Master of Film and Television

The Master of Film and Television is a two year course, with the option to exit after year one with a Graduate Diploma. Entry level into the second year of the Master of Film and Television program is also offered. The course can be undertaken in one of four specialized directing streams: Narrative, Animation, Documentary and Post Production/Visual Effects (Post & VFX).

As a practice based course Year One sees students introduced to facets of motion picture production within the chosen specialized stream, at a level which enables them to realise a major exercise in Semester Two to a professional standard. The course is predominantly delivered through workshops, lectures and tutorials.

Students undertake theoretical areas of study that include screenwriting and screen language. Directing students are expected to write, direct and edit their own productions.

In Year Two, a production period will follow directly after First Semester classes. Each directing student focuses on, and assumes responsibility for, writing and directing specific to their chosen strand (both creatively and technically) a substantive major production for completion at a professional level.

On completion of this course students will be able to contribute to the broad culture of society, will qualify for employment in the film, television and allied industries and will have acquired the following skills in their area of specialisation at an advanced level:

Narrative:
• developed skills in writing, directing and editing an innovative short narrative motion picture program at the highest professional standard;
• ability to experiment and develop their own creativity for screen;
• understanding of the creative achievements in screen or multimedia culture.
Animation:
• developed skills in writing, directing and editing an innovative short animated motion picture program at the highest professional standard;
• ability to experiment and develop their own creativity for screen;
• an understanding of the creative achievements in screen or multimedia culture.
Documentary:
• developed skills in writing, directing and editing an innovative short documentary motion picture program at the highest professional standard;
• ability to experiment and develop their own creativity for screen;
• understanding of the creative achievements in screen or multimedia culture.
Post Production/Visual Effects:
• developed skills in writing, directing and editing an innovative short narrative motion picture program and to integrate Post Production/Visual Effects at the highest professional standard;
• ability to experiment and develop their own creativity for screen;
• understanding of the creative achievements in screen or multimedia culture.

The course structure is outlined below.

Animation

Documentary

Narrative

Post Production / Visual Effects

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:
• either
--- an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, with a GPA of 65% over the last two years of study;
or
--- at least five years of documented relevant work experience related to film and television, with evidence of artistic ability and achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines;
and
• a selection test which may include both visual and written elements; and
• a folio of past work.
2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce performances and exhibitions as required; they will also need to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. Communication with fellow students, professional and academic staff, and the wider public about their knowledge and application of practising Arts disciplines is essential.

Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students require the capacity for high-level creative performance or production. They are also expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and cross-disciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise training objectives and outcomes.

Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Disability: Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/


Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students will need to participate in the course in an independent manner.

At the successful completion of this degree students will be able to undertake a coursework doctoral degree in the field of Film and Television; after successful completion of the first year of study they will be eligible to apply to transfer to a research Masters degree.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

On completion of this course students will:
• exhibit strong theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to these industries;
• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;
• demonstrate advanced skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional filmmaker in the 21st century;
• work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of environments;
• contribute at an advanced level as collaborators, leaders and mentors;
• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities;
• understand and appreciate how filmmaking connects with the broader society and contributes to its social and economic development;
• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.