Course Title: Plan and manage film and media pre-production

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: BUSM6218C

Course Title: Plan and manage film and media pre-production

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6087 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Screen plan)
Ms Roz Williams
Phone: 9925 4974
Email: roz.williams@rmit.edu.au 
 

C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Interactive Digital Media)
Nicole McKinnon
ph9925 4375
nicole.mckinnon@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Peter Kennedy
Phone: 9925 8079
Email: p.kennedy@rmit.edu.au


Teacher: Arthur Michalopoulos
Phone: 9925 4111
Email: arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Darren Ballingall
email: darren.ballingall@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA
This course covers all aspects of production management at the pre-production stage of a production.

This is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for C6087 Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media. This course includes a WIL experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.

C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA)
This unit of competency, Plan and manage film and media pre-production CUFPPM601A is delivered in the class Design Studio 3, together with Realise productions CUETEM08B and Originate and develop concepts BSBCRT501A. This unit introduces concepts and practices of pre-production and project management, which include storyboarding, animatics, schedules, treatments and technical, safety and budgetary requirements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFPPM601A Plan and manage film and media pre-production

Element:

1 Confirm scope of productions.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Consult with producer or director to clarify production expectations based on negotiations or decisions made during the development phase.
1.2 Break down scripts scene by scene to establish detailed resource requirements .
1.3 From script breakdowns, identify issues that have budget or shooting implications.
1.4 Prepare preliminary overall and pre-production schedules.
1.5 Prepare preliminary shooting schedule to confirm that length of shoot allowed in budget is accurate.
 

Element:

2 Finalise budgets.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Establish cost and availability of required resources from reliable suppliers and information sources, taking into account relevant considerations
2.2 Re-time scripts to help prepare accurate estimates of production times and to identify whether scripts need pruning to meet budget constraints.
2.3 Liaise with relevant colleagues to clarify requirements, roles and responsibilities in different production and post-production areas.
2.4 Identify potential problems with conflicting production requirements, and take appropriate action to resolve.
2.5 Present cost estimates to relevant colleagues for discussion and negotiate changes and compromises as required.
2.6 Compile final resource schedule, including adequate contingency plans.
2.7 Ensure budgets reflect realistic achievement of creative and technical production requirements, availability of resources and personnel requirements.
 

Element:

3 Manage pre-production

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Oversee establishment of a production office, ensuring that it is fully operational for the start of pre-production activities.
3.2 Meet regularly with heads of departments to monitor expenditure against budget estimates, taking action as required to keep overall expenditure within budget.
3.3 Circulate scripts to relevant personnel and establish and monitor the process for communicating script changes.
3.4 Set up the financial organisation of the production and processes for reporting against budgets.
3.5 Ensure that all arrangements for access to locations are completed correctly.
3.6 Organise publicity and press briefings as required.
3.7 Commission safety reports from approved safety consultants and circulate reports to relevant organisations and personnel .
3.8 Oversee pre-production activities of all departments, providing guidance and assistance as required.
3.9 Finalise shooting schedules and circulate final production
documentation to relevant personnel.
 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to confirm the scope of a production, finalise budgets and manage pre-production.


Details of Learning Activities

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Screen plan)

You will participate in a range of:

In class activities
• lectures
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• workshopping
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• workshopping of students’ own projects

Out-of-class activities
• research
• independent study and project work


C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Interactive Digital Media)

It is to be noted that Plan and Manage film and media pre-production is co-delivered and assessed with Realise Productions , and Originate and Develop Concepts.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• demonstration and practical application
• lab work
• screenings
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• online research and weekly blog entrys
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshopping of students’ own projects

Out-of-class activities include, but are not limited to,
• online research
• workshopping
• independent project based work


Teaching Schedule

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Screen plan)
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources

Week Class Content Assessment Elements
1
(Feb 10)		 Introduction.
Review crew hierarchies, how each department works, requirements during pre-prod and prod.
 		   1, 2, 3
 
2
(Feb 17)		 Case study: screening and discussion   1, 2, 3
 
3
(Feb 24)		 Preliminary budget   1, 2
 
4
(Mar 3)		 Preliminary budget   1

5
(Mar 10)

  Public holiday (no class)    
6
(Mar 17)		 Setting up a financial organisation
Establishing a production office		    1, 2, 3
7
(Mar 24)		  Timing scripts
Breaking down the script
Cross-plotting and scheduling		    1

8
(Mar 31)

 Timing scripts
Breaking down the script
Cross-plotting and scheduling		  ASSESSMENT 1:
Timing and breakdown sheets of short script - in-class assignment 		 1,
9
(Apr 7)		 Identify budgetary problems with script.
Discussion with HODs on how to eliminate them

