Alumni views
Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image
Anne Gant from the United States
Educational background
'I have a Master's degree in Glass Blowing, a BFA in Sculpture/Glass and a BA in Writing and Art Criticism.'
Why Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image?
'Amsterdam caught my eye when I was here for a glass blowing conference in 2001. I was looking for a chance to move out of the United States, and this was my first choice as destination. I had been working professionally for a while and doing my own glass artwork on the side. I looked for a programme that combined practical job skills with theoretical training. That I chose the University of Amsterdam was because of the specialisation of the P&P programme. There aren't many like it in the world, and this one happens to be in one of the nicest cities on the planet.'
About the programme and the University of Amsterdam
'This is a new programme and is therefore still evolving. I think each student has a lot of influence on the character of the programme and the classes. The programme is split between theoretical and academic classes at the UvA, and more practical "real-world" classes at various institutions such as the Institute for Sound and Vision. The P&P programme is connected to many European film festivals and audiovisual archives. Because the last part of the programme is a practical traineeship within these institutions, this network continues to grow as each year's trainees are "seeded" into these organisations. By being part of the P&P programme, students have a good professional network by the time they graduate. As for the University, some of the buildings are beautiful. However, the facilities are overcrowded. The UvA has a few affordable sport centres and gymnasiums for students, and also a very good Dutch language institute (INTT). Not only is it a good idea to take Dutch lessons in order to feel more connected to the local culture, but it's also a great way to meet more students and professionals outside of the small P&P group.'
About Amsterdam and the Netherlands
'I come from New York, so I find Amsterdam small, sweet and quite calm. The people are humane and civilised. The chaotic weather is unique (one moment it's sunny and the next it's hailing, or sometimes it's doing both at the same time!). It's fun to be in the European mainland and to travel quickly to other places. Everything is so close together here! Of course I enjoy the cosmopolitan and diverse city life, because it reminds me of home.'
Career goals
'After my traineeship at the Film Museum ended in late October, I was asked to stay on as the digital workflow project manager, which means that I am coordinating the digitisation of about 500 hours of films this year, with more to follow in subsequent years. I'm really happy with this job because I am interested in all the advantages that digital files have over film. On the other hand, of course I still love films, a little 2 TB hard drive isn't nearly as impressive or weighty as 5 x 600 meter cans of film, and I think sitting in front of a Steenbeck is way cooler than a Mac and a monitor!'
Would you recommend this MA programme to other students?
'Yes, I would definitely recommend this programme to those students who are hard workers and appreciate being able to tap into an excellent network of archives and film festivals.'
Tip for new students
'Being a student is fantastic and there is a lot of free time to take advantage of all the opportunities that come along. The UvA courses are just a small part of the whole experience of being here. I would advise students to do as much as possible in the city, by travelling, making friends, reading and going to cultural events.'