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AUTEUR SCHOOL OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING
Assisting aspiring filmmakers & actors realize their dreams!
Award-winning part-time Film School, established in 2006
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STUDENT COMMENTS
 
Comments from a few students about their filmmaking courses:
 
 
Kejenne Beard, Johannesburg:
Award-winner for Best Script, TEF OSCARS, June 2007
Award-winner for TOP GLOBAL STUDENT FILM, Reelshow International, Dec 2008
(Also voted in the REELSHOW INTERNATIONAL Top 10 Gobal Student Film)
"If there is one thing in life I have learned that sticks out for me is that TIME = MONEY and in this industry no truer words said!  Even in the space of a week, you can truly understand what makes the industry tick and how the cogs fit. Amour empowers students to tackle this intimidating world with a guerrilla-style of filming where the student is the master creator - and the sole carrier of responsibility - the experience of which is the only true teacher when it comes to finding viable work.  Confidence, while humble, and a thirst for knowledge will take any student very far - trust Amour to equip you with the basic and important skills."
 
 
Sabine Bittle, Johannesburg:
Award-winner for Best Film, TEF OSCARS, June 2007
"Amour is an inspirational teacher and, if you let her, she'll nurture you, she'll open up a whole new world for you, and she'll show you that nothing is impossible!"
 
 
David Cornelson, Cape Town
"The course was truly mind-blowing. I never thought that there could be so much detail to consider in filmmaking. Thank you Amour for the unselfish way in which you shared your knowledge and expertise. "
 
 
Andrew Wilmot, Johannesburg:
Producer: The Race-ist (Feature Film)  The Race-ist
"It was the "grassroots level" training we received at this film school that I enjoyed the most - a no-nonsense easily applicable course that forced you into the hot seat and taught you in a short time what most film courses struggle to teach you in a year.
I went in as an experimenting newbie and came out pitching to and winning a contract from Cartoon Network and a film budget for my first feature-length film from investors. I encourage any budding filmmaker to do this course!" 
 
 
Ryan Fortune
Co-writer: "When we were Black" SABC Drama
Associate Producer:  "Triompf"   (Feature Film)
"This course has equipped me with a wealth of knowlege about the line functions, processes and possibilities in the film industry.  Thus I feel more empowered to make the leap from full-time employment to the uncertainty of freelance work.
I would highly recommend this intensive course to anyone considering a career in the film industry."
 
Sarah Summers
Nominee—Auteur Experimental Short Film Festival 2010 (“Discarded” Short Film)
“The lessons I learnt on this course extend beyond practical film knowledge. And while all the appropriate information is passed down to the students in understandable ways, what struck me most about the course is the energy. It was a course that forced me to do something I wanted to. It taught me creating something beautiful is about hard work and focus as much as it is about creativity. And above all, while the course taught me that while it’s difficult to create a film, it’s also extremely simple. All you really need is some pushing, and that is what you get from this course. The experience is real; you will go through ALL the processes of making a movie. The experience is challenging, but ultimately fulfilling; A catalyse for fulfilling further film inspired dreams! I completed the course. I made my first movie. And I am indebted to the course and Amour for making what seemed a very unrealistic dream possible.”
 
Jennifer Witts                        
Nominee—Auteur Experimental Short Film Festival 2010 (“Trapped” Short Film)                                                                            
I experienced filmmaking in an exciting new way thanks to the Auteur School of Independent Filmmaking. The knowledge I gained from the 3 week-end course has proved to be invaluable & learning under Amour's professional mentorship has been such an amazing experience. The amount of information that gets imparted during the course, as well as the process of putting a film together from script-to-screen has been phenomenal. I'm not sure there is any other film school out there that can do what Amour has successfully managed to do, in such a short period of time. It is definitely worth the investment!  I highly recommend the Guerrilla Filmmaking Course to any aspiring filmmaker who is serious about making films.”
 
