Love, Life and Looney Tunes by ebbiewilliams

At Fremantle’s own Film and Television Institute

All through my educational life I have listened to lectures. Teachers all over the world use long monologues as an integral part of the instructional process. Not that I mind, especially if I have any interest at all in the subject. However, sitting still and listening is very difficult without having something to occupy the monkey mind. That’s the part of my brain which needs simple practical distraction, something to keep my hands busy. So, I draw. About 5 years ago I was in a lecture situation, doing just that. Listening to the instructor, while covering my file with amusing bunnies and dogs dressed like Elvis. During the class I noticed the guy next to me was drawing too. He was really cute, and the goblins and dragons tattooed across his note book where really good. Then the voice of authority rang out “What are you two doing?”.

“Drawing” I admitted sheepishly. “me too” mumbled the cute guy. There was an ominous pause, all eyes in the room on us. Good going Eb I thought, getting in trouble on the first day, this doesn’t bode well. The lecturer cleared his throat “Very good” he beamed and continued with the class. It was at that moment I realized I had found my heaven. FTI’s Animation course. Where history consists of watching old loony toons cartoons and drawing in class is encouraged.

When I look back on my time at FTI, I count out the relationships gained (including my long term relationship with “the cute guy”) the skills acquired, the passion ignited and the great fun had throughout. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy, but most things worth doing aren’t.