Marlborough Girls' College students experienced the magic of media whilst on their recent trip to Wellington.

A group of enthusiastic Year 12 and 13 MGC students had the incredible opportunity this March to head over to Wellington for a two day Media Studies intensive. Students were able to take part in a private group tour experience of Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop, where they learnt the inside secrets of making movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costume, make-up, miniatures and more! Student's particularly loved their selfies with the Orcs and learning to swing an elvish blade!

After a powhiri and overnight stay at the absolutely stunning Te Rau Karamu marae, students were then treated to a series of journalism workshop sessions at Massey University. 

Professor James Hollings took students through the basics of interviewing and podcasting while Dr Teresa Housel presented on the intricacies of feature article writing. Lunch was hurriedly inhaled as students were taken on a tour of the National College of Screen Arts. 

Our final stop was at the Virtual Reality stage where students had a trial by fire experience with acting, filming and directing on a real life film set. Student's immersed themselves in the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to the phenomenal technology and facilities that were made available to them.

After an incredible experience, we journeyed home on the Interislander, which did thankfully set sail, with many tired but thoroughly inspired students. Fingers-crossed we can repeat the trip next year with our next group of keen Media protege.

Julie Brown
Media Studies Teacher