1 Semester

Nil

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Film and Television

Unit Aims
This unit introduces two major areas of documentary production:
a. Production Management
Students will be introduced to the methods and techniques that are used in the development and production of film and television projects. It introduces the role of the producer, and explores the preproduction process and production management.

b. Sound Design
This unit aims to Introduce and explore Sound Acquisition and Sound Design as an integral part of film and television production. Basic concepts and technical aspects of working with sound recording in production and sound design in post-production will be introduced.

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
Production Management:
*  Produce, production manage and co-ordinate the short documentary productions;

*   Understand the collaborative process of film & television production from runner to director;
*  Articulate the process of financing, funding and distributing film & television productions from

     features to television commercials;
*  Develop an understanding of the “paperwork” and software related to budgeting, scheduling, and

    documenting film and television pre-production, production and postproduction.

Sound Design:
*  Understand the Sound Design process and its application in film production and postproduction;
*  Understand the principles of sound acquisition as an integral part of the production process;
*  Articulate the importance of recording good quality location sound and sound coverage;
*  Articulate a creative and practical basis for working with sound in relation to the moving image;
*  Use sound editing software and apply it to design a soundtrack for their short documentary
productions.

Production Management
Lectures, software demonstrations and individual consultation on production management for a short film project (to be supplied).

Sound Design
This unit of study will be taught in a studio, on location and in a lab to demonstrate sound recording techniques, the use of specialised sound recording equipment and the use of sound editing software.

Students will work through a series of exercises and consulting on sound recording techniques, coverage and consulting on sound design for a short film/extract of your choice or supplied.

 

Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.

Production Management (50%)
Short documents for a documentary project including:
Budgets, schedules, crew lists, call sheets, production reports, talent releases and location
agreements

Sound Design (50%)
a. Sound recording exercises in both studio and location settings (15%)
a. In-class technical exercises that demonstrate the creative potential of Pro Tools 7 (15%)
b. Design a soundtrack for short documentary production (20%)

Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen
profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual
understandings, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context, HDFTV123 aims to provide students with the following attributes:
*  Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations;
*  Are adaptable and manage change;
*  Are aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.

Production Management
• Producers role;
• Budgets, schedules, crew lists, call sheets, production reports, talent releases and location
agreements;
• Co-ordination of the production of short film and television production;
• Industry standard documentation, terminology and procedure.

Sound Design
*  Uncovering the importance of sound in film and television;

*   Introduction to sound post-production;
*  Practical instruction in using sound production software (Pro Tools7.1 LE): setting up a session,

    importing sound, the Mbox.

 

Learning and Teaching Activities
During this unit, students may expect to engage in:
Production Management
*  Co-ordinate the pre-production of short film projects;
*  Produce pre-production requirements including budgets, schedules and contracts;
*  Individual/collaborative consultations.

Sound Design:
*  Lectures and screenings that demonstrate the uses of sound in a film & video context;
*  Sound recording demonstrations and exercises in both studio and location settings;
*  Technical exercises using sound editing software;
*  Individual and group consultations on project outcomes.

Preparation requirements
Students are expected to complete weekly homework tasks that develop familiarisation with newspaper,
internet reviews and in-depth critical analysis, and to write reviews on favourite films and television
shows.

Chion, M 1994 Audio-Vision, New York: Columbia University Press.
Kenny, T 2002 Sound for Picture, the Art of Sound Design for Film and Television, Mix Books.
www.afc.gov.au - Australian Film Commission website
www.filmsound.org - (one of the most comprehensive sound design websites, with essays, articles and
other contributions from eminent sound designers, theorists and other practitioners.

"The Satchel", Screen Australia / AFC Production Guide