Students

MMCC2012 – Screen Production: Filmmaking Across Genres

2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Iqbal Barkat
iqbal.barkat@mq.edu.au
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

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. https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/writing

 

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
Portfolio 20% No Fri 11/4/25 11.55 PM
Production Documentation 50% No Sun 8/6/2025 11.55 PM
Screen Production 30% No Sun 8/6/2025 11.55 PM

Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Fri 11/4/25 11.55 PM
Weighting: 20%

 

Students are required to submit a portfolio that documents their learning. 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.

Production Documentation

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Sun 8/6/2025 11.55 PM
Weighting: 50%

 

Each student will submit individual production documentation that demonstrates their pre-production preparation, details their contribution in their specific crew role, and provides a critical evaluation of both the final film and their role within the production team. This documentation should demonstrate understanding of professional screen production practices and the ability to critically reflect on creative and technical decisions.

 
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

Screen Production

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Sun 8/6/2025 11.55 PM
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will collaborate in small production teams to create a screen production of under 5 minutes in any form or genre. Each team member will take on a specific crew role (Director, Producer, Cinematographer, etc.). In exceptional circumstances, subject to unit convenor approval, students may undertake individual productions. 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.

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, installed on 10HA desktops.

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:

• Udemy Business https://multisearch.mq.edu.au/permalink/61MACQUARIE_INST/1c87t

k9/alma99245374432302171.

• O’Reilly Learning Platform – business and technology courses, video and ebooks

• ClickView – which has recently expanded its content to include a Tertiary Library

collection (over 2700 educational videos including foundation skills, business, finance,

health & science, video & media production)

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.

 

Unit Schedule

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

SEMINAR – Seminars will be delivered live online via Zoom on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm in Weeks 1,2,3,4,6 & 7. These seminars will be a mix of lectures, discussions, film screenings and practical demonstrations. Link provided on iLearn. Although recordings are available, the seminars are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, pose queries about assignments and discuss potential filmmaking ideas. You are highly encouraged to attend these sessions live online.

STUDENT-LED LEARNING – These are activities and exercises that will be uploaded on iLearn. Students engage with them at a time and venue of their choice. It is advised that students engage in the activities in the weeks suggested in the schedule. These activities must be completed for the Portfolio Assignment (Journal). 

WORKSHOP – This is a 2-hr activity held in Weeks 5, 11 and 12. In class sessions are held at 10HA RM 189 (Screen Production Studio). Students need to attend all 3 Workshops. Students need to stick to the same time for all 3 Workshops. For example, if they have registered for the 1-3 pm Workshop on Monday, 24th March (Week 5), they will attend the 1-3 pm Workshop on Monday 19th May (Week 11) and Monday 26th May (Week 12).  In Week 5, students will get into production groups and be assigned production roles. Students who fail to attend this workshop may not be able to complete assignments.

PRACTICAL –  Practicals will be held during the 1st week of the mid-semester break for 2 days (10 am to 5 pm). Students have to attend this activity face-to-face. Sessions are not recorded.  Students can either attend the session on Mon 14th and Tues 15th April OR Wed 16th and Thurs 17th. They have to attend the session with their production group. Group will register for which session they attend in Week 5.

 

 

 

 

WEEK

 

SEMINAR (LIVE & ONLINE)

PRACTICAL, WORKSHOP,

STUDENT-LED LEARNING, ACTIVITIES

RESOURCES

ASSIGNMENT

Semester Week 1

 

 

Seminar 1 (Live on Zoom)

What is Screen Production? Research and Screen Ideas

Student-led learning

Essential readings

Film viewings

Online technical lessons

Assignment 1 (Portfolio)- Starts




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

 

 

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 10HA RM 189 (Screen Production Studio)

1st Production meeting

 

Essential readings

Film viewings

Online technical lessons

Assignment 2 & 3 - Screen Production commences

 

Semester

Week 6

 

 

Seminar 5 (Live on Zoom)

Editing in Screen Culture

Student-led learning

Production meeting

Essential readings

Film viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Semester Week 7

 

 

Seminar 6 (Live on Zoom)

Sound in Screen Culture

Student-led learning

Production week

 

Essential readings

Film viewings

Online technical lessons

 

Assignment 1 – Portfolio Due Fri 11/4/25 11.55 PM

 

1st Week Semester Break

 

 

2-DAY ‘INTENSIVE’PRACTICAL

 

Practical

Mon 14th and Tues 15th April OR Wed 16th and Thurs 17th

Film viewings

Live technical lessons

Filmmaking practice

 

 

2nd Week Semester Break

 

Production teams prepare for production

Pre-production completed

Production commences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semester Week 8

No seminar

Group consultations

Student-led learning

Production week

 

 

Semester Week 9

 

 

No seminar

Group consultations

Student-led learning

Production ends & post-production starts

 

 

 

Semester Week 10

No seminar

Student-led learning

Post-production continues

 

 

 

Semester Week 11

No seminar

Group consultations

Student-led learning Workshop (in class)

Sound edit/design

 

Assignment 2 & 3 – Presentation of Assembly/Rough Cut

 

Semester Week 12

No Seminar

Workshop (in class)

 

Assignment 2 & 3 – Presentation of Fine Cut

Semester Week 13

No Seminar

 

 

Assignment 2 & 3 due Sun 8/6/2025 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.

Student Support

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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Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook