Course Title: Provide freelance services
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: PERF5101C
Course Title: Provide freelance services
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5408 - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
Course Contact: Rebekha Naim
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4849
Course Contact Email: rebekha.naim@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Deb Hatton
Email: deborah.hatton@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.
It applies to individuals who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAIND412 Provide freelance services |
Element: |
1. Promote self to potential clients |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Establish, follow up and regularly maintain industry contacts 1.2 Participate in and maintain required industry, employer and other networks 1.3 Identify and implement strategies for enhancing a professional reputation 1.4 Produce material about services provided and promote across different media outlets and social media platforms |
Element: |
2. Negotiate work arrangements |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Establish clear project outcomes with client and agree on fees, schedules and expenses 2.2 Confirm contracts or agreements contain payment terms and conditions that provide a viable cash flow 2.3 Confirm contracts or agreements include obligations of all parties and include a process for varying terms and conditions 2.4 Seek specialist advice for reviewing contracts or agreements before signing, as required 2.5 Store signed contracts or agreements securely for future reference 2.6 Adapt to client work demands without compromising ethics or reputation 2.7 Negotiate contract or agreement variations as required |
Element: |
3. Manage financial and business aspects of service |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Set up and use systems for managing budgets, finance, taxation and project documents, seeking expert advice and support as required 3.2 Set a realistic fee structure for services provided 3.3 Prepare a business plan outlining viable work schedule and cash flow 3.4 Send invoices in line with payment terms and conditions and promptly follow up any non-payments 3.5 Keep accurate and up-to-date financial accounts and records 3.6 Submit all taxation documents according to taxation requirements 3.7 Comply with business regulations, taxation and insurance requirements |
Element: |
4. Undertake strategic planning |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Implement strategies to identify work opportunities and risks 4.2 Identify and act on opportunities for expanding the client base, either alone or in partnership with others 4.3 Improve work performance and practices using constructive feedback from clients and other required personnel 4.4 Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and to maintain skills and knowledge with industry developments 4.5 Regularly review and set realistic work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals 4.6 Identify risk factors and develop prevention strategies when planning work activities |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to:
-
- participate in industry networks and develop a dynamic list of industry contacts
- prepare resume and self-promotional materials and circulate using a variety of media outlets and platforms
- prepare a business plan that identifies a fee structure and work schedule to maintain a viable cash flow
- negotiate service contracts or agreements
- develop and maintain an effective financial and document records system
- develop and revise a strategic plan that identifies business opportunities and risks
- seek constructive feedback to identify professional development needs and opportunities
- review work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals.
Details of Learning Activities
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- seminars/workshops
- design activities or projects
- group projects
- peer learning
- class presentations
- group discussion
- research
- independent project-based work
- group activities/projects
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback.
Teaching Schedule
| W8 | Intro to Unit, Overview and Freelancing in the context of building a long-term career in Production | Face to Face |
| W9 | Business Planning 1 | EOP Due - Face to Face |
| W10 | Business Planning 2 | Face to Face |
| W11 | Project Budgeting and Contracts | AT 1 Due - Face to Face |
| W12 | Client Communications and Invoices | online - Schedule "client interaction AT2" section |
| W13 | Professional Research + Development + self-promotion overview | 14 x people's "Client interaction - section - From 1030. Complete AT2 - Except Role play section. |
| W14 | Resume Writing and what to expect in interviews in our industry (formal and informal) | ONLINE ONLY - 14 x people's AT2 - "Client interaction - section - From 10:05 |
| W15 | Self-promotion part 2; Reflection: and Wrap | online and on campus - 14 x people's AT2 - "Client interaction - section - From 10:05" |
| W16 | Public Holiday - No Classes | AT3 Due - CANVAS Submission |
W17 |
Remaining AT2 - Client interactions schedule and Drop In Schedule - No Lecture - ONLINE ONLY |
AT2 - remaining AT2 client interactions and contingency / drop in. ONLINE ONLY |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.
It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;
a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.
The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteriaand due dates
Assessment Task 1: Business Plan. Due Week 11
Assessment Task 2: Contract and Invoicing.Due Week 17
Assessment Task 3: Professional Protfolio. Due Week 16
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
SEC: Student Ceased Engaged
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You canaccess My Studies through the RMIT websitefor information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview