– The pace of development is entirely different now, but the fundamental pedagogical principles remain the same, says Geir Ove Thorsveen, who attended the TV School 25 years ago. Now, he becomes the head of all technology at the new Faculty of Film, TV and Games at Inand Noray Uniersity of Applied Sciences (INN University).
He previously served as the technical director at the Faculty of Audiovisual Media and Creative Technology, with extensive experience from the TV School
– Technology as a bridge builder
– It is very exciting to explore how we, in the new faculty, can use technology and production methods as a bridge builder between academic disciplines and students who traditionally have not collaborated much. We are seeing how technology increasingly overlaps between film, TV and games, and how new methods emerge from the interaction between these fields. This is definitely a development I find thrilling to be a part of and to facilitate, says Thorsveen on why he wanted this role.
Students must train with relevant equipment
– What does technology mean for audiovisual education?
– Our programmes are not only audiovisual, they are also highly practical, with a clear focus on the skills students need to master to contribute to our industries. This means students must practice extensively with equipment and technology on par with what they will encounter in the professional world. This is crucial for the study programmes in both film, TV and games, says Thorsveen.
– There were fewer and simpler resources at the TV School back then, but the fundamental pedagogical principles are still recognisable today. Even though our fields have seen significant development over the last 25 years, now, as then, we must teach our students storytelling, teamwork, professionalism and ethics. The learning environment Wasa also excellent back then, with highly motivated and talented students who worked hard and had a lot of fun together.
Read more: Kjersti Normann is the new vice dean for the Faculty of Film, TV and Games
– Strengthening research and dissemination activities with technology
Research and research-based education are becoming increasingly important in the arts, and linking technology with research is something Thorsveen will focus on.
– Both the research community at the Game School and our PhD candidates have already led the way in researching with and on technology. But we need to improve further in facilitating technological research and using newer technology in dissemination. I find it very exciting that our research spans from artistic to scientific and technological fields, and we will work to strengthen all our research and dissemination activities with technology, says Thorsveen.
In this context, artificial intelligence is, of course, a phenomenon to actively engage with
– The development of AI use in our industries is advancing rapidly, and it feels like we are struggling to keep up with what is happening. Various types of generative AI have already begun to influence the scope and direction of many jobs in our and adjacent industries. As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to monitor this development; to understand its opportunities and challenges, and to determine what it will mean for our students' future workplaces and what skills they need to stand firm in this storm, says Thorsveen.
Good collaborations create opportunities
The three schools in the new faculty will continue to work closely with their respective industries.
– It benefits everyone that our students enter the industry with up-to-date and forward-looking skills. We have already shown that it is possible to establish good collaborations that allow our students and researchers to explore technology normally beyond our reach. It is an increasing economic challenge for us to keep up with the development of new technology and production methods, so we must continue to build partnerships with suppliers, production companies, broadcasters and other educational institutions. This will facilitate mutual learning through the testing of new technology and research, says Thorsveen, who is also positive about the preliminary plans to co-locate institutes and environments as part of the Science Park projects in Lillehammer and Hamar.
– I am positively inclined towards the Science Park projects. Particularly for film and TV, I think it is important that the environments come closer together. Each school must maintain its own identity and character, but I believe we have much to learn from each other and that through closer collaboration, we can become stronger. Our presence in the science parks can also help attract actors and partners who can enrich our education and industry, says Thorsveen, emphasising the responsibility all three schools have within their respective fields:
– We must educate students to such a high professional standard that Norway can continue to produce a large share of locally produced, high-quality content. This is important for our shared identity and culture, whether we are talking about games, drama, documentaries or entertainment. We see this very clearly in the role that the Norwegian Film School has played in raising the quality of all aspects of Norwegian film over the past 25 years. It is also important for our public debate and democracy that different voices are heard through various media and reach a wide audience,” says Thorsveen
– A wise and calm man
The dean of the new faculty, Leif Holst Jensen, is very pleased that Geir Ove Thorsveen is joining the team.
– He is experienced and knows the university, staff and students well, having had a great working relationship with colleagues at the Film School. We will build on this collaboration and strengthen our focus on technology and innovation, both internally across departments and with external partners. Moreover, Geir Ove is a wise and calm individual, solution-oriented and collaborative. I believe he will be a valuable asset to all three schools within the faculty, says the dean.
Read more
Leif Holst Jensen is leading the new Faculty of Film, TV and Games
Contact
- geir.ove.thorsveen@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 61 28 84 48
- leif.holst.jensen@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 54 16 08