“We're delighted to be included in The Hollywood Reporter’s list of top international film schools. Our programmes and world-class screen researchers at the MCC are committed to creating critical thinkers, creative leaders, and skilled filmmakers,” says Raqi Syed, Director of the MCC.
“This is the fifth time the MCC has been named, and this recognition really reflects the expertise of our staff and the strength of our unique filmmaking community here in Wellington.”
The MCC is home to two specialty programmes, the Master of Design Technology (MDT) and the Film and Music streams of the Master of Fine Arts, Creative Practice, (MFA (CP)). Coursework spans directing, VFX, and animation. Students also benefit from being situated near Wellington’s film industry (including Peter Jackson’s Wētā studios) and learn hands-on from leading local talent.
A large selling point of the university’s film programme, and the MCC, is the specialised focus on Work Integrated Learning. Each year, students from the MFA (CP) programme are hired to produce professional-grade video content for clients across Te Herenga Waka as part of FILM414, a course on commercial production. This opportunity allows final-year students to gain valuable experience in the film industry, with script writing, practical shooting, and editing beginning a core aspect of the course work. The MCC also hold an annual Graduate Showcase for students, whānau, and members of the film industry to present films created by film, animation, visual effects, music, and sound students.
Many graduates of the MCC also follow careers in the film industry, becoming successful directors and creative leaders. After graduating from the MDT programme, Emily To fulfilled her dream to work on the Avatar franchise as a Shots Assistant Technical Director at Wētā FX. Emily is still at Wētā FX as a Look Development Artist and has recently worked on Moana (Live-Action).
“I probably wouldn't be at Wētā FX if I didn't study in the MDT programme at the MCC,” she says.
“The programme is designed and taught by reputable VFX industry professionals who have worked in the industry themselves. Studying at the MCC geared me up with the relevant knowledge needed for working in VFX and gave me a small taste of working in a standard VFX pipeline. The connections and friendships I made during my time in the programme are lifelong and extremely valuable to me.”