Creative Technology at the JMC Academy

Roman Meyer who studies Creative Technology at the JMC Academy will finish his Bachelor at the end of this year and shares his experiences in this interview.

When and Why did you decide to come to Australia? Work? Career? Studies?
I moved to Australia for good in 2008 to be with my Australian partner who I met on a trip in Central America a few years earlier. Following her to Melbourne also opened the door to fulfill a long time dream to study film.

How did you find out about the JMC Academy?
When I was visiting my partner in 2007, I found out about JMC Academy on the Internet and went to an Open Day to find out more about the course.

What did you like most about the JMC Academy compared to other colleges?
JMC Academy stood out against other options because the program and facilities ensure it is very hands on. The access to high-end equipment, 24/7, is so useful as the only way to get better in filmmaking is by making films.

What course did you complete and when did you graduate?
I’m about to finish a Bachelor of Creative Technology (Digital Television Production) at the end of this year.

What were the most valuable lessons learnt in your studies?
The lessons from teachers or guest lecturers directly involved and currently working in the film industry. The most consistent lesson from all of them is that you have to work hard and build up a good network.

What project/projects are you working on now and since leaving JMC?
I’ve done many projects through my studies as well as outside of core study time. I’m founder and co-director of the Poetry in Film Festival (PIFF) and created the theatrical PIFF trailer. I recently directed a 20 min documentary for the Government of Veteran Affairs; and have shot for a local TV station and web based business show. I also now have five short films (including one award winner) under my belt done either through my course or in my own time.

Do you feel a degree at JMC Academy prepared you well for your current job? Why? Why not?
The course has given me a good overview of the industry and valuable insight on all aspects of film producing (camera, lighting, editing, directing, producing). It’s the experience building years ahead of me now.

What advice would you give to German students considering studying at JMC in Australia?
Doing a degree in an English speaking country will give you a lot more work opportunities around the world. Also, Australia is a great place to be although it is far away from home. The cost of living is not as cheap as it used to be so savings will help.

What advice would you give them regarding a career in Film and Television?
If you’re passionate about it there is so much potential but it’s not as glamorous as it looks from the outside. Filmmaking is hard work with very long hours. But turning a creative idea into reality working alongside talented people brings great satisfaction.

What are your career plans for the future? Any plans to head back home?
I now have a beautiful one year old half-Aussie daughter and have started building up a strong network in the film industry here so there are no immediate plans for me to head back home. Australia has some of the best filmmakers in the world and I definitely want to learn as much as I can from them. I do have a close friend who’s a successful actor in Munich so maybe one day I’ll return home and we can do a project together.

We thank Roman Meyer!

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