Semester 1, 2008 Graduates

Metro Screen’s popular Certificate IV in Screen [five months full-time] provides a comprehensive education in drama and documentary filmmaking and is a great option for those wishing to work in film or TV.

Extensive access to quality equipment and close collaboration with industry tutors makes this course an excellent learning experience and amazing value for money.

“Hands-on film studies at Metro Screen has provided me with the skills and resources to pitch concepts to major TV networks with confidence.” Steve Crombie, Certificate IV in Screen 2006 graduate.


WORK ON A RANGE OF FILMS
This intensive learning experience is composed of three production phases: documentary, studio drama and location drama. A minimum of six films are produced, at least two for each phase. With the art of storytelling a major focus of the course, participants develop their own scripts, pitch their ideas for production and secure a key crew role on at least one production per phase, while fulfilling supporting roles on other productions. Subject areas include directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing and producing.

INDUSTRY TUTORS AND EQUIPMENT
Participants learn on broadcast quality HD digital cameras and work in professional level production and post-production facilities, including our Mac Computer Lab. Industry professionals teach technical and practical aspects of production including camera and lighting, editing, producing and directing. Our small group sizes mean that all participants gain personal attention from both tutors and Metro Screen training staff. Our facilities team are also a great source of production advice for participants and expertly maintain all equipment and facilities. Each unit is taught by working industry professionals. Metro Screen tutors are celebrated in the Australian industry and include: Inside Film nominee for Best Editor Adrian Rostirolla on Kokoda, AFI nominee in four categories Alec Morgan for his feature film Hunt Angels and producer Heather Oxhenham whose short Sexy Thing premiered at Cannes. See our tutors page for details.

"It is inspiring as a teacher to track such rapid transformation in students. The quiet, unsure group from Week One becomes an ambitious, assured creative force by the time they finish their first projects. By the end of the course you know that they are ready to go out there and get involved." Gareth Tillson, Metro Screen tutor.


FOCUS ON FUTURE EMPLOYMENT + NETWORKING
During the course, guest speakers give students an overview of employment opportunities in the industry and give advice on applying for jobs and funding. Certificate IV participants also receive the benefits of Metro Screen membership for the duration of their course. These include access to monthly Network meetings, large reductions on equipment hire [for projects outside the scope of the course] and more. Individuals also benefit from everyday interaction with professional crews working in our studios as well as Metro Screen staff.

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
At the completion of the course, final works are screened at a public graduation event. Each participant receives a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Screen qualification and a personalised DVD showreel: an invaluable resource when seeking employment or funding. Following the course we make every effort to pass on news of opportunities and facilitate graduates’ entry into the work place.

Semester 2, 2007 Graduates

GRADUATES
Upon graduation, a public screening and graduation ceremony is held. Metro Screen also continues its ongoing support to graduates through advice, contact with film industry networks and access to Metro Screen’s production subsidy rounds. With the approval of filmmakers, Metro Screen submits graduate works into film festivals and other opportunities.

Metro Screen graduates have gone on to work in the film and TV industries and have won awards at local and international film festivals. Graduates have also been accepted into further studies and had their projects screened on various TV networks.

DIGITAL PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
This element teaches students the practical aspects of video production using professional broadcast quality digital video cameras, lighting and sound equipment. Learning will be consolidated through several production exercises, culminating in the practical application of these skills on the production slates.

Areas to be covered include:
• Camera operations and techniques
• Studio and location lighting
• Screen language & storyboarding
• Location sound recording
• Crew structures & protocols
• Slating
• OH & S in the production environment




DOCUMENTARY MAKING
Students gain a solid understanding of the documentary form, both theoretical and practical. Each student will develop his or her own documentary concept which will be pitched to a selection panel. Several documentaries will be made during this unit.

Areas to be covered include
• Documentary genres & styles
• Research & planning a documentary project
• Writing for documentary
• Shooting a range of documentary styles; verite, observational, docudrama
• Interviewing techniques


SCREENWRITING
In this unit, students will learn the fundamental elements of story and drama. They will develop their own screenplays through a series of workshops and writing exercises. Students then have the option to pitch these to be taken forward for production.

Areas to be covered include
• How to structure a story; conventions and experimental forms
• Building multi-dimensional characters
• How to analyse and edit a script
• Writing effective dialogue
• Developing themes


DIRECTING
This element examines the creative role of the director in the filmmaking process. Learn how to breakdown and visualise scripts, work with actors and communicate effectively with a crew.

Areas to be covered include
• Story through sound and image
• Breaking down a script
• Screen language and mise-en-scene
• Working with actors (various techniques will be explored)
• Blocking
• Creative coverage
• Casting & rehearsal techniques
• Building a character through performance
• Film styles and genres
• Shot choice and storyboarding


EDITING
Students will be taught how to edit drama and documentary projects using Final Cut Pro software. Each student will cut their own version of one of the documentary projects and can pitch to edit further projects.

Areas to be covered include
• Creating a story through editing
• Creative cutting and editing theory
• Final Cut Pro – the complete pathway from digitising to outputting
• File management and backing up data
• Sound editing and mixing in Final Cut Pro (sound for editors)




PRODUCING
Students will be taken through the process of producing a short to feature length drama or documentary production. Core practical skills will be developed to prepare students for work in the film and television industry.

Areas to be covered include
• Role of the Producer
• Budgeting
• Scheduling
• Contracting cast & crew
• Copyright
• Film distribution & marketing
• Funding applications
• Working in the Australian Film & Television Industry


PHOTOSHOP + DVD PRODUCTION
Students will gain a comprehensive grounding in design and digital image manipulation Students will gain a comprehensive grounding in design and digital image manipulation using Photoshop and create and burn a DVD show reel using DVD Studio Pro.

Areas to be covered include
• Digital Image manipulation
• Creating layered images
• Creating a DVD menu
• Compressing video for DVD