Diploma in Digital Film

This programme aims to give students a solid base of skills to expand their talents pushing their creativity and heightening their technical skills in Digital Film.

Note: Please check the equipment requirements in the Enrolment section to see what is required for each paper.

The programme is made up of the following papers:

Core compulsory papers – all three must be completed:

DDF101 Video and Audio Craft (Level 5) 15 credits

Low cost digital cameras have revolutionised film, television and multimedia production, just as low cost computer editing and recording equipment has had an impact on audio production. This paper aims to give students fundamental skills and confidence in using digital video cameras, fundamental audio skills, and the principles that underpin digital video and audio.

In the video section, students will learn fundamental skills of camera operation such as to expose, focus, and white-balance. They will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of camera continuity and be able to compose shots in a professional manner.

Students will also learn to choose and place microphones and record sound. They will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the basic principles of sound, and the principles of analogue and digital sound recording.

This paper is a prerequisite (must be done before) for DDF131 and DDF201.

DDF104 Short Film Screenwriting (Level 5) 15 credits

An understanding of the craft of telling a story is essential to many areas of creative endeavour. Apart from screenwriting, the material covered in this paper and its follow-up paper DDF 204 are essential to gaining insights into all the other papers in this course, since it is not only the technical skills a student must develop, but the story-telling skills to know where to use those technical skills.

In this paper students will develop an understanding of short film structures and through weekly exercises will develop their creative writing skills. The course is structured around sixteen short exercises that will involve students writing short screenplays to a given brief. The students’ skills will be encapsulated in their major project: an original short film screenplay.

This paper is a prerequisite (must be done before) for DDF131 and DDF204.

DDF105 Video Editing (Level 5) 15 credits

This paper deals with the aesthetics and practicalities of combining moving images.

Students are introduced to editing continuity and methods of editing to accentuate the narrative and through the study of established works gain insights into the main approaches to editing. Editing aesthetics is seen as the choice of which image follows which, and as such is not dependent on any particular technology.

The practical side of the paper focuses on the use of the nonlinear video editing packages Apple Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, but the material presented is easily transferable to any comparable system. Students will learn to capture and combine material and perform basic manipulations.

This paper is a prerequisite (must be done before) for DDF205, DDF131 and DDF201.

Elective papers – choose five from the following:

DDF102 Music for Film (Level 5) 15 credits

Music can be one of the most important aspects in filmmaking, and the ability to choose and describe music is an essential skill. Further to this, it is becoming increasingly possible for filmmakers, even those with little or no musical skill, to make their own music.

For non-musicians this paper is intended to give the student the ability to describe music and to communicate with musicians, to have a greater understanding of the musical requirements of drama, and to create music.

For students with musical skill and ability this paper will develop the students understanding of the special requirements of writing music for film.

DDF109 DVD Authoring (Level 5) 15 credits

The DVD is becoming the preferred mode of delivery for video footage. The equipment and media needed to author DVDs for video has decreased in cost to the point where it is within the reach of filmmakers. It is the aim of this paper to develop the students’ awareness of the aesthetic of DVD authoring and practicalities of navigation. In addition to this the technical aspects of DVD authoring will also be studied.

DDP108 is the prerequisite for this paper.

DDF110 Media Culture (Level 5) 15 credits

We live in a culture rich in images, from advertising graphics to Art-haus cinema. Many of these images, especially those associated with postmodernism and advertising, are referential. The aim of this paper is to broaden the students’ knowledge of the culture in which we live, where our culture has come from, and where it might go next. From this paper students will gain a greater ability to contextualise the images that bombard us daily, and to create new forms borrowing from, rather than repeating, the past.

DDF131 Short Film Project (Level 5) 15 credits

In this paper students apply the knowledge gained from other papers in the programme by completing their own short digital video project. In addition to sharpening skills already acquired, students will learn to manage the resources needed for the project and will develop qualities of leadership and teamwork.

DDF101, DDF104, and DDF105 are the prerequisites for this paper.

DDF201 Digital Cinematography (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper builds upon the skills acquired in DDF101, and extends these further using the problem based approach. Students will learn to master the operation of professional level cameras to record both audio and video to get optimal results suitable for broadcast. The course will conclude with a major project that allows the student to demonstrate all their skills.

DDF101 and DDF105 are the prerequisites for this paper.

DDF204 Feature Film Screenwriting (Level 6) 15 credits

Building on the skills developed in DDF104 Screenwriting, this paper is concerned with the writing of a full scale feature length script in the Hollywood three act structure. Students will also look develop an understanding of genre in screenwriting. This paper is intended as a follow-on to DDF104, and it is assumed that students entering this paper will be able to write in the standard format and be aware of screenwriting conventions.

DDF104 is the prerequisite for this paper.

DDF205 Advanced Video Editing (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper embodies a practical approach to video editing and builds upon the work completed in DDF105. The focus of the paper is mostly technical, and the work assumes a basic knowledge of non-linear editing.

The paper is based on a series of short assignments of increasing difficulty that promote not only technical skill, but a creative approach and the ability to self-critique the student's own work.

DDF105 is the prerequisite for this paper.

DDF231 Short Film Project II (Level 6) 15 credits

In this paper students build on the experience acquired in DDF131 to complete a short digital video project to professional standards. Whereas in DDF131 students work to a level appropriate for Level 5 students, in DDF231 the final deliverables are expected to be close to professional standard. Students will need to either have access to professional cameras or to write a script that can be achieved by using the equipment available (e.g. The Blair Witch Project).

DDF131 is the prerequisite for this paper.

DDP103 Practical Photography 1 (Level 5) 15 credits

Digital cameras have revolutionised photographic practice, both in terms of consumer-level point-and-shoot cameras as well as for high-end professional applications. This paper aims to give students fundamental skills and confidence in using still (as opposed to video) digital cameras and the principles that underpin digital photography.

