FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Below are frequently asked questions, you may find the answer for yourself

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#25 Plymouth Road, Benin City – Nigeria 300263
See list of courses we currently offer:
See list of courses we currently offer:
- FILMMAKING
- CINEMATOGRAPHY
- PHOTOGRAPHY
- VIDEO EDITING/POST PRODUCTION
- SCREENWRITING
- ACTING
- DRONE PILOTING (MASTERCLASS)
- LIVESTREAMING TECHNOLOGY (MASTERCLASS)
We have carefully designed all courses for the most impartful knowledge transfer and our lecturers will deliver them in a manner that will help you develop the knowledge you need to be successful in your chosen field of study. Our lecturers also serve as mentors and will take you by the hand through the journey to success.
Most classes commence at 9am. Some classes may commence at 12pm or 3pm depending on the time table, especially for those offering multiple courses.
Duration of each course is usually 3hours daily
Most courses hold 3 times weekly, usually Mondays – Wednesdays. Some are twice weekly.
In addition, there are special days for practical classes and this usually last more hours because we ensure students demonstrate and master what they have been taught because we are a practical-oriented academy.
This is dependent on how many courses you desire to study. You are expected to be on campus, as often as your course of study requires.
However, students are expected to complete 6-9hours of face-to-face teaching time on a weekly basis. This is excluding hours spent on practical and collaborative work with lecturers and fellow students.
Yes. Optimist TV Network is involved in a lot of high-end multimedia productions. This serves as an avenue for students to gain field experience while working in real-time and actual event such as filmmaking, occasion/event productions, documentaries, brand films, TV commercials, Livestreaming, Drone documentary projects and more. This will give students of Optimist Film Academy a broader experience beyond classroom practical.
MASTERCLASS – 1 month DIPLOMA – 3 months BOOTCAMPS – 1 – 2 days.
MASTERCLASS: This is a short course, usually a month long, aimed at bringing students up to speed on the fundamentals/advance technical knowledge in a specific course. A masterclass is designed for courses that require little or no theoretical lessons but extensive practical. They are a great option for people who already have some basic knowledge on the course area but require extensive practical training with equipment and gears in other to advance their skill level and boost their confidence in a real time practical environment. Please note that MASTERCLASS is not available for all courses. Kindly contact: info@academy.optimist.ng or Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734 for further information.
DIPLOMA: An OFA DIPLOMA is nich-skills focused. You will develop foundation skills in specific discipline areas. It is a base-level qualification for paraprofessionals and further learning. The knowledge you acquire from our OFA Diploma becomes a pathway to begin your career in any chosen field boosting your confidence with standard industry knowledge and practical hands-on skills.
OFA Diplomas are a great option for people who haven’t studied before and/or those looking for a pathway to begin their career in multimedia and film industry.
BOOT-CAMPS: This is a short course, usually a day or two, for professionals or paraprofessionals who desire to develop and expand their knowledge on specific areas of their careers. It will help to further expose you to the grey business areas of your chosen field, develop professional skills and knowledge and to build long-term, successful careers in your industry of choice. The trainings are tailored to specific areas of student’s choice based on our extensive research.
In all trainings, our lecturers teach with a combination great depth and breadth of practical knowledge and analytical skills. This knowledge is applicable to both your creative media discipline and the professional world more broadly. Our lecturer’s expertise points you to fast-track technical know-how, building portable skills, and developing sustainable, life-long learning.
Your ability to read, write and a passionate desire to achieve excellence in the multimedia and film industry are the only requirements you need.
Our courses have a focus on practical, hands-on delivery. The amount of practical time you experience during your studies does vary, depending on your course. You will also have some opportunities to access campus resources and facilities outside of class time.
Part-time courses may be available on request but will be delivered in the evenings and weekends. Kindly contact: info@academy.optimist.ng or Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734 for further information.
OFA currently has 2 intakes per year: January/February (Batch A) , July/August (Batch B).
