BUFTA Resources for Filmmakers
Have you hit a roadblock with your film? Unsure of what your next step should be? The BUFTA Team have created a collection of resources to help you in your filmmaking journey, including step-by-step guides, links, downloads, and even tips and tricks from our very own Bond Film and Television academic team!
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Where to start?
We have created a flowchart that outlines the different steps involved in creating a BUFTA short film:
Australian Student - Helpful Flowchart
International Category - Helpful FlowchartIf you are looking for a guide to make notes for planning your film, you can also download our Storyboard Notepad.
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Access copyright free music
Wondering where you can get copyright free music for your film? Check out our collection of resources below!
COPYRIGHT FREE MUSIC - NO COST!
- mobygratis - Free music for independent filmmakers by Moby
- incompetech - Music and also Graph Paper
- The Red Ferret - 1 million free and legal music tracks
- Creative Commons (formerly Opsound) - A global community dedicated to better sharing of creative content
RIGHTS FREE MUSIC - PAID ACCESS!
- Audio Network - Quality production music for TV, Film, Video and Advertising
- SMARTassMusic - Music notation services and recording for studios, stage & concerts around the world
- PacDV - A mixture of free and pay-to-download royalty free sound effects, background sounds, and music tracks
FIND OUT WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT TO MUSIC
APRA AMCOS can help you find who owns the copyright to music or media that you wish to use, and can even help with obtaining permissions for certain works - check out their website to find out more.
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Tips & Tricks
TIPS FROM THE MASTERS
Cinematographer John Seale has one secret word to help students in a career in film: Perseverance.
To help you persevere in making your short film the best that it can be, check out the links below to hear tips and tricks from our industry-leading Bond University Film & Television academics.
Academy award-winning Australian film director George Miller (of the legendary Mad Max film series ☠️🏜️) has some tips and tricks to help you get started!
PRE-FILMING TIPS & FILMMAKING TRICKS
Head of Film, Screen & Creative Media at Bond, Dr Darren Fisher, provides useful Directors tips and advice on camera selection and discusses his personal preference for selecting a camera with a range of lenses rather than focusing only on high definition.
Associate Professor Dr Michael Sergi talks all about casting and how to find the right actors to play the characters in your film. Hear his advice about film length and overlapping action.
Head of Producing at Bond, Chris Fitchett, discusses the importance of preparation including the selection of cast, crew and equipment, as well as the all-important opening shot.
Listen to Scott Knight, Head of Cinema Studies at Bond, discuss how to achieve film style through techniques including language selection and the use of a storyboard. In this video he also tells us how and when to structure an experimental film through abstract and associational approaches.
Bond University Alumna Hannah Keogh is now kicking major goals in the filmmaking industry - Hear Hannah's top tips from when she was a Bond student!
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Watch Past BUFTA's
The BUFTA Live Broadcast forms part of the curriculum for first-year Bachelor of Film & Television students at Bond University.
Each year our student cohort forms the 'BUFTA Crew' and take on Live Television Broadcast roles. This experiential first-year subject is a truly collaborative effort that sees students take on key roles as directors, audio and lighting specialists, scriptwriters, camera operators, segment producers, stage and floor managers, graphic designers, and much more.Check out past BUFTA's here:
3, 2, 1... ACTION
Bond students at work in the Faculty of Society & Design film studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about BUFTA, or studying film and television at Bond University?
You've come to the right place! Explore the information below, or reach out to us directly at fsdevents@bond.edu.au if your question isn't covered here.
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What is BUFTA?
BUFTA is the premier short film competition for Year 11 and 12 high school students in Australia, now welcoming global submissions*. As part of the Bond University Film & Television Academy, BUFTA goes beyond the awards ceremony, offering filmmaking workshops, educational opportunities, and professional development for teachers.
The BUFTA Awards culminate in a live red-carpet event, where finalists are celebrated, and category winners are announced. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony is broadcast live to a global audience.
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Who organises and produces BUFTA?
BUFTA and its related events are proudly hosted by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design.
The BUFTA Awards Ceremony is produced and broadcast live by Bond University’s first-year Bachelor of Film and Television students, giving them hands-on industry experience while showcasing the next generation of filmmaking talent.
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What prizes can BUFTA entrants win?
Major Prize
The Best Overall Filmmaker will receive a full scholarship* to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design
Jury Prize
The Jury Prize winner will receive a 25% scholarship* to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design
Best Gold Coast Filmmaker Award
Cash Prize – Sponsored by Councillor Dan Doran, Division 11 – City of Gold Coast
People's Choice Award
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a an exclusive Private Cinema Screening Experience – Sponsored by Dendy Cinemas Southport
Dean's Choice Award
The Dean’s Choice award winner will receive a $250 JB Hi-Fi Gift Card – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design
Best School Award
Industry-grade recording and studio equipment proudly sponsored by Russtor Music – See full range here
Category Awards
The winner of each category award will receive a 12-month subscription to Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design
Best Animation
The winner of Best Animation category will also receive a $250 JB Hi-Fi gift card – Sponsored by Big Voice Media Group
Best Art Film
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
The winner of Best Documentary category will also receive a prize pack to the value of $300 - Sponsored by Panorama Creative
Best Drama
Best Experimental Film
Best Music Video
Best Sport Film
The winner of Best Sport Film will also be offered a 4K television, and a highly coveted internship program with NEP Group** – Sponsored by NEP Group Inc.
