Bachelor of Film Production Course

Course Content

1st Year Bachelor of Film Production

Trimester 1

BCM100: Communications and Computer Technologies
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Presentation
Credit Points: 10

A foundation unit in digital communications theory, computing and society, preparing students for the creative media industry. Hands-on experience with computers, digital research and principles of critical analysis and reporting styles are explored.

BCM110: Introduction to Digital Imaging
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Practical Assignment, Synopsis
Credit Points: 10

This unit introduces two dimensional (2D) digital image manipulation in the context of contemporary culture, media industries and the arts. Practical skills in graphic design are studied and the integratation of digital images into musical works across the spectrum of creative media including CD, DVD, web and print media are applied.

BFP100: Introduction to Film Production
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

This unit introduces the key elements of film and television, the roles of production crew, basic camera work, composition and framing, mise-en scene, montage, basic lighting, storytelling, film genre, film styles and basic editing techniques. Students examine non-verbal communications in silent cinema.

BFP110: Introduction to Film Post Production
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

The theoretical and practical implications of the editing process in the production of a digital film are examined. Digital editing techniques, history and aesthetics are explored. Montage as communication of narrative is analysed and applied to a practical project.

Trimester 2

BFP140: Film Studies 1
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Semiotics and Symbolism, how to read a film. The unit examines the social, cultural and political forces that have shaped the global film industry, charting the journey of film history from early cinema (ca. 1890 to 1945) to contemporary technologies. Key styles, genres and leading figures shaping film as a new language of expression and artform are examined.

BFP150: Motion Graphics
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Examines the use of Motion graphics as communication in the creative media industries and art form/craft. A history of motion graphics within film production and practical lectures are applied to creative project based outcomes in the realisation of a motion graphics production.

BFP160: Screenwriting
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

This unit explores the reinterpretation of visual art, literature and music in the film form. Author/producer/director matrix is examined in realtion to film adaptations, examining key elements of character development and story. Students learn existing works to adapt for the screen. Facets of story, script,camera, sound, understanding of editing and post-production techniques are examined in the creation of an adapted work.

BFP180: Introduction to Audio Technology
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of recording and mixdown of music in a small recording studio environment. Theories of audio recording technologies are taught combined with practical music and vocals complilation using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce a basic recorded work. Studio roles and processes of the recording studio, recording console signal flow diagrams and the application of different microphone types in a variety of common studio settings are studied.

Trimester 3

BFP120: Visual Effects (VFX)
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

Students are introduced to the practical techniques of 'digital visual effects' focusing on compositing within the film and television industry. Digital effects, animation techniques and the integration of live action footage are applied in a practical production. Exisiting films/media are examined and deconstructed to support the practical production.

BFP130: Music Video Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

Music videos and clips are examined, studying cinematic techniques that include computer generated images (CGI), animation and various types of common visual effects (VFX) as a means of communication and artistic expression within the music video art form. Students apply this knowledge to a practical project visualising rhythm, genre and style to create a marketing image for a musical group.

BFP170: Creative Project 1
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Practical Assignment, Report
Credit Points: 10

This unit is the culmination of Year 1 film production studies in the realisation of a creative film project as a means of artisitc expression. The project requires students to plan, manage and complete a creative work within a specialised area of film production, demonstrating technical and creative abilities, with a written report documenting process.

BFP190: The Role of Directors
Assessment Methodologies: Case Study, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

This unit explores the role of the director in creating a project, by examining the way in which a director analyses their own work, as well as the work of other directors. Students will gain an insight into the way a director approaches a production from early conceptualisation through to post-production by critically examining selected role models. Students will apply basic performance direction skills and techniques to create a short-filmed sequence using live actors.

2nd Year Bachelor of Film Production

Trimester 4

BCM200: Research & Project Models
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Proposal
Credit Points: 10

A unit focused on creative project development in the creative media industry. It combines theoretical and practical approaches to the production process. Students are introduced to research and writing strategies for documenting creative media practice.

