Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Drama production is a dominant creative area in the film and television industries. Thus practitioners of film and television production require the ability to communicate fictional content matter. Designed for students in their final year of study, this unit builds on and refines the practical skills and theoretical knowledge previously learned, with a concentration on fictional production. Film and Television Drama Practice is a preparatory unit for KPB306 Film Drama Production.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the information to understand the function of the major departments on a drama production. It also aims to develop your creative potential and to provide you with skills and knowledge in the practical techniques, aesthetic literacies, and principles underpinning fictional events.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1) analyse and interpret a screenplay;
2) plan the overall 'look', and make aesthetic and technical choices for a short dramatic film in a specialist role;
3) learn practical skills and apply professional working practice, terminology and equipment used in an area of specialisation on a drama production;
4) communicate on a professional level and work cooperatively in a creative team;
5) apply at least two of the key skills areas on a drama production;
6) be self reflective about creative practice and to consider personal strengths and skill sets.

Content

The unit addresses content such as key skills areas on a drama production. Included are topics specific to fictional productions in producing and production management, assistant directing, directing and working with actors, cinematography, sound, editing, and pre-visualisation. You will attend a series of workshops-tutorials in two or more of the key skills areas on a drama production.
Film and Television Drama Practice is a preparatory unit and you will be given the opportunity to pitch a story that may be produced in KPB306 Film Drama Production. A complete and workable first draft of your script, maximum ten minutes duration, is required early semester before the date of the pitches. If you do not have a complete draft of a script you will not be able to pitch. In writing your scripts, you are encouraged to team up with students enrolled in the Creative and Professional Writing course. A writer can not pitch alone, but can be part of a team which includes a producer and/or director.

Selection of scripts will be made by a panel comprised of discipline staff and external industry representatives. Successful selection at the pitch may still not guarantee that it will be produced in the following semester in the unit KPB306 Film Drama Production. Selected scripts will require a formal three stage development consisting of (1) writing; (2) review; (3) more rewriting and review until final draft approval. This will require attending consultations outside of set class times.

Production teams for KPB306 Film Drama Production are selected following the pitch session.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consist of lectures and workshop-tutorials. Lectures will provide an overview of the departments on film productions and current industry practice. Workshops-tutorials will involve applying theory and practice during practical exercises, homework, and completing assignments. During the latter part of the semester you may be required to attend more than one class, depending on your crew roles and interest. You will be required to undertake work outside of set class times.

You will need to work both individually and in groups. While specific group process skills will be taught, it is the responsibility of individual students to work on development of constructive attitudes to the group and its members. This calls for self-discipline and self-awareness.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
During tutorials you will receive formative feedback on your key skills development through practical exercises and individual or class discussions. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: CV and Crew Role Statement
Description: (Summative)You are to submit a CV (resume) and Crew Role Statement a cover letter applying for crew roles on projects that will be made in the following semester in KPB306 Film Drama Production. This assignment is designed to help you develop a portfolio and to promote yourself to your lecturers and classmates by detailing your relevant skill sets and strengths. You will not be able to apply for the role of Director as this role will be determined once scripts have been selected at the pitch.
Relates to objectives: 4 & 6
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Specialist Crew Role 1
Description: You are to complete this assignment in your specialist Crew Role 1. This will be one of the roles you are assigned to on a project to be made in KPB306 Film Drama Production. The assignment will consist of practical exercises, a style document/ or research paper specific to this role, and will be developed through the tutorial.

Specialist Crew Role 1 and Specialist Crew Role 2 may include:
Writer (of selected scripts/ not co-written); Producer; First Assistant Director; Director; Director Of Photography; Vision Editor; Visual Effects Editor; Sound Editor; Sound Recordist; Continuity Supervisor; and Camera Operator. Other roles for assessment are by negotiation only. All crew roles are negotiable and will require approval from the unit lecturers.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Specialist Crew Role 2
Description: Description:(Summative and Formative) You are to complete this assignment in your specialist Crew Role 2. This will be the second role you are assigned to on a project to be made in KPB306 Film Drama Production. The assignment will consist of practical exercises, a style document/ or research paper specific to this role, and will be developed through the tutorial.

