Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media -  Screenwriting, Directing & Producing

The CUF60107 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media is a nationally recognised qualification, delivered and assessed according to the requirements of the industry developed Screen and Media Training Package (CUF07). The Advanced Diploma is delivered over two years (four semesters) on a full time basis. 

What are the course objectives?

The program is designed to build skills and knowledge in the areas of screenwriting, directing and producing with complementary skills in camera, lighting, editing and post-production, sound recording and sound design. There is a strong emphasis on industry knowledge and employability skills, collaboration, team building and professionalism.

What careers can be pursued on completion of the course?

Filmmaking is a vocation and a profession – one that is both challenging and supremely satisfying for practitioners who are driven by a love of the craft and a love of storytelling. The program prepares you for transition into the local and international film industry as an independent industry professional in a variety of roles including screenwriter, story editor, development executive, executive producer, producer, production manager, director, assistant director, script supervisor, sound recordist, camera department, editor and post-production supervisor.

How is the course taught?

The full-time study program is delivered over two years in four 20 week semesters, with each semester having a one week mid-semester break. The semester is based on a five day week of 18–24 contact hours with another eight plus hours of production-based activity per week. At times during assessment production periods, students may engage in longer hours in accordance with the nature of the professional filmmaking industries. IFSS provides the opportunity for extended campus access outside of the class schedule and technical support.

Success in the film industry is about showing what you can do, so we run the school like a working professional community with a holistic approach to teaching. This means you become a practicing filmmaker from day one, mentored by some of the best teachers in the business. You can download a copy of the Course Overview (PDF) to find out more about projects and assessments and course outcomes.

What projects will I work on in the course?

 You will create five school-budgeted, self-written and directed projects that are produced within small collaborative teams utilising both in-house resources and external locations and opportunities.

What equipment/software/tools will I use in the course?

You always have full creative control of your films – it’s your vision and your voice – and you manage your own production budgets. You work with the latest industry equipment such as RED ONE ® and RED EPIC ® digital cinema cameras, and use a range of high-end production facilities so you are ready for almost any project when you graduate. 

What subjects will I study?

 You will undertake sixteen units of competency (subjects) comprising the qualification. They cover the key skill areas of scriptwriting, camera techniques, visual and performance directing, production planning, management and post-production, including editing and marketing. This will provide you with an understanding of the practical, technical, artistic and contemporary significance of cinema as a medium and as an institution. These skills are then drawn together into the writing, directing and producing of comprehensively formed short film projects of the highest possible standard of creative and technical excellence. From this work, a quality showreel is produced to showcase capability for future employment opportunities.

Units of competency may include*:

• BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
• CUETEM08B Realise productions
• CUFWRT601A Write scripts
• CUFWRT602A Edit scripts
• CUFPPM601A Plan and manage film and media pre-production
• CUFDRT601A Establish the creative vision for screen productions
• CUFDRT602A Audition and select performers
• CUFDRT604A Devise camera coverage
• CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
• CUFDRT502A Direct performers
• BSBCRT601A Research and apply concepts and theories of creativity
• CUSSOU501A Develop sound designs
• CUFDRT605A Collaborate with editors during post-production
• CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
• CUFPPM602A Plan and manage film and media post-production
• BSBMKG609A Develop a marketing plan

Note*: Unit selection may be subject to change to reflect quality course outcomes as a result of our continuous improvement processes

What are the entry requirements?

The Advanced Diploma has no vocational or educational qualification pre-requisites for entry. However to enrol in the IFSS course, applicants must first complete the Application for Enrolment (see www.ifss.edu.au) and be interviewed to assess eligibility, including the demonstration of sufficient verbal and written English communication and numeracy skills for successful course participation.

Applicants must be aged 18 years at the date of course commencement due to the nature of some materials used. Overseas students must also hold all relevant Australian Government immigration documentation (English Test, Student Visa, Health Cover) at the date of course commencement.