Masterclass and Boot-Camp courses may have different intake timings. Kindly contact: info@academy.optimist.ng or Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734 for further information.
Applications will be accepted up to the advertised commencement date of the Batch you are applying for. We have limited placements in each course and they are filled on a first-come basis.
The earlier your application is made, the more likely you are to receive a placement.
If after registration and payment, you are unable to commence the course on the scheduled date, you may postpone commencement to another Batch by contacting the Registrar via registrar@academy.optimist.ng or Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734 for further information.
If you wish to defer your admission or withdraw from the Academy, you will be required to contact the Registrar and complete a DEFERMENT/CESSATION OF STUDIES form. However, deferment of admission or withdrawal does not normally entitle a student to any refund.
We have an installment payment plans only for Diploma students who have paid their registration fees.
DIPLOMA STUDENTS: We accept a 70% payment of tuition fees before commencement of classes and another 15% payment before the FIRST CENSUS date and the balance 15% before the LAST CENSUS date.
The 1ST CENSUS date is usually set at 25% of the total study period from the date classes commence for your Batch, while the LAST CENSUS date is usually set at 50% of the total study period from the date classes commence for your Batch. These dates will be published and communicated to all students in advance. The CENSUS dates are also outlined in the students brochure. There may be penalties for default or delayed payments on or before any of the CENSUS dates.
Click the “TUITION FEES” menu on our website – academy.optimist.ng to see our Tuition Fees
To apply online, visit our website - academy.optimist.ng OR our Campus - #25 Plymouth Road, Benin City – Nigeria 300263
For instalment payments, discounts and other enquiries, please reach us via:
Email: info@academy.optimist.ng Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734
Messenger: fb.me/academy.optimist/ng
Instagram - @optimistfilmacademy
Facebook – Optimist Film Academy
LinkedIN – Optimist Film Academy
Online Payment via Visa or MasterCard or Electronic Transfer or Direct Bank Deposit
Visit our website - www.academy.optimist.ng to apply online OR Visit our Campus - #25 Plymouth Road, Benin City – Nigeria 300263 OR Call/WhatsApp: +2347013065734 3
Open Day is an event where we open the doors to our Benin City campus and give you an opportunity to check out our facilities and equipment, meet with academy staff and lecturers, and ask any questions you might have about studying at Optimist Film Academy before a new Batch resumes. Check the “EVENTS” menu on our website - www.academy.optimist.ng for the next Open Day event.
We are currently working on making our campus learning-friendly for people with special learning needs.
At the completion of your training, you will be qualified to apply to the Optimist Media Group Internship Program (OMEGIP) reserved specially for only graduates from the Optimist Film Academy. This internship programs opens up numerous learning and working opportunities with the Optimist Media Group and all our numerous media partners across Nigeria.
Optimist Media Group may also consider to accept students into paid full-time or part-job opportunities with numerous bonuses when they arise in Optimist TV Network or any of our sub-media companies.
Students who are well organized will also be able to find casual or part-time work as freelancers.
You will have access to the facilities and equipments relevant to your course(s) and on which you have been trained to use during training and practical.
Visit our website to see our facilities.
No. You don’t need to own a camera or any media equipment.
Optimist Rentals, an arm of Optimist Media Group will provide cameras, media equipment and accessories necessary for training to all students in the academy.
Some courses do not require a computer or laptop.
However, we currently do not provide laptops and computers to student but we are in partnership with Media Market Nigeria, a media equipment sales and ICT company, to help students who do not have access to personal computers, purchase theirs at discounted and installment payments.
Local accommodation is available on request at a fee depending on your taste and choice of location within Benin City.
Yes! We update our resources as required.
Opening hours are generally 9.00am–5.00pm.
You will use a variety of industry standard and specialized software applications relevant to your study. All softwares will be provided by the Academy.
There is free Internet facility available at our Campus.
Our lecturers use a Computer Based Test Assessment System with automated scoring for Continuous Assessment Tests and this may be done at the convenience of your residence, hence you may also will require internet for your personal use outside the Campus.