Master of Film and Television (by Coursework)

Overview

A one year Master of Film and Television that can be undertaken in one of the four streams of study: Narrative, Documentary, Animation or Visual Effects. This degree is assessed through coursework.

Description

Students focus on writing, directing and editing a major production, as well as advanced screenwriting and gaining industry experience. The Master of Film and Television (Coursework) is a one year full-time program.

Course code:
949 NA (Narrative stream)
949 DO (Documentary stream)
949 AN (Animation stream)
949 VE (Visual Effects stream)

Objectives

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

• write, direct and edit an innovative short motion picture program at a high professional standard in Narrative, Documentary, Animation or Visual Effects;
• experiment and develop their own creativity for the screen;
• research and problem solve, and
• lead and participate at an advanced level in a collaborative team.

Prerequisites

An honours degree in film and television with at least H2B (70%) or equivalent; or a Graduate Diploma in Film and Television with at least H2B (70%). Applicants who do not meet the usual requirements detailed below, but have documented, relevant professional experience may still be considered.

Applications for places in the Master of Film and Television (VCA) are made directly to the School. Applicants are asked to submit a completed application form plus a selection of their production work. Short listed applicants will be chosen for interview.

Overseas applicants may undertake the same selection process however they also have the option to provide a video interview answering a set of supplied questions together with evidence of their creative output which may be followed by a phone interview.

Generic Skills

On completion of the course graduates should have acquired the following skills:

• exhibit strong 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 artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation, and
• 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 filmmaker in the 21st century.
• 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 contributes to its social and economic development.
• Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

   

Student Commitment

Students are expected to commit to an average of 22 hours formal contact plus 18 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.
(a) Assigned Projects must be passed at the first attempt.
(b) Subjects other than Assigned Projects may not be attempted more than twice.

Subjects by Year

Year 1

• 759-830 - Assigned Projects (Animation) Masters
• 759-831 - Advanced Screenwriting (Masters)
• 759-834 - Assigned Projects (Narrative)
• 759-836 - Assigned Projects (Visual Effects)

Subjects

Year 1

Credit Points:	87.5
Coordinator:	Paul Fletcher
Contact hours:	18 hours per week (Sem 1); 22 hours per week (Sem 2).
Semester:	Year Long

Subject description:

Each student will assume responsibility for writing, directing and editing a substantive program of short duration at a professional level both creatively and technically. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the Film, Television and allied industries.  Students will undertake craft upgrade and/or master classes and will crew/collaborate on other student productions.

Objectives:

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

• demonstrate advanced creative and technical skills in the Animation areas of Film/Television;
• plan and organise work and solve problems;
• confidently manage competing demands on time, including self-directed production work;
• communicate at an advanced level in oral and written form and through screen production, for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit an advanced ability to lead a team as well as participate well as a member of a collaborative team while respecting individual differences;
•  exhibit a developed knowledge of the film, television and allied industries.

Assessment:

• professional practice – report of 2,000 words or equivalent (10%);
• industry studies – 2 week industry placement and report or industry-related research paper 2,000 words or equivalent (10%);
• crewing on a minimum of 2 productions (20%);
• screen studies 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• working methods 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• major production  (3-10 mins)(50%).

(*Participation assessed on criteria of attendance, punctuality, ability to discuss, give/receive feedback and teamwork skills.)

Credit Points:	12.5
Coordinator:	Annabelle Murphy
Contact hours:	4 hours x 4 weeks
Semester:	Semester 1

Subject description:

Screenwriting is studied in a four x 4 hour screening and lecture program. These lectures will include a study of characterisation and dramatic form at an advanced level. Each student will also develop a script that they will take into production. Progress will be monitored at tutorials.

Objectives:

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

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

Assessment:

• 2 exercises (400-500 words) (20%);
• script for major production (80%).

Time Commitment:

4 hours lectures x 4 weeks; min 4 hours tutorials.

Credit Points:	87.5
Coordinator:	Sandra Sciberras
Contact hours:	18 hours per week (Sem 1); 22 hours per week (Sem 2).
Semester:	Year Long

Subject description:

Each student will assume responsibility for writing, directing and editing a substantive program of short duration at a professional level both creatively and technically. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the Film, Television and allied industries. Students will undertake craft upgrade and/or master classes and will crew/collaborate on other student productions.

Objectives:

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

• demonstrate advanced creative and technical skills in the Narrative areas of Film/Television;
• plan and organise work and solve problems;
• confidently manage competing demands on time, including self-directed production work;
• communicate at an advanced level in oral and written form and through screen production, for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit an advanced ability to lead a team as well as participate well as a member of a collaborative team while respecting individual differences;
• exhibit a developed knowledge of the film, television and allied industries.

Assessment:

• professional practice – report of 2,000 words or equivalent (10%);
• industry studies – 2 week industry placement and report or industry-related research paper 2,000 words or equivalent (10%):
• crewing on a minimum of 2 productions (20%);
• screen studies 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• working methods 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• major production ( 5-25 mins)(50%).

(*Participation assessed on criteria of attendance, punctuality, ability to discuss, give/receive feedback and teamwork skills.)

Generic Skills:

 

Credit Points:	87.5
Coordinator:	David Price
Contact hours:	18 hours per week (Sem 1); 22 hours per week (Sem 2).
Semester:	Year Long

Subject description:

Each student will assume responsibility for writing, directing and editing a substantive program of short duration at a professional level both creatively and technically. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the Film, Television and allied industries.  Students will undertake craft upgrade and/or master classes and will crew/collaborate on other student productions.

Objectives:

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

• demonstrate advanced creative and technical skills in the Visual Effects areas of Film/Television;
• pan and organise work and solve problems;
• cnfidently manage competing demands on time, including self-directed production work;
• cmmunicate at an advanced level in oral and written form and through screen production, for a wide variety of audience;
• ehibit an advanced ability to lead a team as well as participate well as a member of a collaborative team while respecting individual differences;
• ehibit a developed knowledge of the film, television and allied industries.

Assessment:

• pofessional practice – report of 2,000 words of equivalent (10%);
• industry studies – 2 week industry placement and report or industry-related research paper 2,000 words or equivalent (10%);
• crewing on a minimum of 2 productions (20%);
• screen studies 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• working methods 1,000 words or equivalent (5%);
• major production (5-15 mins) (50%).

(*Participation assessed on criteria of attendance, punctuality, ability to discuss, give/receive feedback and teamwork skills.)

Generic Skills: