Program Overview

Course Overview

The FILM 310 Short Film Production course is a practical study of the creative and technical aspects of film production. Students will make a short dramatic film in small groups, developing their skills in scripting, photography, mise-en-scene, performance, editing, sound recording, and mixing.

Course Details

• Course Code: FILM 310
• Duration: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Trimester: Trimester 1
• CRN: 26083
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,734.00
  • International students: NZ$8,840.40
• Lecture Times:
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am
  • Friday: 9:00 am
• Campus: Kelburn
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 300 hours or 17.6 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 30
• Availability: Limited entry

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: 40 200-level FILM points
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: FILM 332

Taught By

The course is taught by the School of Arts and Media, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Demonstrate enhanced understanding of dramatic storytelling principles
2. Demonstrate enhanced ability to judge and develop creative ideas
3. Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of film production processes
4. Demonstrate enhanced critical and communication skills
5. Demonstrate enhanced ability to work collaboratively

How This Course is Taught

The course is delivered in-person only, with lectures, technical workshops, practical exercises, and discussions of student work. Students are expected to take an active part in all practical work and discussions.

Assessment

• Story Pitch: 3-minute verbal presentation of ideas in class + 3 minutes Q&A with class (15%)
• First Draft Screenplay: based on the Story Pitch, maximum length 9 script pages or 8 minutes duration (20%)
• Second Draft Screenplay: maximum length 9 script pages or 8 minutes duration (15%)
• Group Work on Short Film: plus 2-3 page written reflection (50%)

Mandatory Requirements

To pass this course, students must:

1. Submit the written work specified for this course, on or by the specified dates, and achieve at least 50% in each piece of assessment.
2. Participate in at least 11 lectures and 11 studio/practical sessions, except when prohibited by ill health, accident, or unavoidable ill fortune.
3. Participate in and complete Health & Safety sessions.

Group Work

Students will be involved in extensive group work, with 50% of the final mark determined by individual achievement as part of group assignments.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 23 February 2026 to 5 April 2026
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026

What You'll Need to Get

The following books can provide helpful context but are not mandatory reading:

• Story by Robert McKee (1999)
• Save the Cat by Zack Snyder (2005)
• The Devil's Candy by Julie Saloman (1991)