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Hothouse 2016

Virtual Reality Production

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Hothouse 2016

Virtual Reality Production

Contents

WHAT IS IT? ............................................................................................................... 3

WHAT WILL I DO? ....................................................................................................... 3

WHAT IS THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR THE MOVING IMAGE (ACMI)? ................... 4

HOW DO I APPLY? ...................................................................................................... 5

PART 1: TO CAMERA INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 7

PART 2: VR REVIEW .................................................................................................. 8

PART 3: AN EXAMPLE OF YOUR WORK (OPTIONAL) ................................................ 9

HOTHOUSE 2016 APPLICATION FORM .................................................................... 10

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ..................................................................... 12

HOTHOUSE FAQ ....................................................................................................... 13

RESOURCES TO HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION................................................... 16

NOTES FOR TEACHERS ........................................................................................... 19

Hothouse: Tall Poppies Grow Here

What is it? Hothouse aims to develop the skills of Victoria’s most promising screen talents. We’re looking for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to come to ACMI in June/July 2016 and get hands-on experience in a fast-paced production studio. You’ll get advice from leading professionals and a chance to pick their brains about what it’s like to work in the industry. In 2016, ACMI Hothouse is all about virtual reality (VR). This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 10 talented students – and it’s all free of charge. So get your application in by Friday 27th May for a chance to live your dream! Hothouse is an initiative of the Victorian Government.

What will I do? If you are selected for Hothouse, you will spend an intensive week in the ACMI production studios, mentored by VR professionals and ACMI staff. You will be a part of an in-depth learning experience discovering and mastering virtual reality production and the potential this rapidly expanding media form holds. During the week you will work on a VR project as part of a team with other like-minded Hothouse participants. Being part of Hothouse means:

exploring pathways into further study and careers in and around VR

taking away new material for your showreel

considering the diversity of directions for VR in the contemporary screen industry, and

special access to ACMI resources. One of the most important features of Hothouse is the opportunity to meet and work collaboratively with other talented young people: to experience the challenges and benefits that come with working as part of a professional team. To get a feel for what it’s like to be part of Hothouse, check out the interviews with participants in Hothouse 2014 (Animation). At the end of the program, Hothouse participants become ‘Hothouse Ambassadors’, with opportunities for further special involvement in ACMI events, such as the Intermix program. So if you have a passion for all things VR and are ready for the creative challenge of a lifetime – we want to hear from you!

What is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)? A globally unique cultural institution located at the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square, ACMI is a Victorian Government funded cultural agency that presents and champions the art and culture of the moving image. Through a vibrant annual calendar of award-winning exhibitions, screenings, film festivals, live events, creative workshops, education programs and collection resources, ACMI provides a wide diversity of audiences an unsurpassed range of ways to engage with the moving image. As one of Victoria’s major cultural, tourism and learning attractions, and a national centre of screen culture debate and innovation, ACMI has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading moving image centres. For more information, see our story ACMI is dedicated to embracing new media formats. Last year, we ran an ambitious program to work with a Victorian school to help the students create theatre pieces that integrated projection mapping and mixed media art. Throughout the year, ACMI runs a host of workshops focussed on introducing young people to new forms of media, whether it is an app or .gif creation, video game making or creating music video clips. Our Intermix program also has special workshops that allow young people to explore their creativity: See the Intermix program here VR featured in ACMI’s White Night program: VR at ACMI White Night As part of our Meet the Makers Videoconference series, ABC Producer Astrid Scott talked about producing VR. You can watch her talk here Meet the Makers videoconference ACMI also offers numerous online resources for students and teachers that nurture an interest in the moving image. These include workshops and talks, the annual ‘Screen It’ student moving image making competition and online resources such as the award-winning ‘Generator’ website. For more information see Learning Resources The Screen It competition Generator Programs for Teachers Programs for Students

