57129 Film and Video 1

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

On completion of this subject, students will:

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

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject:

• develops critical and creative skills
• develops core skills in film and video production
• develops an awareness and understanding of film and television industry production protocols
• develops 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

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

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

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

Assessment item 4: Sound exercise (in-class and 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

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.