MFC6044 - Advanced Documentary Production

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history of the development of the documentary genre and its perceived role in Western society;

Devise, plan and produce a documentary;

Work effectively within a team to meet deadlines and utilise resources effectively;

Critically evaluate the process and the finished product.

Content:

In this module students have an opportunity to employ the knowledge and technical skills obtained so far through previous modules, especially MFC 5202 or MFC 5402 (the stated pre-requisites), to produce substantial artefacts for their career portfolio.
The module provides a theoretical understanding of the role of documentaries in Western society and their historical development. Building on previous production experience it will provide opportunities for students to develop their production skills further. It examines the grammar of television editing and the crucial role of creativity and narrative in the documentary process. It also explores the ethical aspects of the 'creative treatment of actuality'. This will be followed by an intensive period of self directed team based production.
The aim is to produce a 10' short film to a professional standard. The film must be a documentary and must not be a fictional film (there is other provision for this at Level 6).
This module builds on previous experience and the practice of single camera film production, including: briefs; logistics of location recording; single camera techniques; editing and audio mixing. In addition, students will be instructed to supply a critical analysis of the finished film, peer/audience assessment data and recommendations for further skills development. Students will also 'pitch' their film project to tutors and invited industry personnel, prior to commencing production.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Contact hours 22
Group size 30

Tutorials
Contact hours 12
Group size 3-4

Guided independent study
Hours 366 Other relevant matters

Prequisites
Evidence of engagement with broadcast assessment / production of broadcast artefacts for Journalism and Sports Journalism students.

Further details relating to assessment
The Portfolio for assessment is to be delivered at the end of Semester 2 and will consist of:
1) A group portfolio containing all necessary pre, pro and post production paper work (Location reports; Health and Safety Reports; Permissions and Waivers), This body of work will be a collection of the necessary textual and logistical materials necessary for Broadcast ready Film & TV production.
2) A Peer Assessment of the pre-production process,
3) An Evaluative Report of their development and indicative research of the documentary's subject matter.
This will accompany the 10 minute film (filmed/edited/Colour Graded/Audio Mixed/Motion Graphics).

Assessment:

001 Artefact (Group); 10 Minutes; During Semester Two 75%
002 Report & Individual Portfolio; 2,000 words; End of Semester Two 25%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Mr Ricardo Barker
Level - 6
Credit Value - 40
Pre-Requisites - MFC 5042 OR MFC 5202 SEE OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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