How do I apply? Overview First, sign up for our mailing list by sending an email to hothouse@acmi.net.au with the words ‘Add me to the mailing list’ in the subject line. Include your full name and school in the email. Don’t wait until the application deadline to sign up for the mailing list – sign up now! This will mean you receive important updates about Hothouse. Next, carefully read this application pack and get ready to complete all required sections, including: Part 1 -‘To Camera’ Introduction in which you talk directly to a camera, introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be part of Hothouse. (Format: a video file uploaded to web, max 1 min). More specifically, talk about what you like about VR and let us know about two VR experiences you have participated in or seen that inspire you. Part 2 – VR Review Head to YouTube 360 and watch and research some VR videos. Select 2 VR videos and in 300 words for each, give your analysis of the two VR experiences by answering the following questions. What did you like most about the VR experience? Which did you prefer and why? Why do you think this footage was created in a VR experience rather than made for a non-interactive screen? How was the VR used to enhance the user experience? Conduct some research – How was this VR experience created? What might you do to change it? Part 3 (optional) - An example of moving image work you have made. This could be work you have already produced OR something you make especially for this application. If your work was made as part of a group, please provide a credit list and clearly specify your role. (Format: a video file uploaded to web, max 1 minute). If you haven’t produced any work yet, don’t worry – this step is optional and you can still apply! Part 4 - Application Form Please see pages 6-11 for detailed instructions on how to complete and submit the above sections. Remember, leave plenty of time to complete your application. You will need to:

- organise equipment - brainstorm, plan and create (Parts 1 and 2 - maybe 3) - export and upload your movie files for Part 1 (‘To Camera’ Introduction), Part

2 () and Part 3 (Optional) to the web - print and complete your application form - get it signed by a parent/guardian and scan or photograph it - send your application by 5pm Friday 27 May 2016.

Email your completed application form (including links to your work for Parts 1, 2 and 3) to hothouse@acmi.net.au. Please note: we can receive a maximum of 10MB in attachments per email.

Part 1: To Camera Introduction What is this? A video file, no longer than 1 minute, featuring YOU! Introduce yourself and explain why you want to be part of Hothouse 2016. In detail: What is a ‘to camera introduction’? Basically it‘s you sitting in front of a camera and talking to us. Set up a camera or web cam in a fixed position and position yourself in front of it. Think about what is in the background and about the sound recording. Can we hear you? Film inside to avoid wind noise or sounds that are out of your control. Don’t stand too far from the camera or we won‘t hear you; make sure you‘re close to the microphone. Help us get to know you – and show us your passion for VR. Remember: this is not a pitch for a VR idea, this is about introducing yourself to us. Don’t worry if you feel shy – we welcome quiet types, show-offs and everybody in between! Tell us briefly about:

- your experiences with and multimedia so far - what you love about VR - your thoughts about team work and what strengths you will bring to working in

a team in the Hothouse program. Use this part of the application to really sell yourself. Demonstrate why you should be selected to be part of Hothouse. How to submit Part 1: Upload your ‘to camera’ introduction to a video-sharing site of your choice, such as Vimeo or YouTube. List the web address (URL) on the application form in the space provided. We recommend using Vimeo if you don’t want to make your video visible to the general public, as this site allows you to password-protect videos. If your video is protected by a password, make sure you list the password on the application form.

Part 2: VR Review What is this? This is a short essay to where you show off your skills and understanding of what VR is and why it is an important new media form. You will list the URL of a VR video and write a short breakdown and review of the work. In detail: We are looking for your ability to analyse the structure and value of VR. Go to YouTube 360 and watch and research VR videos. Select two VR’s you want to break down and review. In your own words you should describe what the elements and content of the VR are and, in considering the purpose and the audience, write a paragraph on how well the VR achieved its goals. Also include your ideas on what you could do, with a near infinite budget, to make the work better. Indicate who the audience is and how your changes make it more enjoyable or practical for them. Hothouse is a practical workshop and this is not a test of your writing ability but of your analytical skills. Feel free to take screen grabs to demonstrate the particular points you make. Write roughly 300 words per VR material. Once you complete the essay with the demonstrative images create a PDF document. The ACMI mail servers will not accept attachments larger than 10 MB. For tips on making a PDF document and reducing file size see the ‘Resources’ section. Make sure the file name includes your full name: eg. sallywatson_VRessay.pdf. Also, include your full name within the document itself.

Part 3: An example of your work (optional) What is this? A video file, no longer than 1 minute, demonstrating your past moving image work. Don’t worry if you don’t have done anything at this stage. This section is optional. In detail: Here’s your chance to show off your talents! Any moving image work is acceptable in this section. Choose something that best shows off your talents. You can submit something you have made in the past or you can create something completely new. If your work was made with a group, that’s fine - just make sure you provide a credit list that clearly states your role. If your work is longer than 1 minute, please select a 1 minute section to submit, or a few different examples edited into a 1 minute (or less) show-reel. Please note: all submissions should be G-rated. No violence, swearing, smoking or alcohol. How to submit Part 3: Upload this section to the same YouTube or Vimeo channel you have used for Parts 1 and 2. List the web address (URL) on the application form in the space provided. If you created the work as part of a group, please provide a credit list and clearly state your role. This part is optional. Why? If you don’t submit something in this section but show excellent potential and creativity in Parts 1 and 2, you might still be selected for Hothouse. This means if you haven’t had an opportunity to make a moving image yet, or don’t have access to the right equipment, you can still apply.

