FAQs

Film & Television Studio International focuses specifically on performances for fast turnaround television. This approach to screen acting is realistic as much of the work available to Australian actors is on television, in programs produced at record speeds such as Neighbours and Home and Away. Internationally recognised and long-standing; these series’ give actors of all experiences the opportunity to audition, with great guest roles regularly available in addition to lead roles, so it is essential to understand these shows and the required performance tone.

Many of the most renowned Australian actresses and actors’ careers were launched on these programs – for example, on Neighbours; Margot Robbie; Ashleigh Brewer; Alan Dale, Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Jesse Spencer, Natalie Imbruglia, Russel Crowe and Delta Goodrem, and on Home and Away; Chris Hemsworth, Luke Mitchell, Heath Ledger, Isla Fisher, Julian McMahon, Ryan Kwanten and Naomi Watts, among others. The studio also makes the link between training and work very clear. Through training, actors will better understand the industry and more specifically, what they need to do in order to gain representation and work. Guidance is offered from a performance and marketing perspective so the actor better understands where they are likely to be cast and what work is required in order to get them up to the mark.

Film & Television Studio International runs drop-in classes throughout the year and these are a great opportunity to get a feel of the studio and our trainers in one class. However, our Casual, Foundation and Full Time Programs require full attendance throughout the duration of the course. This is due to small class sizes and the nature of the work, which is on-going from one class to the next. We encourage you to come in, take a look at the studio and sit down for a chat with our team, so you can join a class that is right for you.

The studio is not involved in organising or putting performers forward for professional industry work. Our sister company, McMahon Management does work in this area. These two companies are exclusive from one another and involvement with one will not necessarily correspond with a relationship with the other. The studio’s focus is 100% on training actors for film and television.

Occasionally programs specifically for kids are conducted and it is certainly worth enquiring, as Film & Television Studio International may have something coming up. This being said, many of our adult programs are suitable for those aged 15+.

Student ages range from late teens onwards and selection depends on an individual’s maturity and commitment to their work in the case of younger students. It is also important parents are comfortable, as the classes may cover adult content. Students, regardless of age, will always be cast in age-appropriate work so younger students will not be asked to work on scenes that are beyond what is suitable for their age.

As we are a private training facility, we are not associated with any government entity and are not accredited with any social security agency. This allows the studio to align course curriculum with the realities and true requirements of the industry.

All of our programs allow actors to pay up front (often incurring a discount on program fees) or via an easy direct debit instalment system. We are also happy to tailor a payment plan for individual students. We endeavour to modify our payment plans if required, to ensure that actors do not miss out.

Absolutely – we encourage you to tour the studio and chat to us prior to enrolling – please email enquiries@filmtv.com.au to book a time.

Film & Television Studio International is committed to providing unique programs for actors all around Australia and New Zealand. Programs are held in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Newcastle, Darwin, Christchurch and Wellington, in addition to our key studios in Brisbane and Melbourne. Please enquire about a program near you via our enquiries page.

The programs at Film & Television Studio International are open to actors of all levels of experience and training. Please contact us if you are unsure of the right program for you.

Prior to auditioning, actors will be sent detailed instructions for their audition, as well as a monologue and scene selection booklet. Actors will be required to choose one piece from each of these booklets and then workshop these pieces in studio with our Creative Director, Craig McMahon.

This workshop has the specific focus of preparing actors for auditions/screen testing. Actors will be given the opportunity to work with a Casting Director in a mock screen test scenario. The Casting Director will offer feedback on the performance and actors may have the opportunity to run their scene multiple times. These sessions prepare the actor for the process of screen tests which are different from the average screen acting class, also allowing the actor to make contact with working industry figures and to potentially build working relationships for the future. Screen testing sessions give the actor the opportunity to understand the process, which better prepares them for auditions for professional or independent work.

These programs are designed by the Master teacher and tend to focus solely on the area of expertise held by the trainer. The faculty for these Master classes since 1999 include: Esteemed dramaturge Andrea Moor, responsible for bringing Practical Aesthetics to Australia; Multi AFI Award winning Film & Television Director Peter Andridikis; Film & Television Director Kate Woods; Founder and Creative Director of the Actors Centre, Sydney and 3 time published author, Dean Carey; awarding winning Television Director Mark Piper and Ivana Chubbuck endorsed trainer Lyndelle Green, to name a few. These classes allow the actor to gain specific knowledge, experience and exposure in a certain area of performance work. Previous training and/or credits required.

