Diploma of Screen and Media CUF50107
(one year full time - two semesters of 20 weeks each)
A nationally accredited course within the nominated standards of the Australian Screen (Film & Television) Industries and audited by the Vocational Education Training & Accreditation Board (VETAB) on behalf of the Australian Government.
Click to see full details about the Training and Assessment Strategy, including the delivery and assessment of units of competency, vocational outcomes, modes of study and course credit arrangements.
Semester One
(average 20 hours per week)
All our classes support the major film productions, covering the essential aspects of filmmaking. From the very first day students are involved in Pre-production; research, writing, pitching, casting, crewing, scheduling, production management, rehearsal and design through to Production; locations, set building, blocking, directing actors, lighting, filming, recording and then on to Post-production; editing, music, sound design, mixing, copyright and distribution. These practical aspects of the course are supported with classes in Screen Language, Australian Cinema, specialist workshops, elective specialisations and Meet the Filmmaker with special guest screenings and discussions.
The school supplies all the equipment and budgets for the projects.
Semester Two
(average 20 hours per week)
After completing Semester One, students have the opportunity to explore further aspects of filmmaking with longer specialist workshops. Students also make larger major group film and/or documentary projects with continuing professional mentors. Each student also makes their own 16mm or digital Thesis Film, supported to find their individual creative voice. Through our practical focus we help students master skills under real production conditions that will give them the confidence to find a place in this industry.
The school supplies all the equipment and budgets for the projects.
Every film and documentary from Semesters One and Two is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema. It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
Subjects Semester One
16mm Film Production and 16mm Film Editing (Drama)
These subjects teach the practical aspects of single camera drama production using 16mm film technology including:
• structure of film crews and the associated tasks
• breaking down a script and production planning
• developing a project
• studio and location lighting
• studio and location sound recording
• film cameras, their use and care
• the properties of film, lenses and filters
• film editing and soundtracks
• film laboratory liaison
• titles, contracts and copyright
These Subjects are delivered in weekly, three-hour classes.
In addition there is a full-day practical master class where students rotate in key crew roles to reinforce skills and knowledge gained during class in preparation for the major film shoots. It is also expected that students will use supervised workshop time and downtime in the cutting room to borrow equipment to practice their skills and complete set exercises.
Camera Workshops
In small teams students spend time mastering the setting up, loading and operation of these 16mm film camera and accessories.
Drama Projects
The major 16mm film projects are produced by student crews of twelve, using a cash budget allocated for the purpose. Each student fulfils a key crew role on two 16mm film projects. Three weeks are set aside mid semester for the final preparation and shooting of these films.
The Selection of Major Projects
On Orientation Day, at the commencement of the course all students will be given a selection of five-six short scripts. These scripts were considered to be the very best written by the students of the previous semester. From this group of scripts every student must choose one to interpret and to pitch. In week 3 every student will pitch to their peers their vision for one of these scripts. A panel of staff will independently assess each pitch and will then create a shortlist of potential directors to go for a second round of interviews. One of these projects will be chosen for every twelve students. Selection is based on the project’s clarity, feasibility and creative potential.
After the directors of projects have been selected they are teamed up with producers and production managers selected from the students that have attended the Producing specialisation.
Around this core team a crew of twelve students is assembled. The twelve key roles include: camera operator, clapper loader/camera assistant, director, director of photography, editor, first assistant director, focus puller, producer, production designer, production manager, and a sound team of two-recorders/designers. Creative contributions from all crew members are necessary if the project is to reach its full potential.
Over and above these roles there are extra opportunities for second roles such as composer, design assistant, gaffer, grip, location manager, makeup, standby props and more.
Students get to witness the complete production process from the vantage point of their particular role. Through production meetings, casting sessions, rehearsals, location scouting, the shoot itself, through watching the editing, production reports (presented in class) and finally the public screening of the final film students gain valuable insights into all aspects of production that cannot be achieved in any other way.
Digital Production and Digital Editing (Documentary)
These Subjects teach the practical skills of digital video production in the documentary context including:
• forms and styles of documentary films
• interviewing skills and techniques
• researching, planning and pitching a documentary proposal
• location sound recording, camera operation and coverage
• digital video sound and picture editing with Final Cut Pro
The Digital Production Subject is delivered in 14 weekly three-hour classes, while Digital Editing is a two-day intensive introduction to Final Cut Pro. It is expected that students will use supervised workshop time and downtime in the editing suites to practise their skills and complete set exercises.
