FOUNDATIONS PITCH NIGHT

Our Foundation students shoot their major productions starting late October through to early December. Please join us, listen to them pitch their projects and volunteer to work on one (or more) of their films.

When: Thursday 9th October

Where: Cinema 2, Grant St, Southbank.

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Light refreshments will be served after the pitch session. Please stay back, enjoy a cuppa and chat to the students whose film ideas (and shoot dates) may have appealed to you.

Your seat can be reserved by contacting the coordinator on: (03) 9685 9033 or via email at: lpgreen@unimelb.edu.au

We look forward to meeting you on the night!

This year long part-time option integrates the conceptual and the technical aspects of film making through a year of lectures and workshops with both experienced filmmakers and film educators. The course runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm with a minimum of two weekend (day long) lecture/workshops per term. Foundations provides students with invaluable insight, support and feedback ensuring they move forward into this competitive industry armed with the appropriate skills, confidence and contacts to enable them to achieve their goals.

•Geared towards people looking to get the kind of industry experience and film culture education that are prerequisites for any full time Film and Television course or a direct break into the industry itself;
•Three term year with classes being held evenings, with a minimum of two weekend workshops per term;
•Term One includes a practical workshop shot on super 8 film;
•Term Two introduces students to the digitial equipment (to be used for the major shoots), via another weekend shooting workshop - you then complete this film whilst being introduced to the concepts of editing, training on your own Final Cut Pro workstation;
•Term Three concentrates on participants writing, directing and editing their own 3-5 minute (maximum) short film - students access their own AVID offline editing suite and attend a final online session with our highly experienced operator, ensuring professional, polished works.

TERM ONE: Tuesday 17th February – Thursday 7th May 2009.

Module One Writing for the Screen Part 1;
3 sessions:
Participants will explore the writing process, creation and development of stories for the screen.
Module Two Film Bytes Part 1;
2 sessions:
Neo-realism to mocumentary. Realist mise en scene –from Rome Open City to Roma, an exploration of form, style and technique – from the filmmakers perspective.
Module Three ‘In the Can';
2 sessions:
What makes a successful short film? What sort of films are successful and why? Screenings of graduates Major and Super 8 productions. Briefing on weekend practical workshop structures and protocols – includes a Q & A session with past students. An opportunity to immerse yourself in short films – to reflect on achievements of past students - and to inspire the new.
Module Four Short Film Case Studies;
3 sessions:
For decades filmmakers have learnt their craft producing short films. A celebrated form in it’s own right – and a stepping stone to longer form. Meet several successful, national and international award winning filmmakers and examine in detail the process of making a short film from idea to screen, and beyond. Discover how short filmmaking helped forge the path for these filmmakers to move into this exciting and challenging industry.
Module Five Super 8 – the theory and the practice;
3 sessions:
An introduction to Super 8 film-making. Lecture based instruction incorporated with practical weekend workshops. Participants have the opportunity to write, direct and shoot their own short Super 8 film – culminating in a screening of all works produced in our Grant St Cinema. Participants take home a DVD copy of all of the films produced within the workshop.
Module Five A The shoot;
1 session: (weekend workshop).
Working in groups of 3, students produce and direct their own super 8 film.
Module Six Introduction to Screen Narrative;
3 sessions:
What’s a screen story? An overview will be offered of the key structural components that go to make up a screen narrative. Topics covered will include plot/story/narration; the use of binary oppositions and motif; the move from classical Hollywood narrative to a more open, post classical mode.

Easter Break: 2 week break - Final class Thursday 2nd April – classes resume Tuesday 21st April 09

Module Seven Producing;
1 session: (weekend workshop).
What is the difference between an Executive, Creative, Associate or Line Producer? What does a producer bring to a project and what should you bring to a Producer? An intensive all day session (weekend) – exact date TBC.
Module Eight The Actor/Director relationship;
3 sessions:
A dynamic series of lectures and workshops where participants are introduced to a range of successful directors and professional actors – demystifying the language and learning the tools that will enhance your casting and directing process.
Module Nine The Vision of Cinema 1;
2 sessions:
Discover the secrets of the cinematographer’s art from highly experienced industry professionals - lighting, framing, movement, lens techniques, visual design and communication. Includes an all day introductory practical session on basic lighting principals, onset safe practices and camera operation in our state of the art film studio’s.
Thursday 7th May (final day of term).

