Victorian Screen Sector Gets a Boost With New Skills Package

Of the total budget allotted by the Victorian Government for the new program, $3.6 million will be concentrated on establishing a digital games and VFX school. This is to cater to the high global demand for visual effects and animation in digital games and film and television productions.

Expressions of interest are now open for TAFEs and other education providers to develop and deliver this training. 

Meanwhile, it was also announced that Fremantle and VicScreen have collaborated on a key on-ground paid training program to be delivered on the set of the iconic television series Neighbours. The initiative will see budding Victorian writers, directors and crew members provided paid training for duties rendered under post-production, camera, lighting and sound.

It has the full backing of the people behind Neighbours, seeing how the program is in line with the series’ long-standing commitment to help develop new talent behind the camera. Applications for the program are now open.

Also announced was Set Educated, a series of workshops to help workers outside the sector transfer into the screen industry. It will start in May through a partnership with VicScreen.

Through the program, organizers aim to help at least 400 aspiring screen workers break into the industry, while also opening the doors for workers such as accountants, electricians and designers to transfer their skills to the steadily growing screen sector. It, too, offers tailored workshops conducted by industry experts for specific roles that are currently in high demand.

The workshops are scheduled to be held in Geelong and Melbourne.