CMNS2900
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course explores documentary storytelling, and provides students with the knowledge, skills and technologies to devise documentaries for the screen. Students work in teams to develop, write and produce an original short documentary suitable for submission to a real-world media industry output such as a local, national or international video festival, broadcast, or online environment. The course examines documentary practices and modes across 20th and 21st century screens, and their social, political and cultural implications. Students develop the ability to analyse and apply diverse forms of documentary storytelling techniques and approaches. During the course students develop a professional approach to their crew roles, participants and documentary practice. The ethical relationships and responsibilities between filmmakers, participants and viewers in global screen cultures are also considered.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Synthesise practical, technical and conceptual skills through the research, development and collaborative realisation of a documentary screen production;
2. Apply knowledge of screen production terminology to critically analyse documentary screen works.
3. Evaluate one's own production works and identify creative, collaborative and technical issues in these works;
4. Collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow students and work to production deadlines;
5. Implement contemporary production processes, crew responsibilities, basic on-set protocols, and screen industry related safety procedures.
Content
Students will be introduced to the different stages of documentary production from concept, research, pitch, proposal, treatment, production, post-production, delivery and marketing, and examine diverse documentary storytelling modes and practices for the screen. Topics will include:
- Research and screen writing skills for documentary media;
- Ethical considerations associated with documentary screen production;
- Documentary filming and interviewing techniques;
- Social, political and cultural impacts of documentary modes and practices within historical and contemporary contexts;
- Crew roles and working with a team;
- Funding and distribution pathways for Australian screen documentaries.
Requisite
Course Replacement:
You cannot enrol if you have successfully completed any of the following course(s):
CMNS3160
Assumed knowledge
Completion of CMNS1100 Foundations of Media Production and CMNS2035 Cinematography
Assessment items
Portfolio: Documentary portfolio
Presentation: Documentary proposal and pitch
Professional Task: Documentary film completion & marketing materials
Journal: Critical reflection
Compulsory Requirements
Compulsory Placement and WHS Requirements:
- Induction - In order to participate in this course students must complete a compulsory safety induction (equipment usage).
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Film Screening-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 13
- Note: Screening student's own work.
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-2
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 9
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.