TERM TWO: Tuesday 26th May - Thursday 20th August 2009

Module One From Script to Screen Part 2a;
3 sessions:
A continuation of the examination of key crew roles - from production to post-production, industry professionals will discuss the practical problems and the creative solutions involved in getting a film on the screen.
Module Two The Sound of Cinema;
3 sessions: (one Saturday class)
A study of the art of film sound recording, composition and sound design. Why is the shower scene from Psycho so violent? What makes people cry in Casablanca? How does sound and music combine with image to create the full cinematic experience? Meet several industry professionals from composers to designers, recordists and boom swinger
Module Three The Vision of Cinema 2a;
3 sessions:
We continue the exploration of Cinematography - lighting, framing, movement, lenses, visual design and communication.
Module Four Visualizing for Editing;
1 session;
Visualizing the finished film starts with scripting and continues through the shoot and into the edit. We look at ways to convey the director's vision to the rest of the creative team, including the relative merits of marked-up scripts, shooting diagrams and storyboards.
Module Five Writing for the Screen Part 2;
2 sessions:
We continue the study of the film writer’s craft. Students begin writing 2 scripts, one for upcoming Boots shoot plus those undertaking a major production in Term Three are to complete draft one of their short ( 3 to 5 minute) script. Tutorial groups are locked in.
The class will be divided into smaller groups for tutorials, pre-production (technical and script prep) plus editing classes.
Module Six Black Boots – Pre-production;
2 sessions
Examine the ultra short film genre. An opportunity to familiarise yourself with both the creative and technical tools you have access to for your Term 3 major production. Study the previous works generated for Black Boots. Structure and aims of the Boots process is discussed – teams to be negotiated. Pre-production checklists are covered – post production requirements are introduced.
Module Seven BLACK BOOTS– Production/Shoots;
1 session: (Saturday or Sunday)
In crews of five students direct their own individual short film exercise. An opportunity to develop to successfully complete your major production. Each participant writes, produces and directs their own 1 to 2 minute short film and crews on a minimum of three other productions – 1st’ing, camera operator, art department, sound or lighting department.
Choose to shoot on one of two shoot days:
July 09 - exact dates TBC

Module Eight Introduction to Final Cut Pro;
2 sessions: (includes 1 x weekend day)
From assembly to final cut – training on the Final Cut Pro editing system. No prior computer operation or editing experience is required – finish off your short film like a pro!
Module Nine Script Tutorial;
1 session:
Divided into small tutorial groups each student is given individual feedback and has the opportunity to discuss their major script with an experienced industry professionals attending 1 tutorial, at 1st draft stage (the process continues for 2nd draft stage at the head of Term 3).

2 WEEK MID TERM BREAK
Final class Saturday 27th June – classes resume Tuesday 14th July.

SCREENING - BOOTS SHOOTS
Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour - a night to celebrate. Invite your cast and crew to join us for the Premier of your term 2 Boots Shoots. Enjoy!!
From Script to Screen Part 2b;
(continuing from 1st half of term).
A continuation of the examination of key crew roles - from production to post-production, industry professionals will discuss the practical problems and the creative solutions involved in getting a film on the screen.
Film in Full;
1 session: (Saturday)
Sit back in our Grant St Cinema and enjoy in full the films referenced, analysed or made by our lecturers. An opportunity for informal discussion with your coordinator, one of the course lecturers or your fellow classmates.
The Vision of Cinema 2b;
(continuing from 1st half of term).
We continue the exploration of Cinematography - lighting, framing, movement, lenses, visual design and communication.
Module 10 Film Bytes Part 3;
2 sessions:
This strand takes us beyond naturalism, outside the safety nets of realism, toward the unsettling sub-conscious realms of the absurd, the illogical and the downright crazy. From the experiments of Bunuel, Dali & Cocteau in the 1920’s, through to Maya Deren, Kenneth Anger, cartoonists Tex Avery and Chuck Jones, Alejandro Jodorowsky, David Lynch, Tim Burton and our own VCA nightmarists.
How to Apply to Film School;
1 session:
Designed for students aiming to move into full-time study at VCA Film and Television. The Head of Film and Television joins us to discuss just what it takes to produce a successful application and interview presentation. Additionally a panel of successful applicants (current and graduate students) discuss their process in detail. Examples of successful applications are shared and students are given the opportunity to ask specific questions both to lecturers, who are panel members for the interviews, and students who were successful in receiving a place in the program.
Module Eleven Shoot it!
1 full day session (Saturday)
What is the role of the Armourer? A detailed session with top industry Armourer John Fox covering all of the safety and legal requirements and issues involved when choosing to use weapons in your films – includes firing of film indusrty blank ammunition (revolvers, pistols, machineguns) – and the opportunity to ‘shoot’ one of your own class mates – literally!

Please note: A substantial (3 week) break is scheduled between terms 2 & 3 to ensure Foundations students wishing to apply to our fulltime can focus on the selection test requirements.

