Postgraduate Diploma in Film and Television (Producing)

Overview

A one year Postgraduate Diploma in Producing for Film and Television, focusing on both the creative and business side of being a successful producer.

Description

The Postgraduate Diploma of Film and Television (Producing) is undertaken over one year full time. In addition to producing work on student films the course encompasses areas of study such as the creative and business processes of producing, screenwriting and industry experience.

Objectives

On completion of this course students should have:

• extended their creative abilities and business skills;
• developed a sound understanding of the structure of the Australian Film, Television and allied industries, and
• demonstrated the capacity to produce a short creative project.

Prerequisites

An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with at least H2B (70%) results. Applicants who do not meet these requirements, but have documented relevant professional experience may still be considered.

Generic Skills

On completion of the course 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 as they relate to these industries;
• demonstrate capacities for creativity, transformation and interpretation;
• demonstrate developed 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 effectively 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 contributes to its social and economic development, and
• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Student Commitment

Students are expected to commit an average 9 hours contact plus 31 hours private study per week (combination of on and off campus).

Course Progression Guidelines

The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is two years. The progress of a student shall be deemed to be unsatisfactory if the student obtains two successive fails in any one subject.

Subjects by Year

Year 1

• 759-812 - Producing and the Creative Process
• 759-813 - The Business of Producing
• 759-814 - Production Projects
• 759-815 - Screenwriting

Subjects

Year 1

Subject description:

Students will be introduced to the creative processes and stages in the development of film and television product. Students will be exposed to script and story analysis, trained in pitching potential film and television product as well as widen their understanding of screen theory and practical production knowledge.

Objectives:

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

• exhibit an ability for intellectual curiosity and an understanding of the creative process;
• confidently communicate in oral and written form;
• demonstrate story analysis skills;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve;
• demonstrate an understanding of screen culture;
• exhibit a developed knowledge of the film, television and allied industries and how to engage with key industry players;
•  communicate confidently both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience.
•  exhibit a developed leadership capacity and the ability to act as a mentor to the development of others

Assessment:

• 2 x script and story analysis reports (1,000 words each) (40%);
• 1 x screen studies analysis paper (1,000 words) (30%);
• 2 x oral pitching exercises (prepared presentations equivalent to 1,500 words each) (30%).

   

Subject description:

Through lectures, guest speakers, workshops and exercises, students will be introduced to the key aspects of the business side of producing film and television product. Students will be exposed to areas such as working with government funding bodies, entertainment law, negotiating deals and small company business skills.

Objectives:

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

• confidently communicate in oral and written form for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present research outcomes;
• demonstrate sound budgeting and finance skills;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse, problem solve and negotiate;
• demonstrate the skills necessary to establish a small business;
• understand issues related to intellectual property management and exploitation and the legal aspects of Producing;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach coupled with strategic planning skills and the knowledge to engage with key industry players.

Assessment:

• dealing with government bodies research report (1,500 words) (30%);
• production company exercise (2,000 words) (30%);
• Entertainment Law research paper (2,500 words) (40%)

Subject description:

Students are introduced to the culture and practice of collaborating in a film and television environment. Each student is required to form a creative partnership or team and to follow at least one screen project through its entire process. Students will take the role of producer of that student production and will be expected to oversee its distribution and marketing strategies.

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, an understanding of the creative process and the skills to develop a creative project;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse, problem solve and negotiate;
• demonstrate a developed leadership capacity and the ability to act as a mentor to the development of others;
• understand 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 distribution and marketing plan.

Assessment:

• producing work on student films (60%);
• strategic distribution and marketing plan (student production) (20%);
• production and industry experience including field trips, attachments and crewing (20%).

Generic Skills:

Subject description:

Screenwriting is studied in an eight x 4 hour screening and lecture program, plus tutorials. These deal with moving picture language and principles of characterization and dramatic form. Screenwriting exercises are undertaken by students. Each student also develops scripts for their exercises which are monitored at tutorials. Students undertake additional specialist screenwriting classes relevant to their strand of study.

Objectives:

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

• exhibit a developed ability for intellectual curiosity and creativity through screenwriting;
• exercise an open attitude to new ideas;
• confidently communicate in oral and written form;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve.

Assessment:

• 4 Screenwriting exercises (200-400 words each) (40%);
• Script/Treatment for minor production (60%).

   

Special Computer Requirements:

N/A