Course Outline:
- Editing Practice and Techniques 6N5427
- Film and Digital Video Production 6N5428
- Work Experience 6N1946
- Advertising Photography 6N3726
- Portrait Photography 6N3694
- Documentary Production 6N18514
- Scriptwriting for Film and Television 6N18517
- Communications 6N1950
The purpose of this award is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work in roles such as scriptwriting, art direction, camera, lighting, director and editor in film or television, or to progress to further or higher education and training. Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the workings of the Film and Television Industry to include technical knowledge, professional knowledge and knowledge of the regulatory environment of the industry
- Safely and independently perform a comprehensive range of film and television production skills and tools required for working as part of a film or television crew including research, content structure, lighting, sound, camera work, recording, editing and post production
- Formulate appropriate responses to well defined abstract problems to be overcome when working in film and television production, such as location issues, logistics, environment, lighting problems, sound issues, permissions, resources, crew and talent
- Apply theoretical concepts, production skills and team skills safely in a range of film and television contexts involving creative and non-routine activities in compliance with current Irish and EU legislation
- Take responsibility for supervising the running of a film or television production under direction from management. Such as the role of assistant producer, production manager or head of department
- Evaluate personal learning, and identify personal learning needs and the learning needs of others within a structured environment
- Reflect on personal practice in a supervisory role in a film or television production environment to a group
Award
Successful completion of this course will result in a QQI Film and Television Production Level 6 Certificate, 6M18534.
Field trips
We encourage gaining experience by practical photography on field trips and have designed our assessment and project briefs to include interesting locations around Clew Bay and the Islands. Dublin is also on our agenda to visit art and photo exhibitions.
Studio Facilities
- Cameras
- Studio Flash Lighting equipment for portrait, fashion advertising and still life work
- Mac and PC Computers with up-to-date software for editing and image processing
- Printing equipment
Course Duration:
This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
- Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, or equivalent
- Photography Level 5 QQI Award, or equivalent
- Mature applicants with relevant experience are welcome
Entry to this course is subject to interview.
Student Testimonial
Maura
Having had to change my career later in life I decided to retrain as a professional photographer as I have been a keen amateur photographer for years. I researched various courses and decided on Westport College of Further Education due to the class size and the great equipment available in the studio. The course is taught by a professional photographer and I have learned so much about lighting, studio work, outside photoshoots, advertising etc. The other modules of Fine Art, Communications and History of Art are also really interesting. The class has a mix of all ages and experience. Overall, the course is a very busy course but well worth doing.
Fees
There are no fees to study this course.
Detailed Course Outline:
Editing Practice and Techniques 6N5427
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the
knowledge, skill and competence in editing processes and
procedure to enable the learner to formulate a range of creative
processes for the production of visual material using modern
editing techniques.
Film and Digital Video Production 6N5428
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to formulate a range of creative skills and processes for the production of films on variety of film and digital formats Learners will be able to:
- Examine what makes a film script cinematic
- Explore the variables of plot structure and the relationship between character, action and plot
- Examine the function of a treatment in relation to the pitch
- Explore the various production formats and how those formats inform film aesthetics through image resolution, lens focal length and depth of field, colour depth, contrast range, and grain structure of the final projected image
- Determine sources of funding for independent film production
- Produce a treatment, script and storyboards for a short film
- Produce an effective and professional film pitch
- Record good quality pictures with due regard to iris control, shot framing, composition and camera movement appropriate to action
- Operate lights safely to dramatic effect, working from a lighting plan and lighting package
- Record audio using recording devices with standard microphone configurations for sound recording
- Design coverage appropriate to the drama and direct the short film, communicating narrative, action and mood
- Edit a film for dramatic narrative or meaning with rhythm and place suitable to the material
- Maintain all equipment working safely and competently as member of a film production crew
- Coordinate a screenplay for scheduling and shooting purposes
- Work independently in assigned areas during pre-production meeting group deadlines
Assessment Criteria: Project – 60%, Assignment 40%
Work Experience 6N1964
Work experience Module is divided into 3 key study assignments including preparation for a work experience placement. This module is aimed at giving students a clearer insight into the challenges faced by professional photographers and filmmakers in the workplace. Students study future career options and key challenges facing photographers and videographers. There is also analysis and reflection on work experience.
