57129 Film and Video 1

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Media Arts and Production
Credit points: 6 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the creative challenges and technical demands of making videos and films. The course explores the basic concepts and craft skills required for film and video production through a series of introductory seminars, in-class and out-of-class exercises, and practical workshops.

It is structured to encourage students to learn through hands-on learning, experimentation and collaboration. Assignments and exercises encourage students to examine the creative possibilities in the juxtaposition of sound and image to create mood, emotion and story. While introductory in assumed knowledge, the course is designed for postgraduate-level students who are interested in developing film and video production skills.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Students completing the subject will:

Develop basic craft skills in the following areas of screen production: directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing, and sound post-production.
Develop ideas and techniques to enable further independent investigation of the critical and creative 'thinking' associated with the abovementioned areas of screen production.
Develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the art of collaboration in film and video production.
Understand health and safety issues related to film and video production, particularly in relation to lighting safety.
Understand the basic principles and procedures required for the care, maintenance and safe-keeping of equipment.

Contribution to graduate profile

The subject enables students to:

develop their critical and creative skills
develop core skills in film and video production
develop an awareness and understanding of film and television industry production protocols
develop knowledge of screen culture and film and television industry issues.

Teaching and learning strategies

Students will develop their knowledge, technical skills and understanding through seminars, in-class lectures and demonstrations, hands-on workshops, in-class and out-of-class group exercises and out-of-class technical workshops. The emphasis of the teaching and learning is hands-on and experiential. Ideas and concepts are introduced in seminars and then reinforced through in-class demonstrations, in-class exercises, and out-of-class exercises.

Content

The subject introduces concepts and technical skills integral to film and video production. These include the following:

Digital video and 16mm film photography basics
Lighting for film and video production/the role of the cinematographer
Lighting safety
Framing and composition
Screen language/visual grammar
Fundamentals of directing/the role of the director
Location sound recording/the role of the sound recordist
Editing/montage theory
Post-production sound/the role of the sound designer.

Assessment

All Assessment items must be completed

Assessment item 1: Sense of place exercise (out-of-class)

Objectives	a, b, c, d, e
Value	40%
Due	Week 3 (rushes), Week 6 (rough cut), Week 7 (completed work)
Task	To work in small groups to find a location in the Sydney area with a distinct 'sense of place'. To document the location using mini DV technology with an eye and ear for its rhythm, mood, emotion and narrative possibility. To work in small groups to edit a short sequence drawing from these rushes.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated conceptual understanding and creative interpretation of a 'sense of place' (given paramters of the exercise). Demonstrated proficiency and skill in using the mini DV cameras, tripods and associated sound recording tools. Demonstrated Proficiency and skill in basic editing of picture and sound using a non-linear (digital) editing system such as AVID. Demonstration of professional skills such as ability to 'listen' and work collaboratively, care for equipment, punctuality and ability to work to deadlines and schedules. Overall quality of final project (taking into account factors like the originality, creativity and strength of camera, lighting, location sound recording, sound design, editing).

Assessment item 2: Lighting exercise (out-of-class)

Objectives	a, b, c, d, e
Value	10%
Due	Week 6
Task	To work in small teams to solve various lighting problems using a typical location lighting kit.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated understanding, proficiency and skill in using light meter, 35mm stills camera and basic location lighting equipment. Demonstration of professional skills such as ability to listen' and work collaboratively, care for equipment, punctuality and ability to work to deadlines and schedules. Demonstrated understanding of health and safety standards of cast and crew, in relation to film lighting. Demonstrated ability to keep clear and useful notes and records of exposures and lighting floor plans. Quality of lighting stills.

Assessment item 3: Bolex experimental film exercise (out-of-class)

Objectives	a, b, c, d
Value	30%
Due	Week 13 (rushes), Week 15 complete (with soundtrack – Assessment item 4)
Task	To work with two other students, using a Bolex camera to create a short sequence that manipulates time or texture or colour.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated conceptual understanding and creativity of interpretation in filming a sequence that manipulates time or texture or colour. Demonstrated proficiency and skill in using the Bolex camera and associated equipment such as tripods, filters, light meters. Demonstration of professional skills such as ability to 'listen' and work collaboratively, care for equipment, punctuality and ability to work to deadlines and schedules. Overall quality of rushes and final edit (taking into account factors such as originality, creativity and technical assuredness.

Assessment item 4: Sound exercise (in-class and out-of-class)

Objectives	a, b, c, d
Value	20%
Due	Week 15
Task	To explore the creative potential for the juxtaposition of sound and image by making a DIY soundtrack for a short experimental sequence drawn from the rushes of assignment 4 (Bolex – experimental film exercise) and 'found object' sound/music/noise tracks.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated conceptual understanding, technical ability and creativity in making a DIY / 'found object' sound/music/noise tracks. Demonstration of professional skills such as ability to 'listen' and work collaboratively, care for equipment, punctuality and ability to work to deadlines and schedules. Ability to critically reflect on results. Overall quality of sound track (taking into account factors like the strength and originality of ideas, quality of recording, sound design and mix).

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

Suggested Reading:

Bordwell, David and Thompson, Kirstin. Film Art - An Introduction 6th edition, Alfred A Knopf, New York, 2001
Billups, Scott. Digital Moviemaking The Filmmaker's Guide to the 21st century, Focal Press, 2001
Dancyger, Ken. The technique of film and video editing, Focal Press, Boston 1993
Dancyger, Ken. The World of Film and Video Production: Aesthetics and Practices, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, Fort Worth 1999
Katz, Steven. Shot by Shot Film Directing: visualising from concept to screen, Michael Wiese Productions, 1991
Mamet, David. On Directing Film, Faber & Faber, London 1991
Mollison, Martha. Producing Videos A Complete Guide, AFTRS, Sydney, 1997.
Murch, Walter In The Blink of an Eye, AFTRS, Sydney, 1992
Proferes, N. Film Directing Fundamentals, Focal Press 2004
Rabiger, Michael. Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics 2nd Ed., Focal Press, Boston, 1997
Vineyard, Jeremy. Setting Up Your Shots Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know, Michael Wiese Productions, Studio City CA 2000
Weis, Elizabeth and Belton, John (eds) Film Sound: Theory and Practice, Columbia University Press, New York 1985
Wheeler, Paul. Digital Cinematography, Focal Press 2001
Weston, Judith Directing Actors, Michael Weise Productions, Michigan 1996.