Image courtesy IFSS
Andy Richie, alumni of the International Film School, Sydney (IFSS) recently worked with the legendary director Steven Spielberg on the film adaption of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book The BFG. The film is scheduled for release mid 2016.
Richie studied at IFSS in 2009, graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media – Screenwriting, Directing and Producing, which gives students the skills and knowledge to work across a cross-section of the media industry in directing, producing and screenwriting. Complementing this, students learn camera operating, lighting, editing and post-production as well as sound recording and sound design.
IFSS place a strong emphasis on industry knowledge so students leave with the skills that will get them employed in the industry. At IFSS Richie learnt ‘the fundamentals of filmmaking … as well as set etiquette which has been absolutely essential to my experience working in the film industry so far. But most of all, it taught me how to creatively work with other creative people’. Working professionally, in a team, is a key success factor in the film industry.
After leaving IFSS, Richie moved home to Canada, continuing his studies at the Vancouver Film School. He then began working in a variety of positions within the industry.
His first break working on a major film was Night at the Museum: Secret of Tomb where he was Witness Camera Operator. He says the experience: ‘was a dream come true as I was able to watch professional, well-known actors working with a director on a daily basis’.
After this came The BFG, with Spielberg which Richie says, ‘was nothing short of amazing’.
Acknowledging that it is a difficult industry to work in, Richie’s advice to those wanting to follow in his footsteps is to ‘never give up’.
‘This business can be relentless and you won’t get anywhere unless you fight for it. You have to keep working, writing, volunteering, making your own things or making something for others… I’d be lying if I said it’s easy but I can tell you this: it is worth it. It’s the best job in the world.
For more information about IFSS’s Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media – Screenwriting, Directing and Producing see http://ifss.edu.au/courses/screenwriting-directing-producing-adv-dip
