Diploma in Film Making
SAE Institute’s Diploma In Film Making has gained international recognition as a result of the creative-technical media education offered by SAE INSTITUTE.
The Diploma In Film Making is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and incorporates Technical - Practical - Creative education which includes: Preparing a Script for the Screen, Basic and Advanced Digital Editing, Special Effects, Working with Digital Cameras, Preparation of a Storyboard, Film Production, Location Shoots and Choosing Locations, The Making of a Music Video, Directing a Short Film, Working with Actors, Using Special Effects, Television News Gathering, Framing, Working with Blue Screens, Film / Video Financing, Digital Video Editing Theory, Lighting Theory, Digital Camera Theory, Video Shoot Workshops, Script Writing, Budgeting and Scheduling, Film Project Preparation, Directing Theory, Film Finance and DVD Authoring.
Advanced film authoring concepts are developed throughout the Diploma In Film Making program. Digital film and animated element creation is examined and construction techniques are explored in depth. Students use individual computer work stations in our Film lab and utilise our Film Post Production Studio in developing their creative and technical skills using various industry software and control surfaces.
The Diploma In Film Making also incorporates the business aspect of professional creative media projects, providing graduates the necessary skills to develop their own media-based business in the industry.
Successful Graduates are awarded a Diploma In Film Making (Level 5).
Who Should Take This Program ?The Diploma In Film Making is intended for anyone who:
- wants a solid grounding (theory and practice) in creative design and film making
- is interested in working professionally in the field of television and film
- has worked with film as a hobby, but is interested in making it their profession
- wants to stay competitive (and employable) in a rapidly changing job market
Qualification
- Diploma in Film Making (Level 5)
Program Number
- PC9573
Duration
- 12 months full-time
Entry Requirements
- Age: minimum 17 years.
- Education: Minimum School Certificate / NCEA Level 1 in maths and science or adult entry if over 20 years of age.
- Age: 18 years.
- Education: Academic IELTS Test Score 6 minimum (or equivalent) if English is your second language.
Career Options:
- Assistant editor
- Editor
- Gaffer
- Key grip
- 1st assistant director
- Art director
- Director of photography
- Director
- Producer
- Camera Assistant
- Compositor
- Production Manager
- Post Production Supervisor
- Sound Editor
- Re-recording Mixer
- Sound Recordist
- Steadicam Operator
- Sales and installation
- Consultancy, education and associated careers
- Film studio manager
- Digital media entrepreneur
Program Content
Computer Fundamentals and Graphics
An introduction to computer operating systems, basic troubleshooting, software installation and maintenance, internet and intranet procedures.
Main Topics:
Hardware, software, interfaces, system hierarchy, Mac vs PC, networking, protocols, data sharing, internet, digital image processing basics, import/export, photo-retouching, scanning, filters & plug-ins, colour palettes.
Introduction to Recording
This module demonstrates how to operate a basic recording studio and develops an understanding of the recording and production process.
Main Topics
Gain structure, reading basic schematic diagrams, multitrack studio signal flow, analogue console operation, basic recording techniques.
Digital Video Techniqoues
Understanding the workflow and signal flow of digital film production from camera to post production and editing.
Main Topics
Working with cameras, understanding the video workflow, basic video editing and capturing techniques.
Digital Theory
This module provides a rudimentary understanding of computer-based digital recording and video systems.Main Topics
Digital theory, using digital recording media, introduction to hard disc recording and editing, digital audio formats, digital video editing, sampling, and MIDI.
Web Design
Students will be able to create a simple homepage and will study site management, FTP functions and basic web animation.
Main Topics
HTML and basic web page design, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash, introduction to basic 3D design, textures and keyframe animation.
Digital Film Making
Professional DV equipment and leading desktop video editing software are utilised. Basic film making and assembly techniques are delivered in depth. Effects plugins are also incorporated.
Main Topics
Editing audio & picture for digital film, Post production, Video assembly techniques, Effects and plug-ins, Formats and standards, Video compression, Video editing concepts and various types of software, Titling and Basics of digital video photography.
Production Management
This module describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and compile a production schedule identifying the required resources and timelines for the completion of all stages of a production.
Main Topics
Film finance and budgeting, production timelines, legal clearances, copyright, government funding, resource identification, scheduling cast, location selection and choosing the crew.
Video Editing and Compositing
Used throughout professional film post- production suites, audio and film editing is one of the key elements in the production process.
Main Topics
Avid, Final Cut Pro, Media 100, sound editing with ProTools, non-linear editing and management of the post production pathway, sound design, compositing and colour matching.
DVD Authoring
File preparation must be considered throughout film media authoring. Aspects of DVD authoring are addressed in creating the final product.
Main Topics
Surround sound formatting and processing, DVD creation, DVD finalising.
Multimedia and Animation
Students will be trained in the application and use of several multimedia and compositing software packages.
Main Topics
Digitising of images, creating visual effects, compositing still and moving images, basic 2D and 3D animation, 3D modelling, creating a DVD.
Cinematography and Lighting
This module covers all aspects of working with video cameras and lighting theory and application.
Main Topics
Steadycam operation, using and understanding various media, lenses and filters, location shots, using various cameras, lighting theory and practice, working with dollies and shot composition, lighting techniques, lighting consoles, occupational health and safety, theory of light and lighting, working with artificial light, working with sunlight and location lights.
Film History
Students explore the history and creation of cinema, key films and directors, and various film genres that have contributed to the modern film and television industries.
Script Writing
Analysing and learning the layout of scripts for documentaries, film, reportage and interviews. Students will be expected to compile their own ideas and develop them into a script by focusing on key areas that include plot, character development, dialogue, script development,
storyboarding, dramaturgy and script analysis.
Directing
Another key element in film production is directing actors and functioning as a producer. Students will gain the necessary creative and technical skills to produce and direct their own work in a professional context through practical demonstration and supervised in-class project work.
Main Topics
The roles of producers and directors will be clearly defined and applied to the students’ set work and individual projects.
Studio Production
Students will be trained in a controlled environment of a Multi-Camera Studio Production.
Main Topics
Productions include live multi-cam broadcast of a News Show and live multi-cam broadcast of a Music Video Show.
Specialised Projects
Students are encoraged to apply the art of cinematography and lighting into specialised productions from pre to post-production.
Main Topics
Specialised productions include: Music Video, TV Commercial, News Item, Corporate identity animated Logo design, Drama production, Screenplay and a definitive Short film production.
