StudyQA — Master: Production Design for Film and Television

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Description Contents Requirements

If you would like to develop the traditional and technological skills needed for entry into an art department in the film and television industry, this course is ideal. It offers one of the few opportunities internationally to focus on scenic art direction in postgraduate study. The course has been designed to utilise your existing areas of expertise in a related discipline, which can range from Fine Art to Architecture, and add those required for professional practice.

You will develop skills in production design for both a studio environment particular for television, or script-driven drama intended for television or cinema. In the former you will deal with the creation of a purely televisual world, designing built scenic elements and using lighting and technology such as LED panels to create a particular environment.

For drama productions you will learn how to enhance the script through the visual elements, dealing with the architectural structure of the set, the practical lighting, locations, the choice of colour and texture in the form of props and fabrics, as well as the practical management of the process.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Modules

* Fundamentals of Studio Design

This module builds the basic skills needed to design a set for a brief-based project involving:

* * a main presenter;
* guest/s; and
* accommodation for studio audience.

The design process develops in a parallel manner to that of a real production within a studio context. You take it from conception to realisation through working models, studio plans and related visuals.

These elements are assessed in the final presentation. Workshops and lectures cover such key areas as:

* * visual research;
* drafting;
* presentation skills; and
* related studio conventions.

* Abstract Studio Design

This module again deals with design for a multi-camera environment, but uses a more complex brief than the Fundamentals of Studio Design module.

It uses more areas and a greater range of cameras. The module allows you to:

* * integrate recent technology into this type of design using electronic media such as video walls;
* challenge the conventions established previously;
* extend your range of traditional skills through lectures and workshops;
* investigate related modelling software such as 3D Studio Max; and
* explore the possibilities of a virtual set.

* Contemporary Drama

This module employs skills developed in previous exercises to investigate the design problems posed by contemporary drama.

Following textual analysis of a film/television script, the brief will require a full design resolution to include sourced locations and a related composite studio set.

We will assess the finished presentation in relation to:

* * aesthetics;
* practical considerations such as depth of research and time management skills; and
* the general level of creative endeavour.

We also provide an introduction to working with DV cameras and associated editing software.

* Period Sci-fi Drama

This module draws together various strands of knowledge developed through the course in relation to conceptual development, but without the confinements of a traditional script.

A chosen novel is the basis of a film treatment. The brief allows free interpretation and period adaptation. You will:

* * produce a detailed composite set presented in either traditional physical model form, as a computer-generated image or a combination of the two; and
* prepare a ground plan, supporting technical drawings and either drawn or computer-generated visuals.

Lectures, tutorials and workshops support each stage in this process.

* Major Project Proposal
* Major Project

For this module, you must complete a major project for public exhibition. The module will:

* * equip you with the ability to fund-raise, seek sponsorship and prepare exhibition and project proposals;
* familiarise you with the relevant skills for effective project management and production, audience development, marketing and for publication and dissemination of work;
* develop your individual research into a finished work for publication, either as a print-based book/catalogue or as a media work for publication on DVD/CD/the course website.

* Personal Project

Assessment

This is mainly through design projects and presentations but also involves written submissions.

- Applicants should have a good BA(Hons) degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject which can range from Fine Art to Interior Design or Architecture.- We also welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.- International students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent1.Short course alternative:For those applicants without technical training in this area, the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture also runs a short course in August on basic drafting and model making for Film and TV. The course, "Drafting and Model Making for Television Art Direction", takes place between 13- 17 August 2007. Download further information and a booking form here.2InterviewsWe normally invite applicants for an interview prior to selection. If we ask you to an interview, we will expect you to submit a portfolio demonstrating a high level of art and design skills - this can range from life drawing to CAD, 3D Studio Max or other computer based skills - Photoshop is particularly relevant. Your portfolio can also include sketchbooks, photographs, models, paintings and any other evidence of original creativity.We can make alternative arrangements for international students based overseas.Prior learning - AP(E)LApplicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)