FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are the tutors?

Our tutors are:

a) Practitioners who are very experienced in the aspect of the production process they are tutoring you on;

b) Experienced teachers and trainers, often with major media institutions or training bodies;

c) Committed to making the sessions illuminating, highly relevant and immediately useful to participants.

See our section on THE TRAINERS and MENTORS for a fuller CV and filmography of our lead tutors. We would stress that our tutors are experienced film teachers in their area of expertise, and have successfully worked with aspiring and experienced filmmakers both for broadcast and in education.

Will the course be at the right level for me?

We think so as we aim to:

a) Put people in sessions where other people are at the same level, and thus our tutors can aim material and discussion at a level that will suit all;

b) We ask participants to fill in a form beforehand, outlining their previous experience and any project they would like specifically discussing in the sessions;

c) Use the differing levels of experience participants bring – and there will inevitably be some differences – to the advantage of all.

So, whether total newcomer, would be entrant, a runner in your first job or an AP looking to move to being a Producer, we think we can help your development.

Can I take just one course?

Yes, each course stands alone. Though the whole series of courses is designed to and does actually knit together the various aspects of production. Just as they fit during the whole production process in practice in the real world.

How long are the courses?

10 am to 6 pm , with a one hour lunch break and coffee and tea breaks during the morning and afternoon.

Will I definitely be able to find a job in TV or Film after attending your course? Will I definitely be able to sell my own projects afterwards?

Definitely? Bluntly, no to both questions. We cannot guarantee either will definitely happen; though people we teach inevitably do better on both counts as they know more, can show more, have more about them, target their efforts better etc..

But we are not a Job or Recruitment Agency. We will give you knowledge and skills that will enhance your employability and prospects, and make you better able to do particular jobs, but we cannot guarantee you work or programme or film commissions. Nobody can.

We will give you the knowledge and skills that will enable you to better develop and market your own projects but cannot guarantee you will be able to persuade commissioners to commission and show them, or financiers to support them.

If only we could...

How can I book and pay?

You can book now for a particular course on a particular date, just go to COURSE BOOKING

You can make payment by cheque or debit / credit card, subject to refund if you cancel attendance in the time period. See our TERMS AND CONDITIONS on this.

How can I gain more detailed information about the courses?  

For this or any other information, just contact us.

Email
inquiries@praxisfilms.com

Phone
0779 111 4691

Write
Tony Cook
Praxis Films Ltd.
Suite 3N
Leroy House
436 Essex Road
London
N1 3QP

How are you different to other trainers in your approach?

TRAINING IS DIFFERENT. We believe we are very different for a variety of reasons. We genuinely really do want to see you succeed, and to progress. Hence we really do want to get to know you a little and tailor the course you attend to your special wants and needs.

We want to pass on skills and knowledge in sensible, meaningful and genuine ways that prove useful and effective for you.

We are primarily interested in making you better at the particular job, and potentially documentary, current affairs and factual film makers of repute and insight.

To further all this, we think carefully not only about the content, what we want you to learn and use, but also how we can best get that over to you, how we can teach the material.

ON GOING SUPPORT. We do offer on going e mail and phone chats and support if we can help, and this is unique among training providers.

MENTORING. Some of our courses include within them a tutor who will mentor a particular project, or the setting up of a business enterprise. We also provide particular mentoring services which are negotiated on an individual and case by case basis.

What happens next?

Once signed up, we will then ask you to go through 2 easy steps:

• We will e mail you a form asking for: a) details about yourself, and a CV if you have one; b) any specific points you especially want addressing during the course; c) an outline of one specific personal project you may want to raise during your course – you do not have to do this, we quite understand people want to keep their projects to themselves. Any such project you may raise will be legally yours at all times.

• You attend and enjoy the course, make wonderful films as a result and remember us in your Bafta and Emmy night speeches!

Is there a refund if I do not attend? What if I need to postpone or cancel my attendance?

Yes to the first question, there is usually a refund with more details below. Second question answered here.

• Postpone and come to a later course, and we just credit your fee to the course you do attend, even if the cost has gone up in the meantime - you attend at the old rate.
• Cancel your attendance with 14 days notice and we refund in full, subject to a £10 administration charge.
• Cancel your attendance with 7 days notice and we refund 75%.
• Cancel your attendance with 7 to 2 days notice and we refund 50%.
• Cancel your attendance within the last 48 hours and we make no refund.

See our TERMS AND CONDITIONS for a fuller outline on Refunds.

Is there an enrolment deadline?

No, though it is best to book early to ensure a place.

Do you need any qualifications to go on the courses?

No. Some experience may help for some of the courses, e.g. researcher or assistant producer or camera or editor for Producing or researcher or journalist for the Current Affairs programming.

But the main prerequisite for all Courses is a desire to understand and a commitment to be involved in the production of documentary, current affairs, news features or factual films or television programmes.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No, we will provide any equipment necessary. If you wish to bring your own laptop for notes etc. by all means do so.

What currencies are accepted in payment?

GB £’s

What level of support or mentoring do Praxis offer after the course is completed?

See the above answer re How our Approach is different to other trainers, but:

• Our courses are different, very industry and participant oriented
• Our support and mentoring service is second to none.

PRAXIS FILMS LTD. A long established and respected, and award winning film and television Production Company with over 200 broadcast television credits in Documentaries, Current Affairs and Factual films, shown in the UK, Europe, the USA and worldwide. Experienced Praxis journalists, producers, directors, and media trainers now offer their skills in three exciting areas of communication: Documentary and Current Affairs Production Training; Consultancy, PR and Corporate Productions; Information Architecture in New Media.