Students

MMCC2012 – Screen Production: Filmmaking Across Genres

2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor & Lecturer
Iqbal Barkat
Contact via Email
10HA 191B
Monday 1-5pm; other days by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to professional screen production practices, with a focus on creative development of ideas, cinematography, visual & aural style, and editing. The unit is delivered through seminars, screenings, practical workshops, in-class and online exercises, and equipment and software demonstrations. The 'hands-on' and experiential intensive mode of delivery exposes students to real-world practices and fosters development of collaboration and communication skills. Students work individually and in groups, as part of production crews, to generate original screen media when completing assignments. This unit aims to develop students' ability to critically analyse and evaluate their own and other's work and to place it within a historical, creative and theoretical context.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: demonstrate understanding of introductory conceptual and practical skills in planning and executing screen productions.
  • ULO2: integrate screen production terminology and apply this knowledge to critically interpret and analyse screen production works.
  • ULO3: apply skills and strategies for planning and problem solving in a screen production setting.
  • ULO4: evaluate one's own and peer production works and identify creative and technical issues in these works.
  • ULO5: collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow students and work to production deadlines.
  • ULO6: evaluate and synthesize contemporary production processes, crew roles, basic on-set protocols, and screen industry related safety procedures
  • ULO7: identify how screen productions can contribute to the awareness of social issues.

General Assessment Information

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to written reports and recordings only. Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Pitch Presentation 30% No Friday 08/03/2024 11.55 pm
Portfolio 10% No Friday 26/04/2024 11.55 pm
Screen Production 60% No Friday 31/05/2024 11.55 pm

Pitch Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Friday 08/03/2024 11.55 pm
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will develop a pitch for a film of under 5 minutes in length. For this assessment students need to submit a digital presentation of the pitch.

Refer to iLearn for further information.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate understanding of introductory conceptual and practical skills in planning and executing screen productions.
  • integrate screen production terminology and apply this knowledge to critically interpret and analyse screen production works.
  • identify how screen productions can contribute to the awareness of social issues.

Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: Friday 26/04/2024 11.55 pm
Weighting: 10%

 

Students are required to maintain a portfolio that documents their learning including completing set weekly tasks on iLearn. The purpose of the portfolio is to engage in reflective learning and to assist in developing and documenting critical screen production skills.

Refer to iLearn for further information.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate understanding of introductory conceptual and practical skills in planning and executing screen productions.
  • integrate screen production terminology and apply this knowledge to critically interpret and analyse screen production works.
  • apply skills and strategies for planning and problem solving in a screen production setting.
  • evaluate one's own and peer production works and identify creative and technical issues in these works.
  • collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow students and work to production deadlines.
  • evaluate and synthesize contemporary production processes, crew roles, basic on-set protocols, and screen industry related safety procedures
  • identify how screen productions can contribute to the awareness of social issues.

Screen Production

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Friday 31/05/2024 11.55 pm
Weighting: 60%

 

This assignment has 2 components: Final Film (30%) Critical Evaluation of Role (30%)

1. Final Film. Selected pitch presentations will go into production. Films will be made in small groups (or students may choose to make their films individually).

2. Critical Evaluation of Role. Crew role performance is assessed on the basis of the final film and a report critically analysing and evaluating the production and the student’s contribution.

Refer to iLearn for further information.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate understanding of introductory conceptual and practical skills in planning and executing screen productions.
  • apply skills and strategies for planning and problem solving in a screen production setting.
  • evaluate one's own and peer production works and identify creative and technical issues in these works.
  • collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow students and work to production deadlines.
  • evaluate and synthesize contemporary production processes, crew roles, basic on-set protocols, and screen industry related safety procedures
  • identify how screen productions can contribute to the awareness of social issues.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Computer Requirements:

  • Personal Computer: It is encouraged that students have a computer or laptop capable of video editing.
  • Desktop Access: Access to high-performance desktop computers is available in 10HA. These computers are equipped with AVID Media Composer, the preferred video editing software for all screen units. Familiarisation with the Mac OS is encouraged as most computers in Building 10HA are Apple computers.

Software Access:

  • AVID Media Composer: Installed on 10HA desktops and it is preferred for use in all screen units.
  • Adobe Suite: Includes Premiere Pro, available for installation on personal computers.

Equipment and Software Usage: Access to the necessary equipment and software will be provided by the university. Students will be required to work with a variety of departmental digital and mechanical technologies, including:

  • Video Recording Equipment: Such as Sony PXW-FS5 and FX6 cameras.
  • Audio Equipment: Including sound recorders and microphones.
  • Editing Software: Digital editing tools for both still and moving images.
  • Supporting Equipment: Image stabilising gear, tripods, dollies, and various portable lighting tools.

Online Learning Resources: The university provides access to online platforms for learning about screen production technologies:

Health and Safety:

  • Footwear: Flat-heeled, closed shoes are mandatory in the screen production studio.
  • Headphones: Students must use their own headphones when working on desktop computers in 10HA.
  • Safety Guidelines: Adherence to health and safety guidelines is required during workshops and production activities. A safety report is mandatory for all productions.

