50248 Media Arts and Production 2

Handbook description

In this subject, students are introduced to the new media industries. They examine a range of new media practices, and the challenges and opportunities for media producers in developing content for these emerging areas. Students are encouraged to explore ways in which traditional and new media are converging to create new types of content, practices and industries. Basic new media skills and techniques are covered in tutorials and workshops. They are realised in a small new media production exercise. The film and video component of this subject introduces narrative forms and genre. It teaches professional work practices and media production management at an introductory level. Students gain hands on experience in the tutorials and workshops with screen lighting technique and safety. Students develop their conceptual and technical skills through a small group-based production exercise.

This subject and Media Arts and Production 1 complement each other and are 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 be able to:

1. work collaboratively in more specified but general crew roles
2. demonstrate production management skills
3. demonstrate narrative concepts in scripting, performance and mise-en-scène and apply techniques using digital cameras, editing and basic lighting, based upon a particular genre
4. develop a thorough knowledge of the safety issues of concern to the media practitioner
5. demonstrate approaches to developing creative content for new media formats and develop a basic understanding of basic techniques required for digital media production
6. explore ways in which traditional and new media are converging.

Contribution to graduate profile

Part 2 of the introduction to the broad range of media arts creative concepts and work practices covered in 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 and is used to introduce technical and workshop activities. The workshops allow students to gain basic technical proficiency with lighting technology and convergent media softwares through short academically directed activities.

Content

• Principles of scripting short narratives
• Introduction to performance styles and directing performances
• Introduction to basic lighting set-ups for narrative and industrial safety when using lights
• Creative techniques with new media design
• New media software operations
• Group based creative production work on a short video assignment
• Individual creative production work on a new media assignment
• Individual test on safety issues in media production
• Individual creative production work on an online research assignment

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Narrative Video Production exercise - Group

Assessment item 2: New Media Exercise - Individual

Assessment item 3: Online Research Presentation - individual

Assessment item 4: Safety Test

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

Manovich, L. (2001). The language of new media. Mass.;London:MIT Press.

Stansberry, D. (1998). Labyrinths:the art of interactive writing. Belmont, CA:Wadsworth Pub. Co.

Murray, J. (1998). Hamlet on the Holodeck:The Future Of Narrative In Cyberspace. Cambridge:MIT Press.

Gifford, B. (2001). Out of the Past : Adventures in Film Noir. Jackson:University Press of Mississippi.

Ascher, S. & Pincus, P. (1999). The Filmmakers Handbook, A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age. New York:Plume.

Gillezeau, M., & Parsons, N. (Eds.). (2004). Hands on: a practical guide to production and technology in film, TV and new media. Sydney:Currency Press.

Kawin, B. (1992). How Movies Work. Berkeley:University of California Press.

Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2001). Film art: an introduction (6th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Vineyard, J. (1999). Setting up your shots:great camera moves every filmmaker should know.

Studio City:Michael Wiese Productions.

Mascelli, J. (1965). The five C's of cinematography:motion picture filming techniques simplified.

Hollywood : Cine/Grafic Pub.

Walter, M. (1995). In the Blink Of An Eye:A Perspective on Film Editing.

Los Angeles:Silman-James Press.