Given that technology is constantly improving an important aspect of the course is a focus on skills that do not date – composition, lens focal lengths, use of bokeh and so forth. Students may find that a few years after completing the course that much of the technology existing when they did the course is becoming obsolete, but fundamental photographic skills do not change, and a student well versed in fundamental skills will easily adapt to changes in technology.

DDP106 Photoshop for Photography (Level 5) 15 credits

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard still image processing application, and is in wide use not only among photographers but also with multimedia and video editing professionals. This paper deals with the use of Photoshop in relation to digital still photography.

The paper is based around a series of weekly assignments that students will undertake.

This paper is a useful counterpart to DDPF103 in that Photoshop functions as a 'digital darkroom' for the digital camera. Also this paper relates to DDF108 which uses Photoshop as a tool for graphic design.

DDP108 Graphic Design (Level 5) 15 credits

This paper deals with the presentation and manipulation of still images and type. This paper gives students the confidence to use Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to manipulate images and type, to gain an understanding of design principles, and the ability to apply those principles in a practical context.

The opening sections of the course deal with the basic operation of the software and the fundamentals of design theory. The second section of the course presents the students with a series of design problems of increasing difficulty. This approach allows students to implement the material presented in the opening section in a creative and motivating manner.

The companion paper DDP106 focuses on the use of Photoshop in the preparation of photographic images. Although there is some necessary duplication, the main focus of this paper is on design choice rather than image manipulation.

This paper is a prerequisite (must be done before) for DDF109.

DDP206 Advanced Photoshop (Level 3) 15 credits

This paper embodies a practical approach to image editing in Photoshop and builds upon the work completed in DDP106. The paper assumes a basic knowledge of Photoshop. The paper is modelled on the ‘problem solving’ approach, and is based on a series of short assignments of increasing difficulty that promote not only technical skill, but a creative approach and the ability to self-critique the student's own work.

DDP106 is the prerequisite for this paper.

Graduates from the Diploma in Digital Film would be ideally suited to further study in related areas, or to pursue entry level career opportunities in the film or television industries.

Students completing this programme may be able to cross credit completed papers and further their studies in the SIT Bachelor of Digital Media on campus.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• DDF101 requires a video camera or a video capable DSLR and video editing software. Basic models of video camera are useable, but semi-pro models or DSLRs are strongly recommended.
• DDF102 requires music creation software. Garageband or Logic (or similar) are ideal. Note that there are not equivalents to Garageband available for Windows computers, meaning that if you are a non-musician using a Windows computer you may find this course very, very difficult. Many non-musicians using Macs and Garageband have completed the course without problem though.
• DDF104 require Microsoft word or open office (not Microsoft Works)
• DDF105 requires either Final Cut Pro (any version) Adobe Premiere Pro CS2 (Version CS6 or later is strongly recommended.).
• DDF109 requires DVD authoring software - either Encore or DVD Studio Pro
• DDF201 requires a semi-pro video camera or video capable DSLR.
• DDP elective papers are available as part of the DDF programme.
• DDP103 requires a reasonable quality of camera. The Canon 600D or similar models is ideal. "Point and shoot" compact cameras are not suitable.
• DDP106, 206 Adobe Photoshop version CS2 or later is required. Version CS5 or later is strongly recommended. Photoshop Elements is not suitable.

SUGGESTED STUDY PATH/COMBINATIONS

Part time (2 years to complete)

First intake of study – 2 core compulsory papers

Second intake of study – 1 core compulsory paper and 1 elective paper (check prerequisites)

Third intake of study – 2 elective papers (check prerequisites)

Forth intake of study – 2 elective papers (check prerequisites)

Full time (1 year to complete)

First intake of study - 3 core compulsory papers plus 1 elective paper (with no prerequisites attached)

Second intake of study – 4 elective papers (check prerequisites)

CROSS CREDITS

Students wanting to complete both the Diploma in Digital Film (DDF) and Diploma in Digital Photography (DDP) can “credit transfer” three papers from one diploma to the other (i.e. a student who has completed the DDF programme can also complete the DDP programme by completing a further five DDP papers.) This is done by filling in a cross credit application form and attaching proof of achievement. The cross credit application form is available on MySIT or from the Programme Administrator on 0800 748 257 ext. 3337.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period. Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet).
• All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
• Application forms are filled out on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes on the one application form. Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students. There is no automatic enrolment rollover.

Assessments for this programme typically include essays and practical assessments. There are no exams for this programme.

The Zero Fees Scheme applies to this course, so there are no tuition fees as long as you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (residing in NZ), BUT there is a student direct material cost of $6.50 per credit of study undertaken, plus a non-refundable administration fee of $50.00 for each application processed, and the required textbook/s listed below. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain your Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.

Fees must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice.

All SIT2LRN courses are approved by Studylink. Any queries regarding Studylink allowances, loans, and terms and conditions should be made directly to Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz.

Please check the textbook list to see if you need a textbook for the unit(s) that you are applying for. The list is available here:

http://www.sit.ac.nz/documents/pdf/textbooklist.pdf

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive a Welcome Kit that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2^nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of our website at http://www.sit.ac.nz/pages/FAQs for further study and enrolment information.

Applicants should have a keen interest in digital photography and film. They need to demonstrate academic attributes which indicate a reasonable likelihood of successful completion of the programme.

Applicants should have:

• Intermediate experience or more in photography or film.
• The ability to access the equipment required to complete the programme.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme and be eligible for the awarding of the qualification Diploma in Digital Film, they must have completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments, successfully completed assessment requirements for all papers, and achieved a total of 120 credits as specified in the programme schedule.