50155 Film and Video Production

Handbook description

This subject develops ideas and concepts introduced in the prerequisite subjects, and is a further exploration of the creative challenges and technical demands of making film and video. Students extend their understanding of the craft skills required for professional film and video production through a series of introductory seminars, in-class and out-of-class exercises and practical workshops. These craft skills include cinematography, editing, production design, directing, sound recording, and production management. The subject also introduces students to 16 mm filmmaking and exercises are designed to take students through the technical and conceptual issues involved in realising an idea in the medium of 16 mm film. Film and Video Production stresses the importance of collaboration in professional film and video production and students learn skills that help them to be effective crew members and work as part of a creative team. It enables students to develop production skills as a basis for future film and video projects.

Subject objectives/outcomes

It is expected that students completing the subject will:

1. develop craft skills in directing, production management, cinematography, sound and editing
2. understand the different crew roles and procedures necessary for drama production in film and video
3. develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the art of collaboration in film and video production
4. develop an appreciation of the importance of planning, preparation and problem solving in film and video production
5. develop critical abilities to assess and evaluate production work (evaluate rushes, camera work, quality of sound recording etc.)
6. acquire the basic disciplines and attitudes necessary for their own future projects and for professional work in the industry
7. understand health and safety issues related to film and video production, particularly in relation to lighting safety
8. understand the basic principles and procedures required for the care, maintenance and safe-keeping of equipment.

Contribution to graduate profile

The subject contributes to a student's ability to:

• take up industrial and artisan roles in the media arts and production industries
• be self reliant and able to collaborate on media arts projects from conception to post production and presentation
• be adaptable, flexible and innovative.

The subject also enables students to:

• gain conceptual and practical production experience in different forms, approaches, styles and genres
• develop industry entry-level technical and conceptual skills
• develop critical and creative skills
• develop skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork necessary for the collaborative nature of media production work.

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 practice based.

Content

The first part of the subject introduces a series of concepts and technical skills integral to film and video production. In the later part of the subject, students will take a crew role assigned by the lecturer, in order to participate in three short film / video shoots. At least one of these shoots is a 16mm synch sound location shoot, where a short dramatic scene is taken from pre-production to completion.

As a whole, the subject content is designed to enable students to investigate the roles, responsibilities and creative challenges facing: the Director; 1st AD; sound recordist; boom swinger; Director of Photography (DOP); focus puller; clapper-loader; grip; gaffer; production designer; stand-by props; continuity person, editor; sound editor and producer/ production manager. Students also develop an understanding of the technical and conceptual issues involved in realising an idea in the medium of 16mm film.

Ideas and techniques covered in the subject include:

• Location/studio sound recording
• Microphone theory and practice
• DAT recorders and location sound recording
• Essential principles of photography / cinematography
• Lighting for film and television
• Location/studio lighting
• Incident and reflected lightmeters
• An introduction to Production Design and the Art Department
• Rushes handling and an introduction to the film laboratory
• Planning and preparing for a short drama production
• 16mm sync sound recording
• 16mm cameras and filming
• On set procedures and protocols for 16mm drama production
• Critical appraisal and evaluation of 'rushes'
• 16mm single and double-system editing
• Editing
• Sound editing
• Post production of a short drama
• Care and maintenance of equipment
• Health and safety for film and video production.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Written proficiency test

Assessment item 2: Micro-drama shoot and edit

Assessment item 3: In-class shoot and out-of-class edit of short 16mm synch sound film

Assessment item 4: Location shoot – out of class

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

Katz, Steven. Shot by Shot Film Directing: visualising from concept to screen. Michael Wiese Productions, 1991

Mamet, David. On Directing Film. Faber and Faber, London 1991

Mollison, Martha. Producing Videos A Complete Guide. AFTRS, Sydney, 1997.

Murch, Walter. In The Blink of an Eye AFTRS, Sydney, 1992

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.