Assessment Criteria: Collection of Work: 60%; Skills Demonstration: 40%
Advertising Photography 6N3726
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the
knowledge, skill and competence to understand a range of
advertising photography techniques.
Learning Outcomes Learners will be able to:
- Report on the processes of advertising including
marketing styles and concepts
- Revise the instructions from a clients brief
- Direct new and innovative ideas when exploring the
brief
- Lead ideas with a design group, agency staff and
web/print publisher
- Prioritise photographic techniques that highlight the
concept that is being explored
- Devise the most appropriate cameras for the clients
brief including 35mm digital, medium and large
format equipment
- Assess the studio environment that is appropriate to
the brief
- Prioritise lighting techniques required for product
photography
- Organise a variety of lighting kits including studio
portable and camera mounted flash units
- Assess Health and Safety issues within a studio and
location environment
- Work both independently and as part of a team in a
disciplined professional manner
- Value the importance of effective research, time
management, fee structures and self evaluation.
Portrait Photography 6N3694
This module explores the art and techniques of professional portrait and wedding photography. Learners will be able to:
- Evaluate trends in portrait historical and contemporary photography, identifying current photography techniques and styles
- Explain the factors to be taken into consideration when planning photographic portraiture sessions using silver based and digital techniques
- Describe the spectrum of lighting situations and set ups
- Interpret client’s brief understanding concepts and visual language including researching and managing client requirements
- Select appropriate equipment for a range of photographic situations
- Produce high quality innovative photographs optimising control of shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and white balance
- Generate a portfolio of professional photographs suitable for public display
- Use a range of photography software and computer applications understanding their application and use in different contexts
- Demonstrate creativity through research and the practice of photography
- Demonstrate problem solving, observation and evaluation skills through the practice of portraiture
- Work in a disciplined manner, managing and participating successfully as a member of a professional team
- Appreciate the need for planning, research, time management and self evaluation techniques.
Assessment Criteria: Project – 70%, Learner Record – 30%
Documentary Production 6N18514
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently or with others to formulate a range of creative skills and processes for the production of documentaries Learners will be able to:
- Explore the general history of documentary and the documentary filmmakers who forwarded the field
- Examine various styles of documentary film making to include historical, biographical, personal, fly on the wall, investigative, human interest, wildlife and experimental
- Identify the key components of production for each style of documentary
- Examine probability theory to include the likelihood of access, obtaining interviews, budget, archive footage and permission
- Define a documentary’s statement of purpose and goals
- Perform comprehensive research of chosen topic and organise in an efficient manner
- Explore all possible footage relating to the subject of documentary
- Examine the procedures of ordering screening copy and master footage
- Examine different interview genres creating a style that best works with a specific documentary
- Explore the basic principles in interviewing different subjects to include issues like compassion and fairness
- Examine how to request an interview through appropriate channels and how to schedule interviews with various restrains
- Examine the basic format of a treatment to include the opening, body and conclusion
- Define usage of timecode and how to incorporate it into a treatment
- Examine the roles and hierarchy of a production crew
- Compile a list of topics without judgement of ideas
- Devise schedule of production to include interviews, writing of script, revisions, edit schedules, notes and post
Assessment Criteria: Project – 50%, Assignment – 50%
Scriptwriting for Film and Television 6N18517
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the
knowledge, skill and competence to meet the industry
requirements for the pitching and subsequent script development
for film and television.
Communications 6N1950
Students studying Communications Level 6 will do the following:
- Critique current issues in communications and information technology, to include digital and mobile technology, the internet, and the policies and principles relevant to a vocational area.
- Evaluate in practical terms the elements of legislation that must be observed in a personal and or work context, to include health, safety and welfare at work and communications related legislation, and the responsibilities that apply when working in a supervisory capacity.
- Assess the impact of non-verbal communication and of the physical environment in everyday human interaction.
- Participate in formal and informal working groups, to include leading or facilitating, notetaking, summarising discussion, agreeing outcomes and action points.
- Use drafting, editing and proofreading skills and the correct conventions of language usage including spelling, punctuation and syntax to produce formal written communications relevant to a particular vocational area, to include reports, correspondence, faxes, memos, minutes.
- Demonstrate vocal and interactive skills in personal and professional contexts, including an oral presentation, discussion, debate, meeting, interview and or job seeking skills and for the purposes of persuading, informing or advocating.
Assessment Criteria: Collection of Work – 50%, Skills Demonstration – 50%