Sydney Mumby recently completed her Bachelor of Film & Television degree at Bond. As she moves on to the next chapter of her career, she shares her best advice for students starting the program.
When I started my Bachelor of Film and Television (CRICOS 063066E) at Bond, I had no idea what I was in for. With the two-year course structure of Bond I, of course, knew that it would be a highly intense two years of studying and making films. What I wasn’t prepared for were the little things, things that you don’t really think about until you’re going into your last semester and reminiscing about being a fresh-faced cherub ready to be the next Shonda Rhimes.
To help the new fresh faces transition into the Film and Television degree and life at Bond, I’ve put together a list of 10 things I wish I’d known when I started.
1. Make the most of your lecturers!
All of your lecturers have worked in the industry and know the ins and outs likes the back of their hand. They’re also more than happy to reminisce about the good old days if you ask. With a fountain of unlimited knowledge at your disposal for two years why wouldn’t you use it?
2. Network
You might not be in the industry yet but it’s never too early to start networking. Bond offers so many events for students to connect with industry professionals. Go to the events your professors email you about, talk to industry guests about their experience, get in contact with past Bond alumni, ask for emails and numbers, and set yourself up for a bright future outside of Bond.
3. Collaborate
The students in your class will be your work crew for the next two years. From 30 second television commercials to your ten-minute graduation film, you and your classmates will be working together on anything and everything. Use this opportunity to expand your ideas and skills…who knows, you might just find the Matt Damon to your Ben Affleck along the way.
4. Be professional
You might be on a student set but professionalism is still important. Know when’s the right time to crack a joke or start a conversation, be respectful of the people doing their jobs and pull your weight. A film set can be a high pressured environment, especially when there’s someone not taking the work seriously.
5. Your assignments become your portfolio
A two-minute tyre change sequence might seem like a silly assignment, but it’s there to teach you about continuity editing and sequencing. Every assignment you do at Bond is something for you to add to your show reel and take into the professional word. Make sure that you give them the energy and attention they deserve.
6. If you’re on time, you’re late
A famous saying in the Film and Television world, and one your professors will tell you constantly, is that if you’re on time you’re already late. Aim to be at least 10 minutes early to every lecture and tutorial you’re in, not only will you get the best seat in class but your lecturers will notice and it will definitely help when you’re looking for a reference for internships or jobs.
7. Respect the equipment
If you’re studying Film and Television at Bond, then you’ll be lucky enough to use industry standard equipment. From zooms and booms to the television studio there’s not much Bond doesn’t have. Use this equipment respectfully, remember that other students have to use it as well and don’t want a tripod filled with sand, or a camera that doesn’t have an SD card in it.
8. Be open to opportunities
There’s nothing wrong with knowing exactly what you want to do at a young age. However, the Film and Television course at Bond is designed to teach you a little bit of everything. Use this to broaden your knowledge and gain a wider skill set, professionals hiring you will be a lot more interested if you can hold a boom, sync footage, and fill out progress reports.
9. Intern, intern, intern
Bond has an amazing program in which you can do an internship as one of your General Electives. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste. You’ll be assigned to someone at the Careers Development Centre who will make it their mission to get you a foot in the door.
10. Create!
Film should be fun! Have fun doing this degree, make friends, learn, and be creative. Don’t be afraid of your ideas, even the underdeveloped ones have the opportunity to become something amazing. This degree is all about making something unique, special, and irrevocably you.
Put your dreams into motion with Bond’s Bachelor of Film & Television. Find out more.