Claudia Babirat
29/11/07
She has operated as a DOP, editor, production assistant, director and producer in the production of television commercials, promotional videos, web clips, segments for children's television (TVNZ), an animated film, drama (Channel 9), and music videos for NZ bands. She has also developed a good relationship with NHNZ, where she has been involved in the production of documentaries for National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
How has enrolling in the Masters of Natural History and Science Communication at Otago University affected my life? Because of the course, I became a filmmaker. And yes, I would even go as far as saying that I'm well on my way to becoming a successful filmmaker. The course taught me how to make an independent film from start to finish, and with ease I can fill almost any role required (a skill which I've found is very sought-after in the industry). The course also gave me the chance to produce a doco that shows people I have talent, and it provided me with many useful contacts to others in the industry. As a result, I'm now making films as a career.
But the course is so much more than just learning how to make great films: you soon learn that you're not just 'practicing' at becoming a filmmaker, you're already out there 'doing it' - living adventures, seeing the world, and sharing your experiences with others. So, when I think about what the course means to me, I think about chugging up a rugged mountain path on a quad bike that I've just learned how to operate, to then film the glacier-carved valley below. About crawling on my belly, camera in hand, to get closer to a shy, native animal. About campfires at the beach with the other NHFC students, who are from all corners of the globe, extremely talented (just look around this website to see how many awards they've won!), and many of whom are still my closest friends. About being treated like an equal by our teachers who we soon elevate to the status of friend and mentor. And about that immense feeling of pride, nervousness and utter relief when the crowd in a packed theatre laughs in all the right places as your film plays on the big screen. Without hesitation I can say that Otago University's natural history filmmaking course is one of the best things I've done in my life.
How has enrolling in the Masters of Natural History and Science Communication at Otago University affected my life? Because of the course, I became a filmmaker. And yes, I would even go as far as saying that I'm well on my way to becoming a successful filmmaker. The course taught me how to make an independent film from start to finish, and with ease I can fill almost any role required (a skill which I've found is very sought-after in the industry). The course also gave me the chance to produce a doco that shows people I have talent, and it provided me with many useful contacts to others in the industry. As a result, I'm now making films as a career.
But the course is so much more than just learning how to make great films: you soon learn that you're not just 'practicing' at becoming a filmmaker, you're already out there 'doing it' - living adventures, seeing the world, and sharing your experiences with others. So, when I think about what the course means to me, I think about chugging up a rugged mountain path on a quad bike that I've just learned how to operate, to then film the glacier-carved valley below. About crawling on my belly, camera in hand, to get closer to a shy, native animal. About campfires at the beach with the other NHFC students, who are from all corners of the globe, extremely talented (just look around this website to see how many awards they've won!), and many of whom are still my closest friends. About being treated like an equal by our teachers who we soon elevate to the status of friend and mentor. And about that immense feeling of pride, nervousness and utter relief when the crowd in a packed theatre laughs in all the right places as your film plays on the big screen. Without hesitation I can say that Otago University's natural history filmmaking course is one of the best things I've done in my life.
