KPB219 Factual Screen Production

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit introduces the traditions of documentary film and television production, stylistic practices in documentary and documentary scripts, and methodologies for producing ethnographic, indigenous and cross cultural documentaries. Understanding the role documentary performs in our media age provides a crucial literacy to this film forms. You will be exposed to the history and theory behind documentary, enabling you to conceptualise and plan your own documentary productions and critique the place of them alongside factual and fictional forms of filmmaking in the contemporary media landscape. This unit then addresses the knowledge and skills required for non-fiction multi-platform content production while engaging with high-end production and post-production technologies. You will learn screen language and production practices, roles and responsibilities of production teams, production management, design and practice. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify and critically analyse issues confronting audiences and practitioners in documentary practice.
2. Identify different production methodologies and stylistic choices in documentary.
3. Interpret and apply the basic elements of design in each of the major production disciplines production management, direction, camera, sound and editing.
4. Apply initiative and ethical judgement to undertake production work in collaborative or individual contexts.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and group work, complemented by required readings and screenings. All screened films and reference texts will be available through a combination of library reserve items and freely accessible through QUT licensed online downloads. Initially in tutorials you will concentrate on expanding your understandings of the theoretical and historical issues underpinning contemporary documentary practices. Later tutorials will introduce theoretical and technical considerations for working ethically in non-fiction film production contexts, including: the operation of the digital camera; working in crew roles on set; non-linear editing; audio recording and editing; script and editing consultations and problem solving for video projects.

Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

During the tutorial sessions you will receive formative feedback in the form of:

• discussion and feedback on concepts and design of your screen content assignments
• solving any problems experienced during practice and production
• feedback on any exercises during practice and production.

Assessment

Overview

There are two assessments in this unit that require you to demonstrate your understanding of documentary modes and techniques and your ability to apply theoretical concepts to factual content creation. The first assessment is an individual non-fiction film analysis (50%), and the second assessment is a collaborative short non-fiction film (50%).

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Non-fiction film analysis

In this unit we will investigate approaches and build skills in effectively creating engaging short-form screen stories and the underpinning theories. To demonstrate your ability to understand non-fiction screen production modes and techniques, you will analyse an existing short documentary film.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Short-form documentary

Assessment 2 is a 3-5 minute non-fiction video project to be completed in groups and uploaded and submitted in the same manner as Assessment 1. Groups must also do a pitch as an oral presentation during tutorials and hand in a script and risk assessment for their video.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement). 

You will be advised if you are required to complete a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio, or a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.

Costs

In this unit you may incur costs associated with such things as: additional equipment and materials (e.g. computer disks) not already provided for by QUT; travel to locations and accommodation; art direction, costumes and makeup; music composition and copyright clearances; payment for actors; and catering.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. (2020) Film Art, An Introduction (11th Ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Mollison, M. (2020) Producing Videos: A Complete Guide (3rd ed). Sydney: Allen and Unwin.

Rabiger, M. (2014) Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (5th ed). Burlington: Focal Press.

Thompson, R., Christopher, J. (2018) Grammar of the Edit (4th ed). Boston: Focal Press.

Safety and protective equipment

Enclosed footwear must be worn on set and on location.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury. 

Every project is different and the risks are unique to that project. When working on film and television productions you are required to provide appropriate risk plans of your projects prior to receiving equipment. The risk plan should look at the scope of the project and document responses to possible scenarios that might be encountered. The prevention and avoidance of risk should be addressed by: ELIMINATION of the risk, SUBSTITUTION of the risk, ISOLATION of the risk, ENGINEERING to remove the risk, ADMINISTRATION of the risk and the use of PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

Note: If in your considered opinion, there is a potential for an accident to occur, the activity should be abandoned and advice sought from specialists, supervisors or lecturers. It should be noted that even if this risk plan has been done and/or advice and consultation has been sought from lecturers or other consultants, the liability for risk management still rests, in the final instance, with the students responsible for the project.

QUT takes its obligations to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 very seriously. You as a student, must also meet your obligations under the Act. This can be done in different ways, but you are obliged to take action to manage exposure to risk.

There are Regulations, Advisory Standards and Industry Codes of Practice, to meet your obligations under the Act you must comply with these. You must take reasonable precautions and exercise proper diligence in making sure the risk is managed.

Students have an obligation to exercise care when operating equipment and to follow instructions as to the safe operation of the equipment, safe manual handling and the use of safety devices and personal protective equipment.

STUDENTS WORKING ON FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE APPROPRIATE RISK PLAN HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED FOR THAT PROJECT AND THAT IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE APPROPRIATE STAFF MEMBER.

A QUT Risk Plan Form for Student Productions and an accompanying Risk Plan Guidelines should be accessed and downloaded from the unit's Canvas site.

For students working on campus and/or accessing QUT production equipment, the following applies:

RESPONSIBILITY: Equipment faults and damage must be reported to Equipment Loans Centre (ELC) staff as soon as possible.

Students are responsible for ensuring equipment is secure and at no risk of damage. Action will be taken against anyone responsible for wilful damage or theft of QUT property.

SECURITY: Z6, the hub, offers 24 hour swipe card access. Consequently, the equipment you use there, your personal possessions and your personal safety are at risk unless everyone complies with the security regulations pertaining to this facility. Admission is by your own student card only. Do not let anyone in on your card unless prior authorisation has been given by the Discipline Head. Under no circumstance should you give your student card to anyone else. These rules will be strictly enforced and anyone who breaks them will be subject to harsh disciplinary action by the university.

Course Learning Outcomes

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Short-form documentary
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Non-fiction film analysis
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO4, Short-form documentary
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, Non-fiction film analysis
8. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Short-form documentary
9. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
10. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
11. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Short-form documentary

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

1. Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
   Relates to: ULO3, Short-form documentary
3. Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
   Relates to: ULO3, Short-form documentary
4. Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
   Relates to: ULO1, Non-fiction film analysis
5. Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Non-fiction film analysis, Short-form documentary
6. Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
   Relates to: ULO4, Short-form documentary
7. Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
   Relates to: ULO3, Short-form documentary