Behind the scenes: Year 13 students experience media production first hand
Posted on March 27, 2025
Year 13 Macleans College Media Studies students recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in practical media production experiences during a full-day excursion to central Auckland.
The day commenced with a visit to Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where the Communications Department hosted two specialised sessions. The first session took place in the university’s state-of-the-art virtual production studio, which utilises advanced LED screen technology to seamlessly integrate real and virtual environments - a technique famously employed in productions such as The Mandalorian. This provided students with beneficial insight into the future of film and television production.
The second session offered students the chance to engage in a live television production exercise. Half of the class assumed roles on the studio floor, taking on responsibilities such as on-camera presenting, camera operation and auto-cue management. Meanwhile, the other half operated from the control room, overseeing sound, graphics and real-time editing - an invaluable experience in understanding the fast-paced nature of live broadcasting.
In the afternoon, students visited Wētā Unleashed at SkyCity, where they participated in a guided tour showcasing the artistry behind some of the world’s most renowned film productions. The tour featured an in-depth look at various aspects of production, including a horror section focused on costume, design and the mechanics behind some of the onscreen magic that Wētā Workshop has produced. A separate section highlighted the world of fantasy filmmaking, featuring miniature landscapes and an array of props and costumes from the Lord of the Rings franchise.
Through these experiences, students gained first hand exposure to multiple facets of media production, further inspiring their own creative projects, the best of which will be showcased in term four at the Macademy Awards.