TERM THREE: Tuesday 15th September – Friday 18th Dec 2009

Module One Making Movies;
3 sessions:
Over three nights the essential pre-production practicalities are explored. Meet a top industry entertainment lawyer, experienced casting director and professional location manager.
Module Two Script Tutorials;
1 session:
A continuation from term 2, working in small tutorial groups each student is given individual feedback on their 2nd draft screenplay and has the opportunity to discuss their script with experienced industry professionals.
Module Three Production Management and Pre-production;
3 sessions:
Working in small groups the production requirements for your individual films are discussed in detail. This module will assist in you realising your film in a safe, economical and practical manner. Creative solutions to challenging concepts are explored, processes for scheduling, contracting, risk assessment and safety reporting are put in place, call-sheets and post-production schedules are discussed and locked down.
Module Four Scene Staging;
1 session;
Looks at how scenes have been staged since the earliest filmed dramas to today's MTV-style approaches. Considers the relative practical and creative advantages and disadvantages of covering a scene in continuous shots as against covering for editing, using different shot sizes and angles.
Module Five Pitching;
2 sessions:
What makes a successful pitch? Techniques for selling your project and current funding options and requirements for short filmmakers are discussed. All students are encouraged to present a short pitch of their term 3 project to potential cast and crew members.
Module Seven The Actor/Director Relationship
4 sessions (includes two weekend sessions, 1 day participating, 1 observing)
Auditioning/rehearsal/blocking - through a series of workshops we ensure you are prepared and can realise your full potential as director.
WEEKEND COMPONENT: Guided by an experienced director students workshop with highly experienced, professional actors honing their directing skills.
Module Nine Lights, Camera, Action!:
Major Production Period
Over a seven week period students produce and direct their own short film (shot on HDV up to 5 minutes in length). All equipment and stock is part of the course costs. It is not a requirement for students to crew on each other’s productions but it is encouraged.
Module Ten AVID; Post-production: sound and image :
6 sessions: (includes 2 x weekend days)
Putting your project together. The editing and sound post production process begins with all students accessing their own offline suite fully post-producing their own short film. Includes a final session in our online suite (with an operator) titling, colour grading and adding any final FX to your ensure you walk away with your film realised to it’s full creative potential.

You made it - literally!! A gala event where all of the major works are screened from the state of the art facilities at Federation Hall. A night to remember for the class of 08, their family, friends, cast and crew. The culmination of a years work – the end of an era! WELL DONE!!

2009 PREMIER SCREENING: Friday 18th December, 1830 onwards.

Past Student Comments:

"A Fantastic introduction to film, covering both theoretical and practical
aspects. A wonderful opportunity to meet other aspiring film-makers, to
learn together and to make films! An impressive selection of lecturers drawn
from the film industry and lots of opportunities to ask questions. "
- Julianne Deeb, went on to complete her Post Graduate in Documentary within our full-time program. She recently finished filming on Surf Partol, as Assistant Producer.

“While I was doing the Foundations course I had the good fortune to work on an SBS series - a year later I'm in Sydney rigging cameras on cars for a Korean car commercial, six months later I'm scampering around city rooftops with camera cranes at night shooting action sequences for the latest Hollywood blockbuster... it's been an awesome ride! The Foundations course is great at providing a broad, hands-on knowledge of film-making - and for me, the spark of inspiration to start an exciting new career”
- Steve Robinson, Grip and Steadicam Operator, recently completed filming on City Homicide.

"I couldn't imagine a better introduction to filmmaking.
I had the opportunity to meet and work with some of Australia's best filmmakers, technicians and actors. I had a vague hope that one day I might make a film. I had no experience and had never even done photography. A few days ago three hundred people watched my first film on the big screen. I was terrified but it has totally changed my life. I did it! Its a full-on year, working full time and studying, but I found the lectures so inspiring that, for me, it was my relaxation and escape.…incredibly supportive environment…"
- Mary Mason, Designer.

Foundations has secured itself a reputation for providing it’s students with a wide variety of guest speakers – from local emerging talent through to highly experienced world class film practitioners and film educators. This is reflected in the works of some of our guest lecturers (see below). Writers, Producers, Directors, Sound Recordists, Production Designers, Cinematographers, Editors, Composers (and more) have all shared their experiences and insights with the Foundations students. Some examples of the film works the Foundations guest lecturers to date have contributed to follows;

Breaker Morant
The Castle
Harvie Krumpet
Romper Stomper
Ghost Rider
Mad Max
Looking for Alibrandi
Wog Boy
Look Both Ways
Chopper
Ned Kelly
Charlottes Web
The Boys
Black Robe
Monty Python’s ‘And Now for Something Completely Different’

Term 1
$1980 inc gst.

Term 2
$2500 inc gst

Term 3
$2800 inc gst

Full Year
$6380 inc gst (at early bird discount rate).

To be eligible for the earlybird discount the you must pay the year in full by Friday 11th January 2008.

Full Year
$7150 inc gst (at normal rate).

PLEASE NOTE:
Completion of Terms 1 & 2 is a pre-requisite for entry into term 3. You are able to complete the course over a 2 year period.

Please download the Film & Television Foundation Brochure 2009 below. If you have any further questions please contact the course coordinator directly.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

All Foundations students take home a VCA Film and Television Foundations certificate of completion plus a DVD of all of the works generated throughout the year (3 films are produced by each student, one each term). This course is an up-front fee paying course. People who successfully complete the year will receive a VCA Film and Television Foundations Completion Certificate.

Completion of Foundations will entitle participants to generous discount rates for all other short course programs being run during the Summer and Winter School Programs at VCA Film and Television.

For enquiries please contact
Libby Porter, Non-Award Course Coordinator.
Phone: +61 3 9685 9033
Email: lpgreen [at] unimelb.edu.au