
Auckland Summer Direct Enrollment – University of Auckland Film Production
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Auckland Summer Direct Enrollment – University of Auckland Film Production
The program has been suspended for Summer 2022. To view our other study abroad programs for this summer, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more visit the Summer 2022 Study Abroad page.
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with University of Auckland.
University of Auckland
Founded in 1883, the University of Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most comprehensive university, with teaching and research conducted over eight faculties and two large-scale research institutes. Over 40,000 students study at the university, including 4,000 international students from 93 countries. It is the only New Zealand university ranked in the top 200 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The University's home city of Auckland was ranked third out of 223 world cities for quality of living in the 2017 Mercer Quality of Living Survey.
Courses
FTVMS 317 - Screen Tools (4 IES Abroad credits)
You will be in a small intensive course working to create the pilot episode of a serial drama. Everyone in the course has a specific role such as director, producer or writer. Acting roles will not be available in this program. Following an industry-style production schedule, the course is designed to give you practical experience in the understanding of the collaborative and co-operative nature of the making of drama for film, television and digital platforms, with strict time limits.
The program places a special focus on digital and new media as the method of distribution for your production. As well as developing technical skills in multi-camera television production, single camera location shooting and digital editing, you will be introduced to the processes of script breakdowns, casting and directing actors.
Production team roles will be allocated in the first week of the course. The role you get will depend on your preference as well as your own skills and experience and the mix of skills and experience across the group. Roles are in production, directing, writing, line production, design and editing. For more information on production team roles, click here.
This intensive course requires a full-time commitment. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with an additional eight-to-ten hours' studio time required per week. In addition to time spent in class, you will also spend many hours outside of class each week in the studio, in script production, casting, on-location filming, post-production, editing, and on field trips.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you'll take your classes, we're still here to fully support you.
Advising
We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at the University of Auckland, you have access to the IES Abroad Auckland staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff will be there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Auckland, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of New Zealand. These field trips are included in your program fee. Here are a few possible destinations.
Course-Related Trips
Past course field trips (included in the cost of the program): a visit to the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, and a visit to the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop in Wellington.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Auckland is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Auckland staff, your fellow students, and the city of Auckland.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
One of these activities includes a trip to Waiheke Island to kick off your Auckland experience after you arrive on-site.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Auckland, it will feel like home.
As part of our direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options meet our safety and security standards.
Off-Campus Housing - You will live in a single room with access to a kitchen (no meals provided). WiFi access will be available, although it may come with an additional cost.
Get to Know Your New City
Climb Rangitoto
Check out this 800-year-old dormant volcano in Auckland’s Harbour, for a scenic 360-degree view of the city.
Visit the Wild Beaches & Black Sands
Enjoy the unique nature of New Zealand’s west coast, including Muriwai and Piha Beach.
Visit One Tree Hill
Learn about Māori fortification while spotting some sheep and viewing the Stardome Observatory.
Eat & Shop at the Auckland Markets
Running from Thursday to Sunday, stop by for a slice of multicultural cuisine and pick up great souvenirs.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Hike 11 different walking trails for a taste of natural New Zealand, only a short trip from downtown!
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2022 | $4,792 | $2,305 | $135 |
$7,232 |
Scholarships & Aid
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Auckland, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our Program Director in Auckland is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Auckland experience!
The Auckland Program Manager is based close to campus and is available to meet you at a time of your convenience. That meeting place may be the international office, a coffee shop or at your accomodation. Whatever works for you!
Our Staff

Chris McMillan
Program Manager
StaffBorn in Auckland, New Zealand, Chris McMillan completed a PhD in Sociology at Massey University before to moving to London in 2010. While in London, Chris worked with study abroad students at Arcadia University and New York University’s London centers and developed a particular passion for experiential education and working with students.
Chris moved home to Auckland with his family in 2021 and was delighted to join IES Abroad. In addition to working with IES Abroad, Chris is an active teacher and researcher with a particular interest in cities and the sociology of sport.
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!