 
 		  1, 2
10
(Apr 14)		  Revised schedule and budget
2nd AD and Continuity Daily Reports		   1, 2
 
Apr 18 - 25) MID SEMESTER BREAK/EASTER/
ANZAC DAY
 		    
11
(Apr 28)		 Revised schedule and budget
2nd AD & Continuity Daily Reports
 		   1,2
 
12
(May 5)		 Reporting to investors: Daily cost reports and weekly cost reports.
Keeping tabs on daily costs and projecting future costs.
 		 ASSESSMENT 2:
Group assignment leading to reduction of costs in short shooting script
 		 2
13
(May 12)		 Hiring crew and cast.
Location surveys and Safety Reports (aka Safety Analysis Reports or OH & S).
 		 ASSESSMENT 3:
Team evaluations of group work carried out in assignment 3. Students to provide evaluations direct to teacher.
 		 2, 3
 
14
(May 19)		 Preparation for 2nd semester shoots   3
15
(May 26)		 Preparation for 2nd semester shoots ASSIGNMENT 4:
Final preproduction paperwork folio of short script
 		 3

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C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Interactive Digital Media)
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources

 Teaching schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs

 

Week Class Content CUETEM08B Realise Productions Elements CUFPPM601A Plan & Manage film & Media Pre Production Elements BSBCRT501A Originate & develop concepts Elements
Week 1 Design                                                                                                    Studio Intro - Production Workshop
Advanced Dip 3 initial concepts & thoughts on possible visualizations discussion an analysis on Design project 3
 		 1 1 1,2
Week 2 Refining concepts towards one main idea for Design Project 3. Researching initial references  1 1  3,4
Week 3                  Production workshop; Non-Digital Game Design – group activity in the development of a complex game (pre-production aspects only) Group activity involved in the production within set timelines utilizing digital and non-digital means 1,2,3,4,5   1  1,2
 Week 4     Design project workshop. Developing work with initial art work, researching influences, working on storyboards or flow charts and initiating production schedules  1, 2, 3  1, 2, 3  1, 2, 3
 Week 5  Production workshop; A2 Art Deco travel poster – group activity in the development of a complex brief (pre-production aspects only) Group activity involved in the production within set timelines utilizing digital and non-digital means 4, 5   3  1,2
Week  6                      Summative Assessment task Animatic & Pre Production Material for Design Project 3 - Due
Design project panel presentation -analysing problems, monitoring and evaluating overall aspects of production		  4,5 3  1,2
Week 7   Production workshop; Industry WIL project – group activity in the development of a complex industry supplied brief Group activity involved in the production within set timelines utilizing digital and non-digital means  4,5 3  1,2
 Week 8  Formative Assessment task 2 Rough cut 75% completed - Due
Design project panel presentation -analysing problems, monitoring and evaluating overall aspects of production.		  3, 4, 5  3  1,2
 Week 9 Production workshop; Industry WIL project – group activity in the development of a complex industry supplied brief Group activity involved in the production within set timelines utilizing digital and non-digital means   4, 5  3  1,2
 Week 10  Formative Assessment task 3: Fine cut 100% Complete -Due
Design project panel presentation -analysing problems, monitoring and evaluating the completed production. Discussion and feedback on possible adjustments prior to final submission in week 12

 

  1,3,4,5  1,2  1,2
 Week 11  Production Workshop Annie Lennox - Positive Climate Action video  4,5  1,2  1,2
 Week 12  Summative Completed project submission For Design Project 3
Screening presentation of completed Design project 3 with full analysis, discussion and feedback		  3,4,5  1,2  1,2
 Week 13  Design project workshop
Begin work on Design project 4 emphasis on initial concepts and visualizations and production schedule		  1  1,2 1,2
 Week 14  Design Studio
Work on Design project 4 emphasis on storyboards and animatic		  1  1,2  1,2
 Week 15  Film screening and Design Studio
Work on Design project 4 - emphasis on animatic and animatic. Review prior to presentation and submission of pre-production document and animatic in week 16		  1 3,4 3,4
 Week 16  Summative Assessment task Animatic & Pre Productione Material for Design Project 4 - Due
Film screening and Folio panel presentation Full review of Semester 1 Folio pieces including discussion and feedback of overall work and considerations for improvements in folio pieces set for semester 2		  1,2,3  3,4  3,4


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA
• Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) http://www.alliance.org.au 
• Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) http://www.spaa.org.au
• Film Scheduling, by Singleton, Ralph S., pub Lone Eagle 1997

Film Resources:
• Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (producers: Les Mayfield, George Zaloom, 1991)


Other Resources

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Screen plan)
You require access to the internet

C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Interactive Digital Media)
 Access to computers cameras and audio recording equipment.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in a range of class workshops and on-location projects that will help equip you with the skills to successfully manage a film production, using industry procedures.