Documentary Projects
To reinforce the skills and knowledge under industry conditions, each student will work as part of a crew of four on a documentary project over the term of this Subject.
The Selection of Documentary Projects
On Orientation Day, at the commencement of the course all students will be given preliminary guidance for finding an engaging subject for a short documentary. In week 4 of the course, after further instruction all students will pitch a documentary project that they have researched to their class and teacher/s. These projects are discussed and then voted on in order to select the projects with the most promise for production. One of these projects will be chosen for every four students. Selection is based on the project’s clarity, feasibility and creative potential.
Once the projects and directors have been selected they are teamed up with a camera operator, a sound recordist and an editor. Although each has separate responsibilities, the group is encouraged to work closely together through all aspects of the production so that each has the opportunity to experience the complete production process from the vantage point of their particular roll. Creative contributions from all crewmembers are necessary if the project is to reach its full potential.
In production meetings, filming on location, the editing, and finally the public screening of the final film students will gain valuable insights into all aspects of documentary that can only be learned by the doing.
Story Through Sound & Image (Screen Language & Context) Part 1
Sydney Film School’s course addresses the importance of learning practical skills in context. To perform filmmaking tasks well, we believe students need to understand the reasoning behind effective practices. Good camera operating is to a purpose, good lighting is to a purpose and good sound etc. In this Subject we teach from historical examples and through practical exercises how films are pieced together through:
• film styles, genres and the ways we watch films
• shot design and mise en scene
• understanding qualities of editing and movement
• the value and uses of sound and forms of music
• stories, styles and production in the Australian context
Students will produce and present pieces of work that explore the power of these elements of screen language and context.
Meet the Filmmaker Part 1
Sydney Film School introduces students to a variety of working professionals on a weekly basis. At the conclusion of the presentation by the featured filmmaker students are encouraged to participate in a question and answer discussion.
Story Through Character (Screen Writing & Directing)
Whether making a documentary or a drama, the major elements of storytelling are fundamentally the same.
This Subject is divided into two sets of seven weekly three-hour classes and workshops. Students will cover:
- Directing / Acting (first seven weeks)
Students will study the varied work of several important directors, teachers and performers before embarking on class workshops to explore techniques of directing and acting in video recorded scenes. The course covers:
• ethical issues of working with actors
• different approaches to ‘acting’ and proven processes
• creating scenes through actions and subtext
• the nature of characters and story
• casting and rehearsing
• acting and directing for the screen
- Screen Writing (second seven weeks)
Important principals of writing for the screen are taught and tested through each student writing a screenplay. The scripts are shared and edited within and beyond these classes. Students will cover:
• the special nature of a screenplay
• formatting a screenplay
• finding ideas
• creating characters
• structuring and story
• script editing and re-writing
Risk Management Part 1
In a three hour seminar students are introduced to the risks associated with film sets. Students undertake a practical workshop to identify potential risks (including those of health and safety) and design a risk management plan which best assures a safe working enviroment.
Specialisation Workshops Part 1
Each student is given the opportunity to explore in greater detail two aspects of filmmaking through the specialisations. These workshops are of great assistance in preparing students for their key roles on the 16mm film productions.
These Specialisation are offered over two full days on selected weekends:
• Producing – getting the most out of your budget and team. Students will break down a short script for the purpose of budgeting, scheduling, and managing a film project. They will explore crew structures and the creative dynamics across all stages of the production process.
• Cinematography – the art and responsibilities of the cinematography department. Students will light and film a variety of interior and exterior set ups, testing film stocks, exposures, filters and shutter speeds to achieve a range of moods and cinematic effects. The film rushes of the test shooting are then processed, screened and reviewed.
• Documentary – deciding, researching, developing and directing. Students will develop an understanding of directing techniques for documentary filmmaking. A professional documentary director will present one of their own films and then tease out your ideas through practical workshops for directing documentary - research, finding the story thread, constructing the story for written and pitching presentation.
• Film Editing – history, styles and challenges of creative editing. Students will be shown clear examples of different editing techniques from the history of cinema, all the rushes of major projects are view side by side the and discuss from an editors perspective, students watch contrasting edited versions of short films and meet with a prominent Australian editor to view and discuss their work and career.
