Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[BPSA]

7, 360 3.0
Full-time for three years
Starts February
30 places
First round of interviews will be held in October
CA2222
Mt Albert campus
NZ$ 8199

International fees

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Programme summary

Become equipped for a career as a leading film and television professional in cinematography, editing, sound and production management/assistant directing. Work collaboratively with other students on a wide range of projects.

Are you a born filmmaker? Have you considered a career in film and television? The Screen Arts (film and television) major has an emphasis on the practical skills and knowledge you need for a career as a film and television professional in camera, editing or sound. You develop the skills to participate in the making of work to a professional standard in your specialisation (camera, editing, sound recording/design), as well as the ability to analyse your own work, work to a variety of briefs, and study the history, theory and critique of film and television.

Highlights

• Practical projects: you’ll work on high-quality practical exercises and projects (documentaries, commercials, music/dance video, short films, experimental film and studio pieces) using current industry standards.
• Time to explore where your interests lie: in the first year you’ll explore the basic skills and techniques associated with film and television production like camera, directing, editing, production, sound and scriptwriting, and gain an overview of the production process and key responsibilities. By the end of Year One, you’ll be able to make an informed choice of the pathway you would like to pursue for the remaining two years of your degree programme.
• The real world of performing and screen arts: you’ll work collaboratively with acting, dance, art department, directing and writing students, and gain real-world, on-set experience when making short films on location.
• Experienced film and television practitioners and educators as your lecturers.
• Strong industry links: we’re active members of SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association), WIFT (Women in Film and Television), New Zealand Writers Guild, Entertainment Technology NZ and New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild.
• International experts visit Unitec on a regular basis through our networks with groups like the New Zealand Writers Guild and the New Zealand Film Commission.
• Graduates who are regarded as highly employable by the film and televisions industries. They work on Hollywood blockbusters and local independent features, and produce prize-winning short films and documentaries in New Zealand and internationally.

Camera

Aid the realisation of the director’s vision onto the screen through lens choice, lighting, composition, camera movement, focus, filtration and exposure. Develop essential skills and knowledge by working creatively on a wide range of projects, and get trained for the film crew positions of camera operator, focus puller, clapper loader, gaffer, lighting assistant and grip. 

Editing

Gain practical, hands-on experience of film editing, from documentary through to feature film, and use the latest equipment and technology, which is being constantly updated to include new formats and techniques. You’ll also learn the power of storytelling through screen grammar, the cut, and the use of effects and transitions.

Sound

Become involved in field recordings and sound post-production, from basic introductory techniques, such as boom-swinging and mixing levels, to the rigours of dialogue replacement, FX editing and multiple microphone location recording. In your final year, you’ll explore the creativity of the craft via challenging projects such as documentary and short film, and explorative studio work, including surround sound and video dance.

Screen studies and critical practices

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. The first round of interviews will take place in late October. 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.