This unit introduces students to the principles of screen and sound media in theory and practice. It has a strong emphasis on digital video and new media, yet it also aims to create an awareness of screen language and its role in the construction of meaning, culture and history by looking at key examples from classic films, to contemporary films, videos, documentaries, animation and video art. It introduces students to the main concepts in media production, filmmaking and sound, such as camera coverage, visual storytelling, genre, narrative, montage, or sound design. It also introduces students to basic editing software.

Introduction to the video camera and the formation of images through techniques in the use of mini DV including composition, lighting, applied uses, location and non-location. Introduction to genres and styles of videography and cinematography.

Introduction to principles of editing for non-linear digital video editing systems including editing purpose, editing functions, aesthetics of continuity, complexity post-production, offline and on-line editing.

Introduction to postproduction sound for applications to video and multi-media production.

The workshop is conducted as a forum for technical demonstrations, workshops, special guest lectures, screenings and group discussions. Students will focus on specific advanced camera/sound/editing problems.

The unit introduces one to digital manipulation of images by learning the basics of programs such as Adobe Photoshop and After Effects. The unit provides a base that students in filmmaking can use in the editing of their films. The unit is designed to enable students to explore and examine the evolving current and future opportunities for post production design using digital video design and effects technologies. Students will design and produce material ready for offset printing and for quicktime format. By doing so, students will examine and critique current styles and trends in digital video; consider the impact of these emerging technologies on the practice of design; and investigate the potential social and cultural context of such formats.

Introduction to broadcast design with an emphasis on the design of program delivery, interaction of broadcast elements, institutional formations in broadcasting and role of broadcast designer in the production team.

Video Project will involve students intensively in the application of digital video techniques within a collective major project as your final assignment. Video Project is the culmination of prior learning in DV Camera techniques, non-linear editing and sound.

This unit provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they are developing during their studies to tasks within a workplace (the host organisation). The unit is likely to involve substantial contact with the public through workplace placements and, for this reason, it is deemed a professional placement. The unit is restricted to students in their third year of study (or part time equivalent). In addition to the following points, prospective students must submit an application for entry (see below). It is the responsibility of students to nominate suitable workplaces. Students must provide adequate details of the placement they have been able to organise. You will need to do your own canvassing and arrange a suitable workplace on your own behalf. While, on occasion, academic staff may help you find a placement through contacts with employers, as well as offers from employers seeking students, you should not rely on anyone but yourself to arrange a suitable work placement. You will need to: find a suitable placement; discuss your choice with the course coordinator (phone or email); complete the workplace agreement form.

To develop a common vocabulary of scriptwriting; to examine the principles of script structure, characterisation and narrative, and to develop scriptwriting techniques through practical exercises and to learn to write for performance. Weekly topics include story concepts, building the story, characters, dialogue, genres, feature film and documentary script writing, script editing.