The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Australia’s national screen and broadcast school, has officially joined the ranks of ARRI Certified Film Schools – an international recognition that affirms the School’s commitment to delivering world-class, industry-aligned education.
This certification not only acknowledges AFTRS’ long-standing use of ARRI’s professional-grade cameras and lighting systems but also grants access to ARRI’s globally respected curriculum modules. These teaching units are designed to build deep technical expertise and are used by leading film schools and production houses around the world.
AFTRS Discipline Lead, Cinematography (Masters), Simon Smith, says the certification reflects the School’s dedication to preparing students for the realities of professional screen production.
“Thanks to ARRI’s ongoing support we are able to work with the same equipment for our student shoots and classes that professional crews are using every day,” Simon said.
“AFTRS began more than 50 years ago with a fleet of film cameras before acquiring ARRI’s Alexa and Amira camera systems as they became the new standard for digital. We work with a range of different ARRI lighting fixtures too, from traditional tungsten fresnels to the latest LED units.”
Simon says the certification goes beyond access to equipment – it’s about empowering students with the confidence and capability to operate sophisticated technology.
“Along with the equipment, ARRI Certification now gives us access to a library of specific teaching units, developed by ARRI, that are recognised around the world for excellence in technical proficiency. For AFTRS Graduates this contributes significantly to their employability in the competitive film and television industry.”
With this certification, AFTRS continues to build on its legacy of innovation and excellence, ensuring students are not only creatively inspired but also technically equipped to lead in the global screen and broadcast industries.
ARRI has long had an important role in Simon’s career.
He first worked with ARRI cameras when he was student at AFTRS in the late 1970s.
“Just a bare couple of years after graduating, I was on a long form documentary, shooting in Cambodia. I had made inquiries over the phone with ARRI about purchasing my own SR-model, but it was prohibitively expensive – $20,000 in ’82 was a fortune! Then I got a telegram from Herr Merkle at Arri saying, ‘Simon, your camera is here. Please advise when you wish to collect it’. That pushed me to explore every option of finance, and I flew across the world to Munich, was given a tour of the Türkenstrasse factory (which was like a bespoke watchmakers’ operation) and ushered into a small room to meet my ‘baby’. I then flew immediately to Cambodia, to record the terrible aftermath of Pol Pot, with the best camera on earth and Zeiss lens to do it. This was the beginning of my love for documentary, and the confirmation of my love for ARRI as the symbol of pure excellence.”
Harald Schernthaner, Head of Global Customer Training at ARRI, said AFTRS was perfectly positioned to use its technology to the immediate and long-term benefit of students.
“ARRI is committed to fostering the next generation of filmmaking talent, and we are honoured to welcome AFTRS as an ARRI Certified Film School,” Harald said. “AFTRS stands out with its strong focus on practical training and its Master of Arts in Screen: Cinematography. With small-group workshops, mentoring, and industry-led projects, AFTRS provides an outstanding environment for students to grow. We look forward to the inspiring work its graduates will create with ARRI technology.”
ABOUT ARRI
The ARRI Group consists of the business units Camera Systems, Lighting, and Rental, as well as the subsidiary Claypaky, all dedicated to synergizing creativity and future technologies to enhance moving images and live events. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer with a worldwide distribution and service network. The product portfolio includes digital cameras, lenses, lighting fixtures, apps, and accessories. ARRI also offers first-class services through ARRI Rental’s provision of both standard and exclusive camera, lighting, and grip packages to professional productions around the world. ARRI’s virtual production and innovative workflows solutions boost efficiency for a broad range of studio operators, producers, and corporations. Claypaky provides audiences with cutting edge live entertainment and stage lighting products.
In recognition of its innovative contributions to the film and television industries, ARRI has been honoured with 20 Scientific and Technical Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and six Engineering Emmys from the Television Academy and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. See arri.com
