Master of Film and Television (Producing) (by Research)

Overview

A one year Master of Producing for Film and Television. This degree is assessed by research, and encomapesses a research thesis as well as undertaking the role of a producer on at least one student production.

Description

Students undertaking the course will build on their practical and theoretical skills in producing for Film and Television by taking on the role of producer on a student film, carrying out an industry placement, and completing a research thesis. The Masters degree will be undertaken over one year full time or two years part time.

Objectives

On completion of this course students should have:

• advanced their capacity for independent investigation and research in the field of producing;
• demonstrated their capacity to produce a significant creative project, and
• advanced their ability to contribute to the broad culture of society.

Prerequisites

Entry will be normally be open to graduates who can demonstrate potential to produce independent research and who have gained H1 or H2 results in their fourth year of study in the VCA Post Graduate Diploma of Film and Television (Producing) or applicants who can demonstrate equivalent experience at another education institution.

Generic Skills

On completion of the Master of Film and Television (Producing) graduates should be able to:

• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics at an advanced level as they relate to these industries;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research outcomes;
• demonstrate capacities for creativity, transformation and interpretation;
• demonstrate advanced skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional producer in the 21st century;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach coupled with an understanding of how to engage with key industry players;
• work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of environments;
• contribute at an advanced level as collaborators, leaders and mentors;
• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities;
• understand and appreciate how filmmaking connects with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development, and
• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Subjects by Year

Year 1

• 759-602 - Advanced Producing
• 759-603 - Research Thesis

Subjects

Year 1

Subject description:

Students undertaking this subject will have reached an appropriate skill level to be highly self directed and motivated in their studies. Students will be asked to undertake the role of producer for at least one student production and to act in a leadership capacity throughout that production and post production. Masters students will work under the supervision of a nominated academic supervisor. As part of their industry research, students will also be required to undertake at least one industry placement at an appropriate level.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject the student should be able to:

• confidently communicate in oral and written form;
• exhibit an ability for intellectual curiosity, and a developed understanding of the creative process and the skills to develop a creative project;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse, problem solve and negotiate;
• demonstrate an advanced leadership capacity and the ability to act as a mentor to the development of others;
• exhibit a sound understanding of issues related to intellectual property management and exploitation and the legal aspects of Producing;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach and ability to research and develop a well developed distribution and marketing plan.

Assessment:

• Advanced Producing Project(s) (5-25mins finished production)(equivalent  to 12000 words)(70%);
• Strategic Marketing and Distribution Plan (2000 words) (15%);
• producer placement of approximately 70 hours  - research journal (15%)

Generic Skills:

Subject description:

Candidates will research and present  a thesis of 15 - 20,000 words. Candidates will be expected to be highly self motivated and to work under a nominated supervisor.  

Candidates will undertake study in the processes and techniques associated with selecting and refining a research problem, data identification, collection and analysis of the current state of research in the field of study and the appropriate means of disseminating research findings.  Candidates will present a seminar documenting their progress in their research project and their research findings.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• exhibit extensive knowledge of the film, television and allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge in Producing at an advanced level;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research;
• communicate at an advanced level both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience;
• understand issues related to intellectual property management and the development and exploitation of a creative project at an advanced level;
• demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively in the completion of a self-directed research project;
• demonstrate the ability to access a broad range of resource material, including texts and electronic media;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach coupled with an understanding of the relevance and value of industry and the wider community and how to engage with key players;
• display an international awareness and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity.

Assessment:

• oral presentation of a seminar paper and written submission of 2000 words (10%);
• research paper (15,000 – 20,000 words) (90%)