HOTHOUSE 2016 Application Form Page 1 of 2

Applicant Information

First Name Last Name

Street Address

City State Postcode

Phone E-mail Address

Age School Year Level

School

School Address

Are you available to attend these dates?

Meet and Greet Session: Friday 24th June 2016 Y / N

Hothouse workshop: 27/6/16 – 1/7/16

Y / N

CHECKLIST: Have you included the following sections in this application?

Part 1:`To Camera’ Pitch ☐

Part 2: VR Review ☐

Part 3: Example of Your Work (optional) ☐

Part 4: Completed Application Form with Parent/ Guardian Signature

☐

VIDEO URLS. Please provide the web addresses (URLs) for your videos. If they are password protected, please list the password.

URL for `To Camera’ Pitch Password if applicable:

URL for Example of Your Work: Password if applicable:

HOTHOUSE 2016 Application Form

Page 2 of 2

What areas of VR are you most interested in (please number up to 5 areas, from 1 (most interested) to 5 (least interested)

__ Directing __ Producing __ Concept & Script Development __ Research

__ Video editing __ VFX

__ Sound Design __ Other (please write):

How did you find out about ACMI Hothouse?

• ACMI Website • ACMI e-News • Friends or family • Other Website or Newsletter. Please list: ___________________________________ • From my teacher/principal. Teacher/principal’s name: _________________________ • Other. Please list: _____________________________________________________________________

What production techniques (eg. shooting, sound recording) and software (eg. Final Cut Pro) do you have experience in?

Parent/ Guardian Information

Last Name First Name

Street Address

City State Postcode

Phone E-mail Address

Parent/ Guardian Permission

Hothouse is a free, selective entry program that any Victorian student in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2016 is eligible to enter. Ten participants will be selected. Hothouse 2016 takes place 27 Jun – 01 July at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne and at selected nearby locations. Successful applicants must be able to attend every day. ACMI may provide travel assistance to regional participants. ACMI Staff will not supervise participants outside workshop hours. Successful applicants will have their name, school name and school location announced via the ACMI website. These details may also be announced in a State Government press release. Some parts of the Hothouse workshop will be photographed and filmed for possible use in media releases, online content for the ACMI website, and for the ongoing development of ACMI Hothouse program. Successful applicants will receive further information when offered a position.

I have read and understood the above information and consent to (Entrant Name) _______________________________applying for ACMI Hothouse. Signed: (Parent/Guardian)______________________________

How to Submit Your Application If you have any questions about the application process, email them to hothouse@acmi.net.au well before the closing date. Upload your videos (Part 1, and Part 3) to Vimeo or a similar site. Print and fill in the Application Form. Make sure you include the links to your videos on the form along with passwords if your videos are password protected. Make sure you get your parent/guardian to sign the Application Form. Scan or photograph the Application Form. Make sure you include your full name in the file name: eg.sallywatson_applicationform.pdf/ sallywatson_applicationform.jpg Email your Application Form with the Part 2 Pdf attached to hothouse@acmi.net.au Note, all attachments must equal a total of less than 10 MB as the ACMI servers do not accept larger files. Entry Deadline: 5pm Friday 27 May 2016

Hothouse FAQ What is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)? A globally unique cultural institution located at the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square, ACMI is a Victorian Government funded cultural agency that presents and champions the art and culture of the moving image. Through a vibrant annual calendar of award-winning exhibitions, screenings, film festivals, live events, creative workshops, education programs and collection resources, ACMI provides a wide diversity of audiences an unsurpassed range of ways to engage with the moving image. As one of Victoria’s major cultural, tourism and learning attractions, and a national centre of screen culture debate and innovation, ACMI has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading moving image centres. For more information, see Our Story What is Hothouse? What happens when you get Victoria‘s most creative Year 10 - 12 students in a room with industry professionals? You get Hothouse – a mad, crazy, creative frenzy that takes raw talent, runs it through a creative blender and in a week of intensive production provides lifelong career inspiration! ACMI has run Hothouse every year for five years as an initiative of the Victorian Government. Year 1 (2012) focused on videogame making. Year 2 (2013) focused on narrative film making, Year 3 (2014) focused on animation, Year 4 (2015) was the year of documentary making and 2016 is focused on Virtual Reality. Hothouse provides not only hands-on experience and contact with industry professionals, but also offers information and guidance on tertiary pathways. How many applications can I submit? You can only apply once each year, as long as you will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in the year you are applying for the program. Can I submit a group application? I have some friends I would like to work with. No. Hothouse only accepts individual applications. However, it is okay if you created Part 3 (an example of your work) as part of a team, you just need to explain clearly what role you played. If your team members are also interested in attending Hothouse, it is essential that they submit their own applications. Is there an application fee? No. It is free to apply to Hothouse. What if I get selected for the workshop? Does it cost anything? No. The Hothouse program is free.