The studio is pleased to meet with parents of younger students as well as giving them a tour of the studio. However, due to the nature of acting which can be a personal and sometimes daunting experience for performers, we do not allow individuals who are not participating in the class to sit in on work. During class times, the studio is a private space for actors of all ages to feel safe, respected and able to work freely.

Our screen acting programs are designed for students specifically wanting a career in the film and television industry. We cater workshops to the actor just beginning his or her journey, to professional actors simply wanting to keep their craft dusted and alive. As a student at the Film & Television Studio International, you will have the opportunity to study under working actors, film & television directors and some of the best actor trainers in the country.

This program focuses entirely on script analysis, text break down, character performance, and how this ultimately leads to a realistic/naturalistic screen performance. Student actors on a weekly basis will work on current film and television scripts, will have rehearsal time, and then under the direction of your actor trainer, will perform directly to camera. Playback and constructive criticism will be available in most classes. These intensive on-camera sessions have without question been the key ingredient to performers ultimately moving on to secure roles in Television commercials, TV Dramas & Film. Past and present students have worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis, Deborah Messing, Vince Colossomo, and local stars including Marcus Graeme, Callum Mulvey, Alison Whyte, Daniel McPherson, Shane Bourne, Noni Hazlehurst and many more.

The Open Program is conducted by the Artistic Director of the Film & Television Studio International, Craig McMahon. Craig is

The Open Program is conducted by the Artistic Director of the Film & Television Studio International, Craig McMahon. Craig is also the CEO of national management company McMahon Management (MCM), and is directly responsible for teaching and launching emerging performers, currently starring in television dramas and feature films and who are now considered household names. 

This practical on-camera class will have you up performing on camera from day one. During each session, class time is allocated for play back and constructive group feedback. An exceptional acting coach and inspiring motivator, Craig works with his actors on every aspect of the business, from training, to image, to marketability and promotion. Under his tutelage, students have gone from complete beginners to working award winning actors.

These programs are designed by the Master teacher and tend to focus solely on the area of expertise held by the trainer. The faculty for these Master classes since 1999 include: Esteemed dramaturge Andrea Moor, responsible for bringing Practical Aesthetics to Australia; Multi AFI Award winning Film & Television Director Peter Andridikis; Film & Television Director Kate Woods; Founder and Creative Director of the Actors Centre, Sydney and 3 time published author, Dean Carey; awarding winning Television Director Mark Piper and Ivana Chubbuck endorsed trainer Lyndelle Green, to name a few. These classes allow the actor to gain specific knowledge, experience and exposure in a certain area of performance work. Previous training and/or credits required.

Corporate training, motivational speakers & mentorship programs in areas of professional sport, professional media, entertainment and corporate networking. Our corporate, creative programs cater to individuals and groups and have been designed with industry consultation by professionals in the entertainment industry together with local and International leaders in the corporate world. Our unique group of professional actors, dramaturges, presenters, sports personalities, television and film celebrities, and public relation experts adopt a fresh educational approach through a series of fun and informed workshops and seminars to assist team members in your work place with clear communication, identifying and encouraging leadership qualities, problem solving, self-awareness and confidence, dealing effectively with confrontation and more importantly, working as a team. We additionally assist executives with confident presentation in the boardroom, on camera presentation, web cam, power point presentations and effective media handling. In this area all work is recorded live and monitor playback is provided with constructive feedback following. Our large Albert Park studios will cater to your company members every need with kitchen, large waiting rooms, white board, boardroom table, large plasma screens, front and rear projectors and a large working areas that will seat up to 50 with ease. We are also happy to provide catering upon request. Pre-orders with 24 hours notice required. Please visit our enquiry page or call us direct to arrange a meeting to look over our studio and discuss what program and facilitator best suits your company or individual requirements. We like the personal approach. From celebrity motivational speakers to professional communicators we cover bases at the most competitive rate locally and internationally.