Troy Crout was always more interested in what was happening behind the scenes than the film itself. Learning how every shot, sound, and sequence were crafted fascinated him. Growing up in Wellington - the home of Wētā Workshop - Troy was keen to continue his studies closer to home. Now, Troy has just finished the Level 5 Diploma in Screen Production and is excited for his future in film.
After finishing Year 12, Troy was ready to move on from the more structured environment of secondary school and into a learning experience that reflected the realities of the film world. The year-long Screen Production programme offered exactly that, with a strong focus on hands-on, industry-based learning.
"The self-motivated environment was amazing, with the combination of how easy it was to get any help needed from the tutor, it made for a great overall experience. I was able to use the equipment as much as I wanted, allowing me to experiment with lighting and camera angles, with full support from the tutor.”
During the programme, students gain skills in off-set and on-set crew roles, including directing, camera, lighting, and production management. Project based learning introduces students to the full “toolbox” of filmmaking: pre and post- production planning, scriptwriting, editing and more.
Troy said they would often work in “blocks”. Some weeks there would be a heavy focus on shooting, followed by a period of editing. Check out the below video to get a sneak peek into Troy’s day as a Screen Production student.
“The amount I’ve learned from this course is unimaginable,” Troy says. “From working effectively in a team to understanding how a film crew operates to get results efficiently, I’ve gained a solid understanding of the entire filmmaking process. I’m not finished learning yet, but this diploma has given me a strong foundation for the next stage of my film journey.”
Study Screen Production at Whitireia and WelTec
Learn the skills, tools, and teamwork behind great storytelling with the Diploma in Screen Production.