Assessment Tasks

C6087- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (Screen plan)

Assessment tasks in this course are either ungraded or graded. Ungraded tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for more substantial (graded) tasks.
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete each of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

ASSESSMENT TASKS (ungraded - formative):

1. Timing and breakdown sheets of short script:
In-class assignment, timing and completing breakdown sheets for provided short film script
Due date: Week 8

2. Group assignment:
Students will be broken into groups of 5, to include Producer, Director, Writer, DOP, Production Designer positions and asked to provide the following:
Notes from meeting with HODs on resolving budgetary problems with script, preliminary A – Z budget and schedule: This should include:
• Minutes of meeting/s with heads of departments on resolving budgetary issues with the script
• Script amendments
• Preliminary A – Z budget
• Preliminary schedule
Due date: Week 12

3. Team evaluations of group work carried out in assignment 3:
Students to provide evaluations direct to teacher. Blank evaluation forms on Blackboard.
Due: Week 13


ASSESSMENT TASK (Graded - Summative):

4. Pre-production paperwork folio of short script (either your own for production in 2nd semester or from the one provided in class)
This should include the following:
• Final script
• Final shooting schedule
• Final budget
• Breakdown of locations
• Breakdown of cast
• List of crew positions required
• Safety (OH & S) report
.Signed weapons declaration form
• Call Sheets
Due date: Week 15

All formative assignments must be completed in order for the Summative Assignment to be graded.
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
CHD: Competent with High Distinction
CDI: Competent with Distinction
CC: Competent with Credit
CAG: Competency Achieved - Grade
NYC: Not Yet Completed
DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment


For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
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C6087DIGIT- ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF SCREEN & MEDIA (INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA)
Assessment tasks in this unit are either ungraded or graded. Ungraded tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for more substantial (graded) assessment tasks.
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment. You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

All Assessment Tasks will be based on a brief provided for each student

Assessment will involve practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical projects. The overview for this competency will involve the development of pre production material ( design document and animatic )for two design productions )

Formative Asssessment

Formative
Assessment 02:Rough Cut (75% Complete)
Due Week 8

Formative
Assessment 03:Fine Cut (100% Complete)
Due Week 10 

Summative  Assessment Tasks

Assessment 01
Summative Asssessment Task Animatic & Pre Production material for Design Project 3
Due Week 6


Assessment 02

Summative Asssessment Task Animatic & Pre Production material for Design Project 4
Due Week 16


For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not graded)
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration, appeals and discipline

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity.

Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Digital Media)
Other Information

Submission of written material:
Please advise teacher IN ADVANCE if an extension of time or Special Consideration is required for submission of work. (See blackboard for more information regarding late submissions)


Student Material Requirements
Please bring to EVERY class:
Visual diary,, External Hard disk drive).
Please Note: It is the student’s responsibility to back up their work regularly.
Lost work is NOT an excuse for late assignments Backups
Assessment Task submission
Assessment tasks MUST be submitted on the due date during class, in person, to your teacher.
Assessment tasks can be submitted before the due date outside of class with the prior agreement of the teacher.
Extensions will only be considered in the event of medical or personal circumstances supported by appropriate documentation.

Check Blackboard for full versions of all the assignment briefs.

OH&S

Students are to adhere to RMIT OH&S Guidelines
Refer to the STV OH&S Checklist on Blackboard
Students are to have breaks from the computer on a hourly basis
Students are not to use the lifts if a fire alarm sounds use the stair well as directed by a fire warden.
Students are to observe where the exit signs are.
Equipment Borrowing (Cameras, tripods ect) RMIT Technical Services Bld 8 Level 7 room 92 Ph 99255419 ds_ad@rmit.edu.au (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)
Students are to borrow cameras from technical services for the required Assessment tasks and class exercises. please note cameras can only be booked for 24 hours from RMIT Technical services.

Firearms & Weapons C6087 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Digital Media)

It is important to note that you are not allowed to shoot video with armory related objects such as, guns, knives, spears, etc. For OH&S reasons students are not to perform stunts. Refer to Victorian Police Film & Television Office.(film.tv@police.viv.gov.au)

Course Overview: Access Course Overview