50247 Media Arts and Production 1

Handbook description

This subject is designed for people with little or no experience with media arts theory and production. It allows for experimentation and learning to work collaboratively. Lectures and tutorials explore non-narrative concepts and work in sound, film and video with reference to hybrid or convergent forms of media practice. In the tutorials, students gain hands-on experience with digital camera techniques and digital audio recording techniques. Allied workshops teach basic digital audio and video post-production techniques. Through two small group-based production exercises, students gain experience in taking concepts to both on-screen and sound/audio presentation. This subject and Media Arts and Production 2 complement each other and provide the foundation for the rest of the Media Arts and Production strands in film and video, sound and new media.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to:

1. develop skills and recognise the importance on working collaboratively
2. understand non-narrative approaches to media making and develop media in a non-narrative way
3. understand theories of media production and post-production and implement them creatively and professionally
4. work efficiently and effectively to meet specific production deadlines
5. listen critically and interpret visual styles across a range of genres
6. reflect critically and constructively on a range of media.

Contribution to graduate profile

Part 1 of the introduction to the broad range of media arts creative concepts and work practices of the MAP strand in the BA. Introduction to basic creative techniques that will be developed in later subjects.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is delivered in lecture/tutorial/workshop mode.

The lecture program is an audiovisual presentation for providing a focus for examining ideas, concepts and creative practices in the Media Arts. The tutorial component is the venue for discussion and critique and the development of projects. It is also the place for debriefing and feedback on work produced. It is also used to introduce technical and workshop activities, and for in-class presentations. The workshops allow students to gain basic technical proficiency with video and sound production and postproduction technologies through short academically directed activities.

Content

• Shot camera and frame
• Non narrative concepts and technique
• Introduction to Documentary
• Production planning
• Mise en scène, Editing and Montage
• Ways of Listening
• Sound Design
• Creative production work on a short video and a sound production exercise
• An in-class presentation or essay
• Camera and editing techniques
• Sound recording and mixing techniques.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Experimental sound production exercise - individual

Assessment item 2: Non-narrative video production exercise - group

Assessment item 3: In-class presentation (10 min) or essay (up to 1,000 words)

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Indicative references

Kahn, D. (1999). Noise, water, meat: a history of sound in the arts. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
Gillezeau, M., & Parsons, N. (Eds.). (2004). Hands on: a practical guide to production and technology in film, TV and new media. Sydney: Currency Press.
Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K. (2001). Film art: an introduction (6th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
MacDonald, S. (2001). The garden in the machine: a field guide to independent films about place. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Kuljuntausta, P.; Pellman, S.; DeLaurenti, C.; Drummond, J.; Ximm, A.; Hooper, G.; Corringham, V.; Thoma, P.; Proy, G. & Nagai, M (2003). Hearing Place: Sound Art Exploring Place from Around the World. Melbourne: Move Records.