Special Edition - 03 July 2006
Screen Council Launches ScreenMark
Today's launch of ScreenMark is a major milestone for the Screen Council. It marks the completion of a project that
began in March 2003, with a recommendation in the Screen Production Taskforce’s report Taking on the World.
ScreenMark is an accreditation system for tertiary training courses in the screen production sector. It is an industry
stamp of approval awarded each year by the Screen Council to courses that provide high-quality, practical,
tertiary-level training in the screen production sector. The term ‘screen production sector’ covers all entities
involved in the 'financing, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution of film, television, animation,
commercials and music videos'.
“A rigorous process of consultation has taken place over the last few months with input from industry bodies,
educational authorities, independent educational specialists, training providers, industry professional practitioners
and auditors” said Tim Thorpe, Executive Director of the Screen Council. ”We have visited 16 providers up and down the
country, on a one-on-one basis to receive feedback and opinion” said Thorpe. “This has culminated in the establishment
of strict criteria and a robust application process. We have also undertaken two ‘trial runs’ - so we’ve had a thorough
dress rehearsal for the process.”
ScreenMark applies to training courses or programmes, rather than training institutions. It will provide training
providers, employers and students alike with the knowledge and confidence that courses achieving ScreenMark have
industry endorsement.
ScreenMark has been enthusiastically embraced by providers and industry alike. Government too has been keeping a
watchful eye on progress. The thinking behind ScreenMark is strongly aligned to recent government announcements on
tertiary education reforms 'The Next Steps', which have a focus on training outcomes, rather than student numbers
through the door.
Call for Applications
From 3 July 2006 the Screen Council is accepting applications from tertiary education providers for ScreenMark. The
closing date for applications is 01 September 2006. Further information and application forms can be found at ScreenMark.
ENDS