Major Film and Television Production

Aims and objectives

As the culmination of the Bachelor of Film and Television degree, this unit aims to afford students an opportunity to synthesise and integrate skills, knowledge and competencies gained throughout the course, demonstrating a mastery of the principles of direction, producing, writing, cinematography and production. Incorporating and interpreting high level professional production processes, students are afforded the opportunity to work as part of a group to produce a film or television program(s) to an industry standard, enabling students to further develop and sharpen skills in their chosen production disciplines.

Students will specialise in either Writing/Directing/Producing or Cinematography/Production. All students will also complete classes in outcomes for film and video projects. This will include pitching to industry bodies and investors, marketing and distribution. Visual and textual documentation for the production and post-production phases of the projects will also be covered. Students will synthesise and integrate skills, knowledge and competencies to a professional standard in all areas of production – direction, writing, producing, cinematography, sound design and editing of final project.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
In the Production Outcomes exhibit a professional level of preparation in the interpretation of the script, camera tests and acquisition, production and planning for postproduction workflow;
Identify industry models for funding and investment, and compile appropriate documentation and materials for funding and/or distribution and marketing; Collaborate, plan and manage production and personnel, anticipating variables.

Direction & Production:
Prepare for production in writing and directing, demonstrating expressive maturity and a thorough approach; Prepare a directors treatment, and any visual preparation (ie storyboards) that will assist the production process; Interpret a screenplay creatively through direction and mise en scene, through to execution.

Or Cinematography:
Identify and perform industry standard camera preparation tasks, identify problems and recognise production solutions, complete and interpret tests; Apply principles of film and video direction, cinematography, lighting, composition, design and visual aesthetics, and professionally apply these attributes in the production of major film and television projects; Complete a film or television program to a professional standard, demonstrating mastery of the medium.

Teaching methods

This unit employs a learning and teaching method centered on:
Class lectures;
Demonstrations;
Practical workshops;
In class practical exercises and out of class production based projects.

Assessment

NOTE: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.

Students will either be assess on production outcomes (cinematography, audio, lighting) or direction, writing and producing based outcomes. This will be determined by the nature of the roles each student acquires for the project(s). For due dates and submission requirements refer to individual briefs.

Brief 1: Major Project Process 65%
Brief 2: Outcomes for Major Projects 20%

AND

Brief 3a Production preparation (Writing & Directing) 15%
OR
Brief 3b Format & Camera Testing (Cinematography) 15%

Content

This unit focuses on the practical implementation of the fundamental aspects of film, video and digital imaging production processes. Having extensively researched their chosen subject matter, production pathways and production techniques in the previous semester, students will utilise their completed pre-visualisation materials to create an industry standard production outcome. Students will be expected to manage their production and post-production processes in accordance with industry practice. Students will experience the production process from beginning to end, including casting, crewing, scheduling, shooting, directing, sound recording, art direction, editing, sound design and digital integration. Students will be encouraged to assist one another in the production process and to pursue areas of specific technical and/or creative research within the context of the unit outcome requirements.

Students should expect to engage in a wide range of learning activities, including:
Class discussions;
Practical workshops;
In class/studio practical exercises;
Out of class production based projects;
Consultation with the lecturer on individual and group-based projects.