For the fifth year running, film and audio students from SAE Institute were given the opportunity to assist at this year’s famous Blues and Roots Festival held last week at Belongil Fields, in Byron Bay. Students were given the chance to lend their skills and knowledge in exchange for the invaluable experience of working at a world-class music event. The 25 students involved this year, undertook such responsibilities as managing the audio and video aspects of artist interviews, camera work for the Bluesfest large screens, stage changeovers for the bands, front of house assistance, as well as the task of recording the entire event. They learnt how to cope with stress in a real life work environment and were confronted with real deadlines, real pressure, and learnt how to communicate effectively as part of a large-scale team. The partnership was an initiation of Russell Burton, head of the film department at SAE Institute Byron Bay, who is also in charge of producing and directing the festival. Russell, who first conceived the idea five years ago, said the work experience has proven to be a great success among students. “It teaches the students how to cope under pressure, how to work to a schedule, gives them a chance to network and gives them true insight into how the audio and film industry works within this genre. Through connections established from working at the Blues Festival, some students have even been offered work with various other companies. SAE film and audio students are now truly an integral part of the Bluesfest crew.” Attila Szilvasi, 2nd year Bachelor of Film Production student said he was extremely grateful for the opportunity and the invaluable experience he gained. “It was awesome, I am stoked to have been involved with such a good team. We made contacts with a whole bunch of other people: engineers, stage managers, film people etc and we are now currently waiting on references (from the crew we worked with). ” Festival organiser Peter Noble also praised the partnership, saying that the benefits received by both parties were substantial. He thanked the students for contributing towards the festival’s success, and confirmed that the partnership will continue next year when Bluesfest will celebrate its 21st anniversary.