studio that is way more up to date than their one and have clients that are looking for original work.

methinks that if you have real ideas about film-making then stay a mile away from the likes of tralee as they produce editors for the processed TV A Ceathair that is short lived and doomed to fail.

Sounds like you don't even need the place on the course and they gave it to someone who does? Why waste your time with them if your equipment is better and you're getting work

Fas Courses

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