Program Details

Program Overview

SAE Institute’s Diploma In Film Making maintains international recognition from the creative-technical media education offered by SAE INSTITUTE.

The SAE Diploma In Film Making (Level 5) is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and incorporates Technical - Practical - Creative education ranging in 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, Final Cut Pro, After Effects Workshop, 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 Budget, 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

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.

FUNDAMENTAL DIGITAL VIDEO TECHNIQUES:
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.

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.

CAMERA THEORY AND TECHNIQUES:
This module covers all aspects of working with video cameras.

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.

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 applications, creating a DVD, video streaming.

PRODUCING AND 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, practical set work, working on your own project, film finance and budgeting.

LIGHTING:
This module covers all aspects of lighting theory and application.

MAIN TOPICS: Lighting techniques, lighting consoles, occupational health and safety, theory of light and lighting, working with artificial light, working with sunlight and location lights.

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.

Note: Due to rapid developments in this field, software used or topics covered may be replaced without notice by more current software and topics.