Why should I sign up to the Hothouse mailing list? Signing up for the mailing list means we can keep you up-to-date with any news about the Hothouse program and the application process, including news about information sessions that can help you with your application. Can I apply if I do not attend a conventional secondary school? You are welcome to apply to Hothouse either as an individual or through your educational institution. The program is for Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Do I have to be able to attend all dates? Yes. It is important that you attend all days and events of the Hothouse program to ensure maximum involvement. Can I have extra time beyond the application deadline? No. Your application must be submitted by the deadline. Applications received after this will not be eligible for selection. How are applications assessed? Hothouse applications are assessed by a panel of ACMI staff and industry and education professionals. The selection process is extremely rigorous. The decisions of the panel are final and no correspondence concerning the selected applicants will be entered into. What is the selection panel looking for? Selection Criteria used to assess applications include: Part 1: ‘To Camera’ Introduction Content: Is the introduction clear, creative and convincing? Presentation: Does the applicant present themselves well? Do they show potential to make a positive contribution to the Hothouse team and potential as a Hothouse Ambassador? Does the introduction demonstrate passion and interest in the moving image? Part 2: VR essay Send your questions to hothouse@acmi.net.au and we will answer them as soon as possible. Part 3: Example of work Use of the form: Does the student communicate their ideas well using visual/ audiovisual language? Parent/Guardian frequently asked questions What is my child signing up for with Hothouse? Hothouse is an initiative of the Victorian Government to encourage students who have a keen interest in film to build and explore career pathways that follow their interests and talents. Students who are successful in their application will be required to come to ACMI at Federation Square, Melbourne, for a one-week intensive program on Monday 27th June – Friday 1st July 2016, with a meet and greet session prior to the workshop on Fri 24th June.

For this week students will be expected to travel to the city, work in the ACMI Studios with industry experts from 9am until 5pm or 6pm. Students must be able to attend every session. Catering will be provided on these days. Please check that your child is available for all dates. All selected students need to have appropriate guardian approvals to participate in Hothouse. This includes permission for ACMI to use images and recordings of Hothouse attendees in media releases, online content for the ACMI website, and for the ongoing development of the Hothouse program. Selected students may have their name, school name and school location published on the ACMI website and in a Victorian Government press release. We are from rural Victoria, is there any support for our child to attend the workshops? If there is any issue about the distance that you live from ACMI, we will do our utmost to cater for and to help your child have the opportunity to participate in Hothouse. Please email us for further details if required: hothouse@acmi.net.au. More information If you have a question that isn't answered in this FAQ please email us hothouse@acmi.net.au.

Resources to Help With Your Application Overview Virtual Reality relies on a strong idea and visual concept. Consider: What theme will adapt well to VR? How will it be filmed? What other elements will enhance my work: sound, animation, graphics? (In Part 3 of your application, you may submit any style of moving image work for consideration by the selection panel.) ACMI Generator (has plenty of online information to get you going. See Resources for a step-by-step guide to the film making process, including concept development, storytelling, editing and sound design. Computer Software There are many software programs available for editing. Your school may already have some suitable programs. Many computers come with basic editing software. The most common are Windows: Movie Maker and Apple: iMovie More advanced editing programs include Adobe Premiere and Apple Final Cut Pro Where can I find music to add to my video? It is important that you have permission to use any music that you add to your videos. Productions with uncleared, copyrighted music cannot be played in public. Try making your own music if possible! You could try using software like Acid (for PC) or Garage Band (for Mac) to make original sound. There are also a number of websites that offer royalty free music for use in student productions. Some examples are: Dig.ccMixter The Freesound Project Partners in Rhyme Freeplay Music ACMI Generator Many of these sites require that you credit them in your film – make sure you read their terms and conditions carefully. For more information on copyright clearance see the Smartcopying Website, the official guide to copyright issues for Australian schools.