• Music for Film - film music and how to talk to composers. Students will share this class with composition students from the Australian Institute of Music, be shown clear examples of different types and uses of music in films, work with a student composer to add meaning through music to their set of images, meet with a prominent Australian composer to view / listen and discuss their work and career.
• Experimental Film –the playful and abstract possibilities of projected light. Students will view and discuss wide ranging examples of experimental film techniques from the history of cinema and will collaborate in the ‘construction’ of an experimental short film to be screened at the Sydney Film School Festival at the end of semester.
• Production Design - story telling through film design. Students will explore the scope and potential of the many facets of design in filmmaking, break down scripts into the design elements of the story and character, learn the management of an art department, and be mentored on the design of a major project.
Students choose any two of these weekend specialisations.
In the lead up to the major production shoots the school runs extra workshops for a number of other key crew roles including script supervisor / continuity, location sound recording and first assistant directing.
Film Festival 1
Every film and documentary from Semester One is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema. It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
Subjects Semester Two
After completing semester one and publicly screening all the films, all students will have experienced the complete process of dramatic film and documentary making from concept to completion at first hand and witnessed the response to their work.
In semester two students push on with two-week specialist workshops in the aspects of filmmaking that most interested them, as preparation for making another set of more ambitious films.
The productions in semester two include: 10-15min major group projects (usually super 16mm film) and/or documentaries (usually shot HD digital) with continuing professional advisors. Every student also makes their own 16mm or digital thesis film, enabling him or her to find their individual creative voice. The thesis films are crewed by the student’s peers providing numerous opportunities for every student to pick many valuable hours of hands-on production experience in a variety of roles.
Again through a strong practical focus we help students to master skills that can win them a place is this industry, or arm them with the understanding, skills and contacts they will need to go on to produce their own quality work.
The school supplies all the equipment and budgets for the projects.
Story through Sound and Image Part 2
This course is an opportunity to build on an understanding of screen language in the light of the outcomes of the first semester major projects and help in the planning of the second semester major projects and thesis films. Because students have now been directly involved in all aspects of the film production process, students take this opportunity to bring their own questions, observations, doubts and discoveries to the sessions that enhance the relevance and productivity of the sessions.
This course begins with a frame-by-frame review of the previous semester's work, done with the support and guidance of a panel of teachers / filmmakers.
In response to more in depth explorations of cinema students will produce and present new pieces of work, through which they will continue to explore the power of screen language, this time including a greater emphasis on the qualities of sound design.
This Subject is delivered in seven, three-hour weekly classes.
Meet the Filmmaker Part 2
Sydney Film School introduces students to a variety of working professionals on a weekly basis. At the conclusion of the presentation by the featured filmmaker students are encouraged to participate in a question and answer discussion.
Specialist Workshops Part 2
Each student is to choose three out of the following six workshops.
- Screenwriting / Script Editing Lab
Students need to come to this workshop with a first draft of a 10-15min screenplay. They will develop these scripts under the supervision of their teacher / mentor and in discussions with a small group of their peers. These screenplays must then be pitched to the school and are eligible for selection for production as part of the slate of major film projects.
This Subject is delivered in eight, three-hour sessions with a one-week break between sessions 4 and 5 to allow for further writing. The workshop finishes with an extra full day of readings and review of all scripts. There is then another week available for polishing of the scripts before they are due for pitching. Selected scripts will go into production.
- Documentary
For students wishing to explore this discipline in greater depth and for students wanting to pitch a documentary as a major project in semester two. This workshop provides the opportunity for meeting up-close talented Australian documentary filmmakers, view their work, gain insights into their motivations and working methods and also to test out the student's own ideas for projects with people who have been there before. Students will develop, research and pitch a documentary project as part of this course. Selected projects will go into production.
Each documentary selected for production is allocated an HD digital video kit and a small cash budget to cover a range of possible expenses.
This Subject is delivered in a number of master classes and mentoring sessions spread throughout the semester in order to provide the very best support for the development and completion of the documentary projects generated within it.
Every documentary from semester two is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema.
It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
- Acting / Directing Workshop
After instruction and with guidance of their teacher, students will work with each other to develop scenarios, short scripts and improvisations as explorations of acting / directing techniques. These will be filmed and then presented to a larger group for analysis and feedback. This workshop is also of much value in preparation for work on the major films and thesis projects and may incorporate segments of either.
