KPB117 Screen Crafts: Non-Fiction

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit addresses the knowledge and skills required for non-fiction multi-platform content production while engaging with high-end production and post-production technologies. Its content is drawn from the fields of script writing, pre-production, production management, direction, camera, sound and editing. As much of our information is delivered via the electronic media, it is vital that you be trained in the skills and techniques involved in non-fiction screen production (informational programming, magazine-style segments, news stories, documentaries, etc.). In this unit, you learn screen language and production practices, roles and responsibilities of production teams, production management, design and practice. Lectures focus on the major production areas of producing, directing, cinematography, editing and sound that inform this practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Interpret and apply the basic elements of design in each of the major production disciplines production management, direction, camera, sound and editing.
2. Utilise a working knowledge of the terminology, processes, and equipment used in media production.
3. Be an effective communicator in a variety of professional contexts.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and group work. Included in tutorials is hands-on work relating to the operation of the digital camera; working in crew roles on set; digital non-linear editing; audio recording and editing; script and editing consultations and problem solving for video projects.

In order to benefit fully from the learning opportunities provided, you are strongly encouraged to:

• engage in lectures focused on the theoretical, technical and design aspects of each of the major production specialities;
• engage in tutorials and to practise as directed, so that you are appropriately skilled to work independently and within your groups; and
• work cooperatively in groups.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

During the tutorial sessions you will receive formative assessment 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

In this unit you will be assessed on projects that demonstrate your ability to create engaging screen stories. You are required to submit a short-form documentary pitch as an oral presentation (10%), a short form narrative film (40%), and a short, non-fiction YouTube video.

Faculty Assessment Information

To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Canvas site for this unit. This includes information about late assignments and assignment extensions.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Video Pres: My Creative Voice

In this unit we will investigate approaches and build skills in effectively creating engaging short-form screen stories. To demonstrate your ability to identify and craft a short form story, you are required to create an engaging 1-2 minute video presentation about yourself. The video should demonstrate your own creative style and explain why you want to be a filmmaker.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: 1 Minute Factual Sequence

For this individual assessment, you are required to create a one minute factual sequence that "cuts on continuous action". You will also submit an accompanying brief, shotlist and storyboard.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: 3-5 Minute Documentary

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

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Bordwell, D., Thompson, K. and Smith, J. (2020) Film Art, An Introduction (12th Ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Bowen, C. (2023) Grammar of the Edit (5th ed). New York & Oxon: Routledge.

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

Rabiger, M. and Hubris Cherrier, M. (2020) Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (6th ed). London: Routledge.

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction.

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. 

QUT takes its obligations to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 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 assessment has been documented for that project and that it has been approved by the appropriate staff member.

RESPONSIBILITY:

• Equipment faults and damage must be reported to Technical Services 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:

Many areas of the Creative Industries Precinct 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

KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts

1. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1
2. Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2
3. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2
4. Represent and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO3
5. Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
   Relates to: ULO1
6. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism in creative practice, both alone and in groups.
   Relates to: ULO3