Applications are now open for Victorian high school students in years 10, 11 and 12 to take part in a week-long animation school holiday program in 2014.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today called for young, aspiring filmmakers with a passion for animation to apply for the Hothouse: Tall Poppies Grow Here program run by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Ms Asher said ten students will be hand-picked for the exciting opportunity to be part of the Hothouse initiative, an intensive training course that aims to develop and foster the creative production and technical skills of the state’s screen talents of the future.

“Successful applicants will have the chance to hit the ground running in a fast-paced, hands-on studio environment, an experience that will provide them with an early platform from which to explore options for a career in the screen industry,” Ms Asher said.

Now entering its third year, the popular initiative – which was a 2010 state election commitment – aims to foster young creative minds and point emerging talent in the right direction.

The theme for the 2014 program is animation, in keeping with the world premiere DreamWorks Animation exhibition, to be staged at ACMI as part of Victoria’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series.

Hothouse participants will have special access to DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, including opportunities to visit the exhibition, meet curators and staff behind its creation and participate in video link events with members of the DreamWorks studio.

The program allows students to develop vital skills for the film industry including idea development and research, understanding visual and cinematic language, character design, narrative development, creating and presenting a story pitch and verbal presentation, time management and planning skills.

Ms Asher said the Hothouse program was a rare opportunity for young aspiring filmmakers.

“Students interested in filmmaking and animation will have the opportunity to work with professionals and gain exclusive industry experience, knowledge about obtaining access to animation courses at tertiary institutions, and most importantly, develop lifelong career inspiration,” Ms Asher said.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I encourage students with a passion for animation and film to apply for the chance to live out their filmmaking dream.”

Applications for ACMI’s Hothouse: Tall Poppies Grow Here 2014 program are now open and close on 12 May 2014.