This Subject is delivered in eight, three-hour sessions with a one-week break between sessions 4 and 5 to allow for casting and rehearsals. The workshop finishes with an extra full day of review and analysis of the filmed scenes. These scenes may be used in support of a pitch to direct a major project.
- Cinematography Master Class
With further instruction and demonstrations from professional cinematographers students will develop their skills to a higher level. Using professional equipment students will explore the differences between film and digital imaging; test sophisticated lighting set-ups and gripping solutions (including dolly, crane and jib-arms). In teams of three, students will design, light and shoot a scene.
This Subject is delivered in four, seven hour days of instruction and workshops with a one-day break before a fifth day of screening and review of the recorded scenes. However the teams of three will set and film their scenes outside of class time. This provides the experience of early starts and late finishes as is commonly experienced in the film industry. Photographic ideas and challenges relevant to impending major projects and thesis films may be tested in this subject.
- Digital Workshop
This workshop is designed as an introduction to digital image manipulation, including After Effects, basic animation and DVD authoring. This workshop exposes the students to digital possibilities for adding new dimensions for improving their films.
Each student will complete a challenging work incorporating a range of digital techniques.
This Subject is delivered in eight, three-hour sessions. The workshop finishes with an extra full day of screening and review of all projects, plus a short practical exam to ensure each student's working knowledge of the systems.
- Sound Lab
Under the guidance of a film sound professional students will immerse themselves in the expansive, enigmatic world of postproduction sound design. Students will also learn track laying and soundtrack mixing on ProTools. Particular emphasis will be given to the design potential of the major film and documentary soundtracks.
This subject is delivered in eight, three-hour sessions. The workshop finishes with an extra full day of screening and review of all projects, plus a short practical exam to ensure each student's working knowledge of the ProTools system.
Major Project Part 2
The major film project is designed to further develop professional crewing skills, artistic judgement, filmmaking knowledge and experience. One film project will be produced for every 12 students. Students must complete at least one key role on any two projects (which can include a Major Documentary - See Documentary Specialisation above).
The film project is allocated a cash budget in addition to the film camera and facilities provided by the school. There is no limit placed on the length of the project, however screenplays are sourced and pitched from the Screenwriting Lab (see the Workshops: Screenwriting / Script Editing Lab above). Students are encouraged to attend extra workshops and seek mentors in order to make the most of this learning opportunity.
Every major film project is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema.
It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
Risk Management Part 2
In a three hour seminar students are introduced to the risks associated with film sets. Students undertake a practical workshop to identify potential risks (including those of health and safety) and design a risk management plan which best assures a safe working enviroment.
Thesis Project: Class, Production and Editing
The thesis project Subjects involve each student attending a weekly class / forum with a small group of peers and a thesis supervisor in order to develop a short personal film project. This process involves screenings and discussions designed to challenge personal set notions of what cinema is and how it may connect with an audience.
Each student is helped and encouraged to go on a personal and fulfilling journey of discovery, to investigate a compelling cinematic issue, question of style, or technical challenge. Each student will seek out relevant examples of their thoughts from cinema history (visual and written references) and keep a diary of their ideas through images, sketches, quotes, etc to be shared with their colleagues and teacher.
This process of exploration builds up to the making of an individual short thesis film as a practical embodiment of the student’s answer to their personal challenge. Each student is to also submit a 3,000-word paper explaining the development and production processes behind their film work and a short analysis of the final film.
Students are given access to either a range of 16mm and super 16mm film equipment, 400 feet of film stock processed and telecinied to HD digital or HD digital video equipment and a small cash budget to shoot their thesis project.
Every thesis film is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema.
It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
Though these projects are modest in scale they have consistently been the source of some of our most exciting and successful films.
The Thesis Class Subject is delivered over 14, three-hour weekly classes. The Thesis Production Subject occurs over a three week thesis production period. The Thesis Editing subject is supervised during the last three weeks of the course.
Film Festival 2
Every film and documentary from Semester Two is taken through to final completion and is publicly screened at the end of semester Sydney Film School Festival at a major Sydney Cinema. It is our belief that deadlines and audiences are of vital importance.
The outline above summarises what is an extremely busy, productive and transforming year of activity delivered with passion, care and attention by the fulltime staff and the industry professionals who believe in the mission that is Sydney Film School.
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