Scotch College

Film and Media Studies [Semester Unit] Year 10 — 2010

Rationale

Students will study aspects of two principle media forms, film and television. The course aims to familiarise students with a range of issues and some theoretical aspects of each of these forms of media. The course is also designed to provide students with practical skills experience with the production of short films and to provide students with the opportunity to present a film to an audience. Several of the assessment tasks encourage students to reflect critically on issues related to the production, distribution and reception of film through a range of practical and written assignments.

Student Outcomes

Understand and analyse the:

• Influence of media in society generally
• Development of the film making techniques and processes
• Development of the film and television industries, in Australia and globally
• Visual and aural language of film and television texts
• Narrative and genre forms used by film and television texts
• Media production processes for film and television texts

• Script and storyboard a short film
• Use a digital video camera, digital still camera, lights and sound equipment to record footage for a film
• Edit recorded audio and video footage into a finished film
• Work together co-operatively in group situations
• Present work to an audience for feedback and appreciation

Course Content

Introduction to Media: The importance of media, the history of communication media, the history of film making techniques and processes and the history of film and television industries

Analysis of Film and Television Texts: The language of film and television, the narrative and genre forms of film and television texts: westerns, sci-fi and soaps, the production processes for film and television and the viewing patterns and effects of film and television texts.

Production of a Short Film: Pre-production: scripting and storyboarding a short film. Production: shooting with digital video cameras, still cameras, lights and microphones. Post-production: video editing and mixing of soundtracks and sound effects.

ICT Skills

Research tasks require use of the World Wide Web and online databases. Analysis tasks require use of concept mapping software such as Inspiration. Use of a word processor is encouraged. Digital video and sound recording equipment is used intensively. Post production is achieved using the Apple iLife Suite (iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband and iTunes)

Assessment

• Assignments
• Film Analysis
• Film Production
• Examination