Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[BPSA]

7, 360 3.0
Full-time for three years
Starts February
16 places
CA2222
Mt Albert campus
NZ$ 8199

International fees

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Programme summary

Interested in a career as a writer or director for film, TV or the theatre? Gain an understanding of creative and conceptual processes, and see your work realised in film and theatre productions.

Are you a born filmmaker? Have you considered a career in film and television? The Directing and Writing major has an emphasis on the creative skills and knowledge you need to pursue career pathways in the film and television industry in New Zealand and around the world. The programme helps you develop the creative skills to participate in the development and production processes for the screen by collaborating in the making of a large body of work for film, from drama to documentary.

Highlights

•  Practical projects: you’ll work on high-quality practical exercises and projects (documentaries, commercials, music/dance videos, short films, experimental film and studio pieces) using current industry standards. This will allow you to move more readily into the industry with a body of work or to seek further specialisation at postgraduate level.
• You’ll gain a real understanding of the complete production process, from the initial idea through production and the finished work.
• Lecturers and guests who are talented and professionally credited writers, directors, designers, actors and creative technicians. They’ll inspire you to produce innovative work and support you in gaining the exposure you need.
• The real world of performing and screen arts: you’ll learn to work collaboratively in teams made up of acting, dance, art department, directing and writing students.
• Strong links with industry: we’re active members of SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association), WIFT (Women in Film and Television), Playmarket, New Zealand Writers Guild, New Zealand Directors Guild, Entertainment Technology NZ and New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild.
• Highly regarded graduates who have produced prize-winning short films and plays for seasons at festivals and other venues around New Zealand and internationally. Recent graduates have received New Zealand Film Commission funding for the development of feature films.

Film production

You’ll learn about production management, assistant directing and location managing in a variety of industry-modelled projects and workshops. You’ll progressively learn to harness your organisational and communication skills as you keep the production moving according to set timelines and ensure that production deadlines are met. You’ll plan ahead, trouble-shoot and pay close attention to detail as you assist the director and co-ordinate all production activity, supervising the cast and crew.

Directing

You’ll learn about the creative and technical side of directing, and also about text analysis, actor process, shaping performance, design and the associated technologies of film. An important component of the course is the opportunity to work in teams of students – acting, art direction, camera, sound, production, editing and design – while practising your specialisation. This will help you understand what it means to work at a professional level, and assist the formation of important future collaborations. You’ll work closely with students and professionals on documentaries, commercials, short films, experimental film and studio pieces.

Scriptwriting

You can also develop your writing skills in a practice-based course that offers in-depth knowledge of the craft and creative processes involved in writing for screen. You’ll study all key areas of scriptwriting, short films/plays (which increase in length and complexity from Year One to Year Three), feature film treatments, soap and sitcom. Your scripts may even be made into a film.

Screen studies and critical practices

You’ll explore key concepts, technologies and processes, and examine film and television works from their evolution right through to the present day. Alongside your future industry peers, you’ll explore in-depth theoretical and critical thought, integrating theory and professional practice in an exciting cross-discipline environment.

 

Interview/audition

Around 100 people apply each year for the 45 places offered in Year One. You’ll be given clear information at the time of your application about how to prepare and what to bring with you. From these interviews, the final selection of trainees is made for the following year.

Please note: If you’re not sure that you’re ready to audition for this highly competitive programme yet please look at the Certificate in Communication and Media Arts.