Best International Film
The Best International Filmmaker will win a Travel Voucher to the value of $2000.00 (AUD) towards a trip to visit Gold Coast, Australia – Sponsored by Experience Gold Coast
Craft Awards
The winner of each craft award will receive a $250 JB Hi-Fi Gift Card – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design
Best Cinematography
The winner of Best Cinematography will also receive a 12-month membership to the Australian Cinematographers Society (ASC) Queensland Branch – Sponsored by the Australian Cinematographers Society (ASC)
Best Directing
Best Editing
Best Screenwriting
Best Sound Design
All nominees who attend the BUFTA Ceremony will receive:
- Double passes to Movie World Theme Park - Sponsored by Warner Bros Movie World & Village Roadshow
- Warner Bros Movie World Show Bag - Sponsored by Warner Bros Movie World & Village Roadshow
- Dendy Cinemas 'Movie Experience' Prize Pack - Sponsored by Dendy Cinemas
*See Terms & Conditions for scholarship eligibility.
**This internship opportunity is conditional upon enrolling in a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University. -
BUFTA sponsorships & how to get involved
BUFTA would like to thank our generous sponsors...
- Bond University
- NEP Group Inc
- Warner Bros Movie World
- Village Roadshow Theme Parks
- HOTA (Home of the Arts)
- City of Gold Coast
- Study Gold Coast
- Councillor Dan Doran, Division 11, City of Gold Coast
- Dendy Cinemas
- Big Voice Media Group
- Russtor Music
- Panorama Creative
Special Thank You to...
Phillip Noyce AO, Award-winning Australian Filmmaker - Official BUFTA Patron
Daniel Radcliffe, Award-winning Actor - Official BUFTA Supporter
GENERAL ENQUIRY
If you would like further information on the competition, any of our events or are interested in becoming a sponsor of BUFTA please contact our Marketing and Events Team: fsdevents@bond.edu.au
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
If you are experiencing any technical difficulties while on the BUFTA website or are having trouble uploading your film, please contact our Information Technology Team on FSDsupport@bond.edu.au
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What is the BUFTA Roadshow?
The BUFTA Roadshow is an exclusive opportunity to meet one of our industry experts, hear about film and television and enhance filmmaking skills in preparation for entering BUFTA. In 2025 the BUFTA Academy Roadshow is travelling to five regions including, Victoria, Toowoomba, South Australia, North Queensland and Western Australia.
HEAR FROM PAST BUFTA ROADSHOW PARTICIPANTS
The feedback I have received from my students following the BUFTA Roadshow has been every positive. Thank you again. I look forward to the opportunity to attend another BUFTA Roadshow and Experience Day at Bond in the future.
Kirsty Bidlake, Media Teacher l Toowoomba Christian College
I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity of have a [BUFTA representative] teach my class. What he said and demonstrated 'ticked so many boxes' in regard to what the students are doing for assessment. All the students I've had the opportunity to speak to said that they certainly got a lot out of it. I certainly did.
Timothy Reuther, Drama, Film & New Media Teacher l Harristown State High School
To find out more about the BUFTA Roadshow, or to inquire about 2025, please contact us at fsdevents@bond.edu.au.
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What is the BUFTA Student Academy?
The BUFTA Student Academy is an opportunity for high school students to meet and talk to our staff and industry experts directly about film and television, and build up their skills and knowledge to prepare them to enter BUFTA.
Students will benefit from three intensive mini-workshops in one day, focusing on cinematography, lighting, editing and colour grading. These workshops are open to students with all levels of filmmaking experience, from beginners to advanced.Dates for 2025 coming soon!
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What is the BUFTA Masterclass?
The BUFTA Teacher's Masterclass is a highly regarded, hands-on series of professional development workshops that incorporate key aspects of filmmaking into an action-packed training day. These workshops utilise Bond's state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and are specially designed to help teachers help their students.
In these exclusive sessions, our industry experts will take you through everything you need to know about film and television. This event offers a range of options for experienced teachers, as well as teachers who are ready to take the next step.Dates for 2025 coming soon!
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What makes Bond's Bachelor of Film and Television stand out?
Are you passionate about a career in film, television, or related screen-based media?
The Bachelor of Film and Television is a heavily hands-on and project-based degree that allows you to balance practical filmmaking production experience with creative practice theory, encouraging you to explore and develop your individual creativity and artistic voice.
You will learn in small classes, mentored by international award-winning film writers, producers, and directors. You’ll have unrivalled access to more than 40 editing stations, and the latest creative technologies software and equipment including Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, Pro-Tools 5.1 HD mixing suites, and a fully equipped three-camera digital television studio. Importantly, you will also gain access to Bond’s equipment loan store that gives you the opportunity to use industry standard lighting, camera, and sound equipment for your own film projects.
Bond’s Bachelor of Film and Television program draws on the University’s strong connections with the local production industry to provide hands on experience and real-life projects for our film and television students. Gain industry credits and make contacts working on movie sets, television shows, and at broadcast events. You will build your creative portfolio from day one, with the opportunity to partake in multiple film projects in creative student collaborations, as well as live Outdoor Broadcasts (OB) of sporting events.
This is your story | A reflection on film, featuring Bond University Bachelor of Film and Television voices, projects and behind the scenes footage. Dedicated to Bond University Film and Television students past, present and future.