Students
MECO831 – Independent Cinema
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Kathryn Millard
Contact via kathryn.millard@mq.edu.au
Y3A 157
Monday 2.00-3.30
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCrMedia
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the history, aesthetics and culture of independent cinema with a particular emphasis on shifting practices in a digital era. It will explore contemporary trends in independent cinema such as the blurring between fiction and non-fiction and new collaborative practices through detailed readings, viewings and case studies.
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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:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Synthesise and build cinematic writing and production skills through the development of a Screen Idea Dossier.
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
General Assessment Information
Hard copies of assignments should be submitted through the appropriate box on the ground floor of W6A.
All assignments must be attempted to pass this course.
Criteria for assessment will be discussed in seminars and provided prior to each assignment.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Idea Dossier | 30% | Week 6 | No | ||
| Video Essay or Audio Podcast | 30% | Week 8 | No | ||
| Script and Scene Sketches | 30% | Week 13 | No | ||
| Participation | 10% | Throughout Semester | No |
Screen Idea Dossier
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This dossier is a record of work-in-progress for your proposed short independent video (5- 7 minutes, a maximum of 3 locations). The dossier should contain:
Research materials : A brief account of the research you have undertaken. It could include reading, viewing, listening. Include 2-3 images of a proposed key location/setting and an account of its role in your story/idea.
Script materials: a 150 word outline for your video idea and a
2-3 page treatment. Visual scripts offer an alternative to a treatment. Examples will be discussed in seminars.
Students will be assessed on the suitability of idea for screen media, evidence of research undertaken in more than one mode (eg. listening, viewing, reading), visual and written expression, clarity and presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Synthesise and build cinematic writing and production skills through the development of a Screen Idea Dossier.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Video Essay or Audio Podcast
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
1.A short video or podcast response (8-10 minutes) to an independent film that particularly resonates for you. Alternatively, you may discuss an aspect of independent cinema that especially interests you. Ensure that you have researched your topic and viewed the film carefully before scripting your own response. You may choose to speak to camera or use voiceover. You may choose to shoot/record this on your smartphone – or to use MQ cameras and editing facilities available. Examples will be discussed in seminars and production advice/support is available.
Students will be assessed on evidence of in-depth research, clarity of written/spoken expression and contribution to debates and discussion about the aesthetics and practices of independent cinema.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Script and Scene Sketches
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
Script and Scene Sketches
A First Draft Script developed from the materials in your Screen Idea Dossier. A Visual Script may offer an alternative – depending on your subject and preferred method of working.
Consider some of the methods to developing screen ideas used in independent cinema discussed throughout this course. Prepare exploratory sketches, storyboards, animatics or video footage to test your proposed approach to production.
This materials will form the basis of a presentation/discussion in Week 13. Please note that collaboration is encouraged. You can choose to do this assignment 3 individually or with other students.
Students will be assessed on the degree to which the idea has developed from Assignment 1, viability of the work for independent production, evidence of research, written and visual expression, suitability of work to be realised via images and sound, innovation in chosen media.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Synthesise and build cinematic writing and production skills through the development of a Screen Idea Dossier.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Participation
Due: Throughout Semester
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all seminars via preparation, contribution to discussion and dialogue.
Students on the basis of their attendance, evidence of preparation and active contribution to discussion and dialogue.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
Delivery and Resources
Recommended Reading
Sites/Articles
52 Tuesdays
http://my52tuesdays.com/about-the-film/
Cinema’s Invisible Art
http://www.granta.com/New-Writing/Cinemas-Invisible-Art
Dardenne Brothers on Making Films
http://99u.com/articles/6987/the-dardenne-brothers-on-hard-work-patience-mentors
Documentary Australia Foundation
https://www.documentaryaustralia.com.au
Errol Morris
Fabian Astore’s The Threshold
http://fabian.astore.id.au/blog/portfolio/the-threshold/
‘Guy Maddin: A Film Treatment in Collage’
http://www.sienese-shredder.com/2/guy_maddin-key_hole_a_film_treatment_in_collage.html
Hope for Film (producing and distribution)
Conversation with Jia Zhangke
http://asiasociety.org/video/conversation-jia-zhangke-complete
Indiewire (production stories)
Interview with Agnes Varda
http://www.believermag.com/issues/200910/?read=interview_varda
Jump Cut (criticism)
http://www.ejumpcut.org/home.html
Shut Up Little Man site
Re-inventors (series of roundtables on reinventing cinema)
http://reinventors.net/series/reinvent-hollywood
Ukraine Is not A Brothel (Director Kitty Green) Press book
http://www.ukraineisnotabrothel.com/UINAB_-_PRESSBOOK.pdf
Watch Sundance short films
http://www2.sundance.org/video/browse/
Books
Barry, Lynda (2014) Syballus: Notes From an Accidental Professor
Marsha Berry and Max Schlesser (2014) Mobile Media Making in an Age of Smartphones
Linda Khatib (2013) Storytelling in World Cinemas
Geoff King (2014) American Independent Cinema
Macdonald, Scott (2014) Avant Doc: Intersections of Documentary and Avant-Garde Cinema
Maddin, Guy (2012) My Winnipeg
Millard, Kathryn Screenwriting in a Digital Era
Web, Alex and Norris Rebecca (2014) Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris on Street Photography and the Poetic Image
Wells, Paul (2007) Scriptwriting: An Introduction (Animation Basics)
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, 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 ask.mq.edu.au.
Additional information
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Assessment tasks
- Screen Idea Dossier
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Script and Scene Sketches
- Participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Synthesise and build cinematic writing and production skills through the development of a Screen Idea Dossier.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Assessment tasks
- Screen Idea Dossier
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Script and Scene Sketches
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
Assessment tasks
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Participation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing and producing independent filmmaking.
- Synthesise and build cinematic writing and production skills through the development of a Screen Idea Dossier.
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Assessment tasks
- Screen Idea Dossier
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Script and Scene Sketches
- Participation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Critically analyse selected independent cinema projects.
Assessment tasks
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
Assessment tasks
- Screen Idea Dossier
- Video Essay or Audio Podcast
- Script and Scene Sketches
Changes from Previous Offering
MECO 840 is offered for the first time in Semester 1, 2015. Student input concerning additional topics to be covered - and areas of especial interest - is most welcome.