Film, Sound & Video

Level 1.1

Location Filmmaking

This is a foundation subject introducing students to single-camera video production. The module aims to provide students with a basic theoretical and practical introduction to pre-production planning, single-camera operation, location lighting, grip work, sound recording and non-linear video editing. Students will gain a visual understanding of moving images and be able to combine them with simple soundtracks

Producing

This module introduces students to the scope of work and responsibilities of a Producer. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling, the film crew hierarchy, the basics of location scouting and local media law. This module will also include the mechanics of a script breakdown plus the process of content creation and pitching. At the end of this module, students will be able to present a production portfolio based on a given script.

Storytelling Techniques

This module focuses on how students can create meaning through stories that reflect their own lives and imagination. Using a three-act dramatic structure, students develop compelling short story ideas with the basic storytelling tools of observation, memory and experience. Through written and oral exercises, as well as assignments, students learn to understand and apply good storytelling techniques – a critcial skill for producers of film and other media.

Editing

This module provides introductory knowledge in the area of post-production as well as hands-on editing experience. Students will learn the finer details of editing for a narrative-driven project. Through exercises and reflection, they will have many opportunities to become familiar with the various concepts of editing.

Career & Professional Preparation 1

This module gives students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. Through guided reflection of their personal characteristics and the development of an overall game plan for their education and career goals, students will be better prepared for their future careers.

Level 1.2

Introduction to Film

This foundation module examines the basic elements that comprise the study of film. These are film production, distribution and exhibition, film form, film genre, documentary and experimental cinema, film style and film criticism. Screenings, lectures and readings are designed to help students understand what makes a film look and sound the way it does. Students are also encouraged to analyse films as created objects, to prepare them for more advanced modules in film history and scriptwriting.

Photography

This module explores the technical and aesthetic aspects of still photography. Topics include the use of digital camera, exposure techniques, use of existing light, visual elements and principles of design in photography, concepts of composition, storytelling with pictures and photo-portfolio preparation.

TV Production

Students are introduced to multi-camera studio production techniques and technical operations. Topics include TV studio camera operation and setup, studio lighting, audio and sound control, the character generator, teleprompting, vision mixing, digital effects and production roles. The module is designed to help students acquire the basic knowledge and skills to fill various studio positions competently. There is a focus on developing creativity and continuity in planning and executing live studio-based television programmes.

Audio Technology

Students are taught the knowledge and skills for audio production here. They will learn the basic principles and technical concepts of sound production and technology. Foundational production skills developed in recording, overdubbing, processing and mixing can be applied to produce audio for video, television, film, radio and music products.

Course Curriculum (Year 1)

Level 2.1

Film History

Film History is an introductory survey course that examines the social, technological and aesthetic history of filmmaking from the origins to the present. This course will emphasise critical, theoretical and historical perspectives in analysing film. Special attention will be placed on films and film movements outside the mainstream. The focus will be on the history of film from a Western perspective, primarily American and European.

Cinematography

Students gain a better understanding of the aesthetics and craft of cinematography with special concentration on practice, workflow and safety at a professional standard. The module aims to take learning outside the classroom with tutor-guided masterclasses conducted in locations that are researched and sourced by the students. This makes for more dynamic and active learning that mimics real-world conditions.

Post Production & Motion Graphics

This module provides an opportunity to create motion graphics in post-production for intermediate level students who have mastered the fundamental principles and skills of editing and video production. Students will build up their capacity to create contents of motion graphics and train technical skills for post-production. Students will deal with the various concepts of motion graphics and workflows in post-production. This will help students prepare for their capstone projects in their final year.

Scriptwriting

Students learn to write screenplays for short films. Building on storytelling and visualisation techniques they acquired in Level 1, students are encouraged to develop stories from their own observations, memories and experiences. Writing exercises and assignments develop eventually into an 8- to 12-page screenplay, which may be expanded into projects in Level 3.

Documentary Production

This module is designed to expose students to the practical, technical and theoretical issues in nonfiction filmmaking. Students will study different types of documentary storytelling and the appropriate use for each style. They will then work individually and later in groups to apply the technical skills and creative choices to shoot and edit their own video documentaries.

Level 2.2

Asian Cinema

The module introduces students to the art and business of Asian cinema. Students will explore the unique traditions of selected national cinemas of East-, South- and Southeast Asia. Against the backdrop of globalisation, they will also discover the unique histories and aesthetics of Asian film production.

Advanced TV Production

This module focuses on creating a deeper understanding and appreciation of nonfiction television productions. It is designed to introduce students to the practical and technical aspects of creating television programmes, particularly in the infotainment and info-education genres. Students will work in a team and be responsible for all aspects of production: from conceiving the show idea, to casting, scripting, production planning, budgeting, graphics, to recording programme segments in the studio and on location. They are also responsible for packaging the product using these segments.

Directing

Students learn aspects of pre-scriptwriting, scene direction, completion of scriptwriting, script visualisation, pre-production, acting, blocking, direction, rehearsal and filming. The focus is on equipping students with the essential skills to become competent directors and to build a creative portfolio.

Intermediate Filmmaking

Building on the conventions learnt in first-year modules Location Filmmaking and Storytelling Techniques, students delve to examine the craft deeper and discover principles that make for an affective film. This class is exploratory in nature and students chart their own learning journey through guided filming projects and intimate group discussions.

Sound Design

Students will learn the basic knowledge and skills needed for capturing good sound on location in support of sound design. They will also learn how Sound Design can be used to complement and enhance films with the use of foley, voiceover and ADR. With an introduction to ProTools, students will be able to produce basic sound tracks for short films through location sound recording, sound design, editing and mixing.

Career & Professional Preparation II

This second-year module is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to seek and secure work, as well as communicate their personal brand. The module will help students better understand their course-related media sectors and equip them with the necessary skills – written, verbal and presentation – to market themselves effectively when pursuing a career in the media industry.

Course Curriculum (Year 2)

Level 3.1

Advanced Production

Building on skills acquired in their first two years of study, students complete two short films that allow them to hone their abilities in writing, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, editing and sound mixing. The students will develop a conceptual knowledge of different film styles, and enhance their understanding and competence in issues related to content and storytelling. The "inclass" and "on location" assignments will emphasise the shooting procedure, and working with actors on a set. Part of the class will be delivered in the masterclass method of instruction.

Capstone Project

Using the conceptual and applied knowledge learnt in Year 1 and 2, students hone and integrate their skills through managing and operating the school’s flagship business units, working with external clients on real-time projects, working on their own projects in various disciplines and across disciplines or carrying out freelance engagements. All projects will provide students with hands-on experience in incorporating various skills, platforms and mechanisms to achieve the desired impact in the marketplace.

Level 3.2

Internship (Local/Overseas)

Students will be placed on an internship with companies and agencies matching their abilities and interests. The internship gives students opportunities to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to the work environment. Students gain valuable work experience and exposure to the rigour, demands and excitement of the media industry, enabling them to adapt effectively to future employment. Many of our students are offered employment by these same companies.

Course Curriculum (Year 3)