Specialist Crew Role 1 and Specialist Crew Role 2 may include:
Writer (of selected scripts/ not co-written); Producer; First Assistant Director; Director; Director Of Photography; Vision Editor; Visual Effects Editor; Sound Editor; Sound Recordist; Continuity Supervisor; and Camera Operator. Other roles for assessment are by negotiation only. All crew roles are negotiable and will require approval from the unit lecturers.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References - others to be advised.

Bayes, S. (2004) Avid advanced editing techniques [videorecording]:with Xpress Pro & Xpress DV and Avid special effects & color correction [videorecording]: with Xpress Pro & Xpress DV. Desktop Images: Burbank.

Bruder, M (et al) (1986) A practical handbook for the actor. Vintage Books, New York.

Case, D. (2001) Film technology in post production. Focal Press:London.

Cristiano, G. (2007) The storyboard design course: the ultimate guide for artists, directors, producers and scriptwriters. Thames & Hudson: London.

Dancyger, K. (2007) The technique of film and video editing: history, theory and practice. Focal Press: Boston.

Dancyger, K. (2006) The director's idea: the path to great directing. Focal Press: Oxford.

DiCillo, T. & Griffiths, M. & Viscidi, M. (2003) Living in oblivion. (videorecording) : Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment:Culver City.

Dmytryk, E. (1984) On film editing: an introduction to the art of film construction. Focal Press: Boston

Harman, R. (1997) Film directing - killer style and cutting edge techniques. Los Angeles: Lone Eagle Pub.

Holman, T. (2002), (2nd ed) Sound for film and television. Focal Press, Boston

Katz, S. D. (1991) Film directing shot by shot: visualizing from concept to screen. Studio City, CA: Focal Press.

Kauffmann, S. (2009) (4th ed) Avid editing : a guide for beginning and intermediate users. Elsevier/Focal Press: Burlington.

Miller, P.P. (1990) Script supervising and film continuity. Focal Press, Boston.

Mollison, M. (2010) (3rd ed) Producing videos: a complete guide. Sydney: Allen and Unwin

Murch, W. (2001) In the blink of an eye. AFTRS: Sydney.

Ohanian, T.A. (2000) Digital filmmaking: the changing art and craft of making motion pictures. Focal Press: Boston.

Rabiger, M. (3nd Ed) (2008) Directing: film techniques and aesthetics. Focal Press: Boston.

Rea, P. & Irving, D. (2010) (4th ed) Producing and directing the short film and video. Focal Press: Boston.

Rizzo, M. (2005) The Art Direction Handbook for Film. Focal Press: Amsterdam & Boston.

Rowlands, A. (2000) The continuity supervisor. Focal Press: Boston.

Salvi, D. (2003) Friendly Enemies: maximizing the director-actor relationship. Watson-Gutpill, New York.

Staten, G. (2009) (5th ed) The Avid Handbook: Advanced techniques, strategies, and survival information for Avid editing systems. Elservier: Burlington.

Weston, J. (1996) Directing actors: creating memorable performances for film & television. M. Wiese Productions, Studio City, CA.

Risk assessment statement

QUT takes its obligations to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 very seriously. You as a student must also meet your obligations under the Act. This can be done in different ways, but you are obliged to take action to manage exposure to risk.

There are Regulations, Advisory Standards and Industry Codes of Practice, to meet your obligations under the Act you must comply with these. You must take reasonable precautions and exercise proper diligence in making sure the risk is managed.

You have an obligation to exercise care when operating equipment and to follow instructions as to the safe operation of the equipment, safe manual handling and the use of safety devices and personal protective equipment.

STUDENTS WORKING ON FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE APPROPRIATE RISK ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED FOR THAT PROJECT AND THAT IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE APPROPRIATE STAFF MEMBER.

RESP0NSIBILITY
Equipment faults and damage must be reported to Technical Services staff as soon as possible.
You are responsible for ensuring equipment is secure and at no risk of damage. Action will be taken against anyone responsible for wilful damage or theft of QUT property.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-Oct-2012