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.

This unit introduces students to the video camera as the primary tool of video production and visual storytelling. It aims to create an awareness of screen language and its role in the construction of meaning, culture and history. Students will consider the significance of the means of production as part of this process. Students will develop thorough pre production and production work practices and be able document this creative process. Students will experience hands-on learning to gain technical and creative skills, in the production of an original project, supported by class workshops and exercises.

This unit is a series of workshops designed to develop students’ skills in the principles of non-linear editing for digital video production. It aims to develop students’ appreciation for the art and craft of editing in visual and aural storytelling. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of editing styles and approaches to video footage and be capable of working within various genres and narrative structures. Students will also be exposed to current industry practice and emerging trends.

This unit provides an introduction to postproduction sound for film, television, video and multi-media production. Students learn to understand and analyse media soundtracks and through project-based assessment, develop the skills to implement post-production and sound design techniques.

Practical workshops in advanced camera coverage and visual storytelling techniques for film, television and digital media. Additional skills in moving camera, lighting, screen performance, and location sound recording techniques for video camera. Through screen analysis and group discussions, students apply critical awareness to their own work, and contribute constructively to project development. The workshop provides an opportunity for students to develop original ideas for their own projects, for trial and experimentation with visual storytelling approaches. This can form the basis of their final work in Video Project, or a major video production that best represents their interests, skills and creativity.

The unit explores the art and technology of digital effects design as applied to digital video production, motion graphics and animation. The course provides students the opportunity to digitally manipulate a combination of source material into unified visual sequences integrated with sound. By doing so, students will examine and critique current styles and trends in the digital effects industry; consider the revolution these emerging technologies have had on the practice of digital media production, animation and time based design.

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 their final assignment. Video Project is the culmination of prior learning in DV camera techniques, non-linear editing and sound. This unit allows students to produce a video piece that expresses original ideas, creativity and shows their level of expertise and skill to best advantage.

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).

This unit introduces students to the common vocabulary of scriptwriting to examine the principles of script structure, characterisation and narrative. Students develop scriptwriting techniques through practical exercises and learn to write for production. Weekly topics include story concepts, building the story, characters, dialogue, genres, drama and comedy writing.