BCM210: Audio Post Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Students are introduced to key elements of sound in audio post production. An historical map of developments in the area of sound for motion picture and television is surveyed. Students review audio technologies past and present used by engineers and sound designers to gain insight into the approaches and the affect of the sound design in motion picture.

BFP200: Documentary Production
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

This unit examines documentary as an expressive film langauage. Analysis of documentary styles, pioneering films and filmmakers in the medium and investigative research strategies for uncovering stories, common production and post production techniques used to tell the story are explored.

BFP215: The Role of Producers
Assessment Methodologies: Case Study, Report
Credit Points: 10

This unit explores at an advanced level all facets of film and television production from concept to creation. The various roles and functions of producers are examined by studying a selection of successful people who have made major contributions in and through their specialised fields. Students are encouraged to think critically about their own strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies for self-development.

Trimester 5

BCM220: Business and Legal Studies
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Essay
Credit Points: 10

The unit establishes fundamental principles business planning and matters regarding intellectual property and law for creative media practitioners. The unit navigates principles of copyright and intellectual property law for cultural producers.

BFP220: Film Studies 2
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Exam
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on BFP140: Film Studies 1 to an advanced level. A semiotics of cinema, the social, cultural and political forces that have shaped the global film industry, charting the journey of film history from early cinema (ca. 1890 to 1945) to contemporary technologies. Key styles, genres and leading figures shaping film as a new language of expression and artform are examined.

BFP230: Advanced Film Post Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on BFP10 to an advanced level. Theoretical and practical implications of the editing process in the production of a digital film are examined. Digital editing techniques, history and aesthetics are explored. Montage as communication of narrative is analysed and applied to a practical project.

BFP240: Television Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

Pre-production; production; and post production. phases in film and television production are analysed, including the roles of writer, producer and director. Collaborative teamwork project development and realisation, production management, budgeting, scheduling, and the post-production path are examined through to delivery, marketing and analysis of the overall process. An emphasis is placed on multi-cam shooting in order to expedite production as well as continuity of performance.

Trimester 6

BCM230: Marketing & Promotions
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Students are exposed to the fundamental principles of marketing, promotions and publicity. A variety of marketing strategies are examined including branding, target marketing, product development, pricing,distribution as well as the latest developments in online marketing. Students are also asked to think critically about the role of marketing in society.

BFP250: Television Commercial (TVC) Production
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

This unit explores the television commercial (TVC) as means of communication to effectivley communicate products and/or services to an audience. Critical phases of pre-production; production; and post-production are critically examined in relation to the key aspects of TVC production, including various approaches that the director may take. The unit looks closely at the role film plays in the digital world.

BFP260: Creative Project 2 (Double Unit)
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Report, Presentation
Credit Points: 20

This double unit is the culmination of the degree program, enabling students to demonstrate the full range of their technical, creative and academic skills and abilities. It provides an opportunity to undertake a large-scale creative project that displays the depth and breadth of their work. The project may involve the development and testing of a media product or the exploration of a particular production method or approach, which may take the form of a style analysis. The practical work will include an appropriate analytical critique and production logbook development.

Exit Point after 6 Trimesters with a Bachelor of Film Production

Elective Units

BCM130: Introduction to Web Technologies
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

Students are provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge fundamental to publishing for the Web. This includes tracing a history of digital technologies, principles of human-computer interaction, design concepts and information architecture, online communities and resources for the creative media industry.

ISU200: Independent Study Unit
Assessment Methodologies: To be set by unit coordinator
Credit Points: 10

Students may choose to undertake an Independent Study Unit (ISU) in the final year of their course, which enables them to study a subject or undertake a project of special interest that is not otherwise available as a formal unit. The ISU can also be used for independent research or specialised practice, or for an individual work placement with associated study and reporting of the placement opportunity. During the ISU students engage in self-directed study with close guidance from a supervisor.