New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 6)

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in digital filmmaking, covering essential skills in audio techniques, screenwriting, cinematography, visual effects, and post-production. Students engage in collaborative projects and produce a short film, developing their storytelling, technical, and creative abilities. Graduates are equipped for careers in various roles within the film and digital media industries, including production, directing, editing, and visual effects.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year 1:

This program consists of eight papers, each covering fundamental skills in digital filmmaking.

Papers:

• BSA 603 - Cross-Disciplinary Workshops 2 (15 credits): Students engage in collaborative projects across disciplines to develop versatility and adaptability in a creative environment.
• BSA 602 - Audio Techniques (15 credits): This paper focuses on audio production for the creative industries, including analysis of historical and contemporary practitioners, and development of skills to capture and manipulate audio.
• BSA 604 - Screenwriting 2 (15 credits): This paper builds on the fundamentals of screenwriting, focusing on structure, conflict, and character development.
It also delves into short film writing and script editing, alongside introducing various forms of serial storytelling and longer format screenwriting.
• BSA 631 - Digital Filmmaking 2 (15 credits): Students produce, direct, and evaluate a short film, bringing together their skills in storytelling, conceptual development, art direction, cinematography, and post-production.
Legal and ethical implications of film production are also explored.
• BSA 634 - Cinematography (15 credits): This paper focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of lighting, camera tools, and techniques used in digital cinema production.
Students develop their understanding of visual language within storytelling and marketing concepts, and gain skills for both location and studio situations.
• BSA 627 - Visual Effects Compositing (15 credits): This paper introduces students to a range of visual effects and compositing tools and techniques.
They analyze and implement a VFX production pipeline to create a project with composited elements, either individually or in groups. Students also examine relevant existing and emerging practices, and document project progress through self-reflective commentaries.
• BSA 642 - Studio Digital 2 (15 credits): Students extend their understanding of project-focused research through creative industries practices.
Within their fields, they develop a body of work that reflects an in-depth investigation relevant to their research focus. Students gain an understanding of the practical and theoretical implications of proposing, developing, and resolving a creative industries project. They engage in historical and contemporary research relevant to their research focus, and demonstrate experience evaluating a range of practical and digital materials and processes to engage with target audiences. Students also utilize documentation as a key research method.

Assessments:

• Assessments vary depending on the paper, but may include assignments, projects, presentations, practical demonstrations, and examinations.
• Specific assessment criteria will be provided for each paper.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified lecturers who are active in the film industry.
• A variety of teaching methods are used, including lectures, workshops, tutorials, and guest presentations.
• Students are encouraged to be active participants in their learning and to collaborate with their peers.

Careers:

• Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for employment in various roles within the film and digital media industries, including:
• Film and television production
• Scriptwriting
• Directing
• Editing
• Cinematography
• Visual effects
• Post-production
• Animation
• Sound design
• Marketing
• Education
• Graduates may also choose to pursue further study in film and digital media.

Other:

• The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Students have access to industry-standard facilities and equipment.
• The program is internationally recognized and graduates are eligible to apply for jobs in the global film industry.
• The program is associated with the New Zealand Screen Production Industry Training Organization (SPITO).
• Students are required to complete a final project, which is a body of work showcasing their skills and knowledge.