Tips for uploading videos To upload your videos to a video sharing site like Vimeo or YouTube you will first need to create an account. It is free to create an account. To work at their best, videos need to be exported/saved (‘compressed’) using the recommended settings for these sites. Vimeo compression guidelines YouTube compression guidelines If you would like to password protect a video so the general public can’t view it, we recommend using Vimeo. See this page about password protecting videos on Vimeo. If you password protect your videos, make sure you send us the password along with the web address! Saving Your Work as a PDF file To make Part 2 into a .pdf file ready to email with your application form, you’ll most likely need to use another software program first then save or export as a PDF file. Here are a few options: Compile your images and text in PowerPoint (recent versions for Mac or PC) or Microsoft Word (recent versions for PC) then save as a PDF file Import your images into a Word document or PowerPoint presentation, arrange them in order and add the text to the introduction. Click ‘Save As’ and choose ‘PDF or XPS’. In the Save Window, make sure you choose ‘PDF’ under ‘Save as Type’. Make sure you include your full name in the file name. Go here for more information. To compile your images in recent versions of Microsoft Word (recent versions for Mac) then save as a PDF: Import the images into a Word document. Click ‘File’ then ‘Print’ then choose ‘Save as PDF’ or click the ‘PDF’ button if visible. Make sure you include your full name in the file name. For more information go here. Making Image File Size Smaller: Tips Digital cameras and software programs often create photos at a very high resolution, meaning they might have very large file sizes. To keep your document for Part 2 under 10 MB you might need to reduce the file size of your images before importing them into your document. Here are some ways you can reduce image file size: If you are shooting images with a camera, reduce your camera resolution setting before shooting (make sure you are still shooting at a high enough resolution for viewing on screen – check by shooting a test image to look at before you start on your final images).

Use image editing software like Photoshop, iPhoto (for Mac) or Picture Manager (PC) to resize your pictures before compiling them into a document or PowerPoint presentation. We recommend creating a backup copy of your original images before you make any changes. That way, if you make a mistake, you still have your originals to go back to. See the following links for some tips on resizing photos: In Picture Manager In iPhoto In Photoshop Reduce the file size of the images in your PowerPoint presentation. Find tips for how to do that here Reduce the file size of the images in your Word document (before exporting to PDF). Find tips on how to do that, click here Ideas, Information and Instructional Videos for creating VR Meet the Makers Videoconference: Virtual Reality Contact Hothouse@acmi.net.au for a recording of this excellent session [Need didactics] https://virtualrealityreporter.com/vizor/ https://www.holobuilder.com/index.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJype_TafRk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wczdECcwRw0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxW402CvSHA

Notes For Teachers Hothouse wants to find Victoria‘s most creative Year 10-12 students. Please encourage talented students to apply! We’d love you to help them get involved. By assisting your students to understand the resources in this kit and supporting them with the application process, you‘ll give them the best possible chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind experience. Applying for Hothouse gives students the chance to work with professionals and gain industry insights. Information about obtaining access to universities with documentary related courses will help students understand pathways to tertiary study. Best of all, you’ll be helping to provide them with lifelong career inspiration. Hothouse focuses on a different form of moving image each year. In 2016 the focus is virtual reality. As part of Hothouse, ACMI wants to support teachers in encouraging their students to reach new heights, by offering creative briefings on the application process via video conference with the ACMI team and industry professionals and through an online educator’s community. Sign up to the Hothouse mailing list for updates about information sessions. To sign up, send an email to (hothouse@acmi.net.au) with `Add me to the mailing list’ in the subject line. Please include your full name, your school name and your position (eg. Media teacher, Principal, English teacher, etc.) in the email. Many of the steps described within this Application Kit could be developed as classroom teaching and learning experiences. These steps encourage students to develop many and varied skills such as: Developing an original idea and researching information Understanding visual and cinematic language Constructing narratives Creating and presenting a pitch Verbal presentation skills Time management and planning skills As teachers you can also find support following ACMI Education at FaceBook and Twitter explore and join in the practices related to digital technologies and the ways in which they intersect with existing and emergent classroom activities. If you are helping students to put an application together, make sure they are aware of the deadline. The required parts may be more time consuming than students expect. If you would like any additional information or support, you can contact the Hothouse team at: hothouse@acmi.net.au.