Unit Schedule

MMCC2012 SEMESTER 1 2024 SCHEDULE

MMCC2012 is not delivered in a standard mode like many other units.  The activities for this unit include:

SEMINAR – Seminars will be conducted live online via Zoom on Mondays from 6-8 pm in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, as detailed on the course timetable. These sessions will encompass lectures, discussions, film screenings, and practical demonstrations, accessible through the link provided on iLearn. Attendance is strongly advised to facilitate active engagement with course material, including the opportunity to discuss assignments and filmmaking concepts. Recordings of these seminars will only be made available upon request under specific circumstances, such as absence due to illness.

STUDENT-LED LEARNING – Activities and exercises pertinent to the course will be uploaded to iLearn by 5 pm each Monday, as outlined in the course schedule. Students are afforded the flexibility to engage with these materials at their convenience, both in terms of time and location. However, it is recommended that students adhere to the suggested weekly schedule for optimal learning progression. Completion of these activities is a requisite for the Portfolio Assignment.

WORKSHOP – A mandatory 2-hour workshop will be conducted in Weeks 5, 10, and 12. Students who have opted for on-campus participation are required to attend the face-to-face sessions at 10HA RM 189 (Screen Production Studio). Those registered for online attendance will participate live via Zoom. It is imperative that students attend all three workshops at their registered time. For instance, students registered for the Practical from 3-5 pm on Monday, 18 March (Week 5), are also expected to attend at the same time on 6 May (Week 10) and 20 May (Week 12). The initial workshop in Week 5 is crucial for forming production groups and assigning roles. Absence from this workshop may necessitate the completion of an individual production project, as group integration might not be feasible.

PRACTICAL –  Practical sessions are scheduled for the first week of the mid-semester break, spanning two consecutive days from 10 am to 5 pm. Attendance is mandatory and must be in person, as these sessions will not be recorded. Students have the option to attend either on Monday, 15th April and Tuesday, 16th April, or on Wednesday, 17th April and Thursday, 18th April. It is essential that students participate in these sessions alongside their assigned production group. Groups are required to register their chosen dates during Week 5.

WEEK

 

LECTURE (LIVE & ONLINE)

PRACTICAL, WORKSHOP,

STUDENT-LED LEARNING, ACTIVITIES

RESOURCES

ASSIGNMENT

Semester Week 1

 

 

Seminar 1 (Live on Zoom)

Concepts into Screen Productions: Screenwriting, Research and Screen Ideas 

Student-led learning

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

Assignment 1 - Starts

Major Production Pitch Presentation 

Semester Week 2

 

 

Seminar 2 (Live on Zoom)

Introduction to Screen Production 

Student-led learning

 

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

 

 

Semester Week 3

 

 

Seminar 3 (Live on Zoom)

Preproduction 

Student-led learning

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Assignment 1 Due Fri 8/3/2024 11.55 PM 

Semester Week 4

 

 

Seminar 4 (Live on Zoom)

The Screen Image (Screen Grammar/Visual Language)

The Camera and Movement 

The Production Process 

Production Design 

Student-led learning

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Semester Week 5

 

 

No Seminar

 

Workshop (in class OR live online on Zoom)

10HA RM 189 (Screen Production Studio) 

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

Production meeting

Pre-production

Semester

Week 6

 

 

Seminar 5 (Live on Zoom)

Editing in Screen Culture

Student-led learning

 

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

Production meeting

Pre-production

 

Semester Week 7

 

 

Seminar 6 (Live on Zoom)

Sound in Screen Culture

Student-led learning

 

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Production meeting

Pre-production

Semester Week 8

 

 

No Seminar 

Group consultations

 

Student-led learning

 

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Production meeting

Pre-production

         

1st Week Semester Break

 

 

 2 DAY ‘INTENSIVE’PRACTICAL

 

Practicals

Tues 11th /Wed 12th OR Thurs 13th/  Fri 14thApril      10 am to 5 pm

Film Viewings

Live technical lessons

Filmmaking practice

 

 

2nd Week Semester Break

 

Production starts

 

 

 

Assignment 3 - Screen Production commences 

Production week

 

Semester Week 9

 

 

No Seminar 

Group consultations

 

Student-led learning

Essential Readings

Film Viewings

Online technical lessons

Assignment 2 – Portfolio Due Fri 26/4/2024 11.55 PM

Production week

Post-production starts

Semester Week 10

 

 

No Seminar 

 

Workshop (in class OR live online on Zoom)

 

 

Assignment 3 – Presentation of Assembly/Rough Cut 

 

Semester Week 11

 

 

No Seminar 

Group consultations

 

Student-led learning

 

Post-production continues

Sound edit/design

Semester Week 12

 

 

No Seminar 

 

Workshop (in class OR live online on Zoom)

 

 

Assignment 3 – Presentation of Fine Cut 

 

Semester Week 13

 

 

No Seminar

 

 

Assignment 3 due Fri 31/5/2024 11.55 PM

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

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Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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Unit information based on version 2024.03 of the Handbook