 
STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE PA BOOTCAMP & INTRODUCTION TO THE FILM INDUSTRY COURSE
 
"The best thing about this particular film course was how it was straight to the point without unnecessary detail. Every moment was valuable especially coming from an instructor who is still active in the industry, still creating new projects. The most beneficial part of the course for me was what it covered on set protocol. I know where I will fit in and what behaviours are expected of a PA or Runner."
Thobile Ndenze
"This is a real 'learn from the ground up' course presented in such great detail and with such enthusiasm that it's difficult not to get infected by the same enthusiasm.  I just wanted to rush off and start immediately! "
Lesley Minnaar
 
"From someone who does not come from the movie and entertainment industry, I found it extremely informative and also motivational. Getting to understand how a production comes together and understanding all the key players and
their contribution makes future planning within a growing industry possible. I came with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and friendliness.  I imagined that dealing with people working in an EGO
driven industry would cause one to feel isolated.  On the contrary. Any person who wants to know more about the Movie Industry will find this course informative and fun!"
Jan Benecke
 
"This course equips one with all the things a Runner needs to know to be successful, prepared and confident on a film set.
By the end of the course you will be sure about your decision to enter the film industry.  You are taught about the good, the bad and the ugly, and especially how to handle the ugly!  I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to become a Runner or just wants to know what the film industry is all about."
Louis van Wyk
 
"The information in the Runners course was very insightful and well presented.  I have benefitted in that I have more confidence knowing how set works."
Barton Greer
 
"The amount of detail that was given in such a short time (2 days) was incredible!  I received extreme clarity as to what it actually means to be in the film industry.  It has, I believe, equipped me well for the job I need to do.  It also made me realise that a 3 year degree is not always the best option, which is the route I initially went.  If anyone wants to start in the film industry I would definitely recommend this course as a starting point.  At the same time it has made me excited to continue working as a Runner."
Dave Atherstone
 
"The 2 day experience has been a wonderful guide into the film industry.  I feel that without having completed this course, a true and real picture of the film world I am about to enter would have been unmistakenly tainted.  Apart from being in a fun & challenging environment over the weekend, I feel excited and refreshed.  It is always important to know what you're heading into and I feel confident and competent with the knowledge I've been given by Amour. I would highly advise anyone looking to get into the industry to do this course, as the preparation given here is worth it's weight in gold!  All in all a very valuable course."
Roxy Fairley
 
"Doing the PA Bootcamp has really been worth it to me.  I feel that I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight into the film industry which I would otherwise have had to figure out for myself.  I would highly recommend anyone to consider doing this course before you take a step forward into the film industry!  I have thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and thank Amour for her good, fun and positive attitude towards her students!"
Morgan Jute
 
"I have learned quite a bit from this short PA Bootcamp about the introduction into the industry, which is vital before forking out thousands of rands to study full-time at a film school.  Most importantly I have learned that the film industry isn't as sugar-coated as one may think, but a lot of hard work and long working hours.  At the same time I find this really challenging and exciting, and with a lot of hard work and time I can develop myself within the industry.  Thank you Amour for an absorbing weekend and I look forward to the challenge ahead of becoming a Runner!"
Sam Jones
 
STUDENT INTERVIEWS FROM THE FILM-ACTING COURSE:
 
(Click below to watch interviews or cut and paste into your browser)
 
 
Ross Jordaan
"These were the best 2 days of my life!  Now I finally have the confidence
to pursue a career in acting!  Thank you for this."
 
Gwyneth Abrahams
"This course changed my life! I couldn't believe that there was so much
I could still learn as an actress. I would highly recommend it to anyone
wanting to pursue a career in film acting."
 
 
STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE TV PRESENTING COURSE WITH NATALIE BEKKER
 
"I've found the course extremely valuable.  I've learned so much in this short space of time, it added such a great deal to my life's journey, my development as an individual and it's put me in touch with my dreams.  Thanks natalie and Amour for contributing to my life and enhancing my self-confidence!"
Jonalton Cloete
 
"I am very grateful for the experience, I learned that there are many resources and opportunities to develop myself as a presenter.  I feel empowered to proceed with my dream of creating an online TV show."
Adin Reneveld
 
"Natalie taught us to value our own worth - one of the most important lessons in this industry.  We could feed from her personal experience as a presenter on boath radio and TV and that was invaluable.  I'd definitely recommend this course if you want to improve your public speaking skills.  Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!"
Michelle Esau
 
 
 




  


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guerrilla Filmmaking
Scriptwriting
Editing
Film-acting
Digital Cinematography
Producing/Directing