Diploma of Screen

(CUF50401)

The Diploma of Screen course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the film and television industry so they clearly understand the role each person and each department plays. .

Filmmaking is a highly collaborative artform and as such it's vital that each member of a filmmaking team understands the process as a whole in order to work effectively.

Qsft's Diploma of Screen course is fully accredited and recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework. Qsft is also a Recognised Training Organisation.

CRICOS Course code: 043525D

CRICOS Provider Code: 02158F

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Diploma of Screen : Queensland School of Film & Television

Areas of Study

The Diploma of Screen course is run over two consecutive years full time. Students may also opt for part time study if they wish. The qsft has two intakes for this course per year. Semester 1 intake is in March. Semester 2 intake is in August.

The Diploma of Screen covers the following Areas of Study (in alphabetical order below):

Advanced Camera & Post-Production Procedures

This Area of Study covers the processes from developing the negative photographed in production to the final release print consisting of the edited vision and sound.

Camera Operation Fundamentals

Through the use of a stills camera, DV camera and 16mm camera, this Area of Study will prepare the student for using video and motion picture equipment. It will cover the theory required for understanding exposures and composition, including filters, lenses, film stock, theory and technique.

Cinematography

This Area of Study explores motion picture camera technique. It covers the technical aspects of cinematography and will examine the roles in the Camera Department, particularly that of the Camera Assistant.

Information Technology for Production

Today's producer is reliant on computers to quickly process and retrieve information. Productions require large amounts of paperwork, however, computers have helped to reduce this.

There are numerous software packages on the market that are used in production. In this Area of Study the student will learn about non-linear editing, basic animation, graphics, as well as the administrative side of filmmaking from budgeting to scheduling.

Documentary Production

This Area of Study builds on Video Production by taking the student into more complex video production projects. The purpose of this Area of Study is to provide the learner with skills and knowledge to produce documentaries. It includes financing, scriptwriting, proposals, treatments, research, interviewing and paperwork.

Editing

This Area of Study looks at the grammar of editing.

Editing has been purposely introduced before any production units, since it is the crux of a production. Often it is not until students edit their material that they realise how much footage they missed acquiring.

By understanding the editing process, it will be seen:

Why you need to carefully prepare a shot list or script prior to shooting

Why you must take those "pick-up" shots
Why you can't cross the line of action when shooting
Why you need to tape wild sound
All these concepts will form a practical basis for the production Areas of Study taken later in the course when actual videos and films will be made.

Film Production

By second semester, second year, a student will have already acquired skills in such areas as: cinematography, sound, lighting, production management and editing. In this Area of Study students will use a combination of these skills to work as a member of a team on a film production. Students will be involved in the pre-production and production stages of the film. They will also be taught the concepts that are unique to film production such as budgeting, scheduling, production design, location scouting, lighting and sound reconnaissance.

Industry Knowledge and Safety

This Area of Study will give an overview of the skills and knowledge required to access, increase and update knowledge of the film and television industry. The ability to work as part of a team is essential in the film and television industry and students will participate in activities to help develop their skills to be an effective team member.

Also covered in this Area of Study, will be workplace, health and safety issues and risk management pertinent to the film and television industry.

Lighting for Film and Television

This Area of Study explores lighting - a very important element in cinematography. It will cover technical aspects as well as the creative side of lighting. Gripping is also covered.

Production Design

Production Design is not only required for feature films, but also for smaller productions. This Area of Study takes the student from the script through to the final set. Topics include model-making, drawing, research, location surveys, props buting, set dressing, wardrobe, make-up and hairdressing, contruction techniques and design.

Production Management

This Area of Study covers a wide field from managing a small production company to managing a feature film project. While the details are different, the concepts are similar. Topics covered include budgeting, paperwork, production boards, equipment costing, legals, and script breakdown and scheduling.

Sound and Production Technology

This Area of Study will show why sound is important and how to use it. It will give an overview of sound and will cover live recordings, mixing, sound effects, and operation and maintenance of equipment.

Sound Recording and Post-Production Sound

This Area of Study aims to train the student to be able to answer such questions as:

Which microphone accurately records a grand piano?
How would you record a jet taking off?
How do you record the voice of someone on horseback?
How do you record someone speaking in a car without interference from the background sound?
How do you record sound effects?

Television Production

Production in the television environment, particularly for live shows, is very different from producing a feature film or documentary.

The Area of Study will cover the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the TV studio. Students will write and direct a single camera drama. Topics covered include direction, camera placement, lighting, microphones and floor management

Television Commercial Production

Television commercial production is a very important part of the industry. Many professionals make their "bread and butter" living from commercials or rely on them for work in between films. While some professionals choose to specialise in TVCs on a permanent basis, others may use them as a stepping stone on their way to producing bigger projects.

Video Production

This Area of Study will give an overview of the production process from being handed a brief to completion of the production. Students will produce a corporate video including writing the brief, proposal, script, and preparing the budget, as well as the actual production of the video.

Area of Study Enrichment (for international students only - every semester.)

This is an enrichment subject for students on an overseas student visa. The topics covered each semester will reinforce and further develop the learning and skills of the other Areas of Study being undertaken that semester. Topics include Film Comparison; Lighting, Photography and Filming; Production of a Short Film on DV; Production of a Documentary on either DV or 16mm film; Production of a Short Film on HD.

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