COMPULSORY Course: Introduction to Film Industry and Television Industries (compulsory) DURATION: 50 contact hours + 50 self study equivalent to 4 ECTS/ECVET Credits (1 ECTS/ECVET credit = 25 hours). This is a compulsory course that will provide the necessary contextual background of the industry participants will eventually be working in. It will also expose participants to industry vocabulary to communicate effectively with the crew. The main content of the course will include, but not be limited to: - Highlighting the different stages of planning, production, post-production, marketing and promotion. - Highlighting the process of film production (though it may also touch upon distribution, marketing and exhibition) and new technologies relating to the film industry. - Exposing participants to the terminology of storyboarding, scripting, directing, lighting, sound recording, film production and post-production through exercises and practical projects. - Provide language acquisition exercises, which can be applied to the following subjects: film scripts and treatments; film formats; cameras and lenses; lighting; sound, editing and post-production; working on a feature film set. Course: First Aid (compulsory) DURATION: 20 contact hours + 5 self study equivalent to 1 ECTS/ECVET Credits (1 ECTS/ECVET credit = 25 hours). The aim of this course is to provide participants with the basic skills to help in an emergency. The same health and safety skills are needed across a range of creative media sectors. Hands-on practical exercises will help candidates learn basic life support skills, improving their chances of coping in an emergency situation. 1
Course: Green Champions (compulsory) DURATION: 20 contact hours + 5 self study equivalent to 1 ECTS/ECVET Credits (1 ECTS/ECVET credit = 25 hours). As environmental issues become more pressing for both businesses and individuals, this practical course will identify the changes that one can implement in the workplace. The course will attempt to address the financial and environmental benefits that can be achieved by making an organisation greener. This will be applied specifically to the film industry, exploring the impact of materials on the environment and necessary permits and conduct necessary when filming in sensitive areas, specifically in the Maltese context. 2
OPTIONAL Course: Grips for the Audiovisual Industries This course must be based on a set of industry standards and will include, but is not limited to, training in the following areas: Competent lifting, rigging and material handling techniques Boom lift skills Aerial lift training Fall protection Understanding set-design and storyboarding Course: Film Administration/Production Skills for the Film and Television Industries The aim of this course is to provide practical training in effective administration, specifically in relation to film production. The course will provide an introduction to the working environment of the film industry, but mainly present opportunities for individuals to work as Production Assistants. The course will include, but is not limited to, training in the following areas: Walkie-Talkie protocol and etiquette Production paperwork Understanding the chain of command, common roles, on-set etiquette Film set safety and protocol Script breakdown 3
Course: Introduction to the Camera Department This course serves as an introduction to the Camera Department for Film and Television Production. This module provides an overview of the job opportunities, duties, and skillset required to gain entry-level employment in the Camera Departments for film and television production. The training will include, but is not restricted to: Enhancing knowledge of camera hardware, lens types and lighting requirements for different kinds of shots The maintenance of studio equipment The construction of camera rigs Operating a crane for high perspective shots Laying tracks for the dolly Operating the clapper-board and loading film magazines Completing reports on camera use Exposure to real life scenarios when dealing with other departments (e.g. liaising with script supervisors and actors on-set to discuss the focus details of specific shots) Course: Wardrobe Management for the Film and Television Industries Through this module participants will learn about the wardrobe assistant s role. This module will cover tasks that are involved in wardrobe management. Course content should include, but is not limited to: Costume allocation Mending and altering Laundering and dry cleaning Maintaining finish Maintaining costume continuity Storage of costume Removing decorative finishes Record keeping Labelling Costume hire return procedures 4
Course: Sound technician Assistant for the Film and Television Industries (Production) The course exposes participants to the Sound Department, particularly the specification, utilization and deployment of professional audio equipment, the roles and duties of the sound assistant, and best practices involved. Participants will acquire skills relating to the Sound Department, including, but not limited to: Setting up equipment Operating the boom Monitoring sound quality Servicing and repairing equipment Basic cabling On-set etiquette Providing assistance to actors Course: Lighting for the Film and Television Industries The course will provide skills and experience consistent with the growing needs of the film and television industries. The course will provide, but is not limited to: Introduction to the theoretical and vocational training in lighting technology Understanding of electrical theory and safety Introduction to various lighting techniques Setting up electrical cables, right gauges, modular units, waterproof connectors 5
Course: Location Management/Location Scouting Through this course participants will learn about the role of the Location Scout/Location Manager. This module will cover tasks that are involved in Location Scouting/Location Management. This course will allow participants interested in becoming location managers to understand issues of accessibility, and how selecting the right location affects the flexibility of the production schedule and budget. Course content should include, but is not limited to: Past experiences and common pitfalls Techniques to compile a photographic storyboard Legislation and/or policies of key venues Course: Props and Scenary Assistant for the Film and Television Industries DURATION: 100 contact hours equivalent to 4 ECTS/ECVET Credits (1 ECTS/ECVET credit = 25 hours). The course will be structured to provide skills and experience consistent with the growing needs of this industry and will include, but is not limited to, aspects of: scenery and properties construction scenic painting metal fabrication upholstery technical and general drawing techniques. Participants will also preferably learn of the relevant posts and terminology required when working in the industry. Key skills, such as analyzing financial information to develop a budget, will also be expanded upon through class projects. 6
Course: Perfecting Plastering Skills This course aims to perfect the technical skills of plasterers and develop their creative ability to help construct realistic and effective props and materials. They will learn new techniques; how to fix fibrous material to film sets so that they look authentic and harmonise with surrounding period details. Plasterers must be able to produce perfect plasterwork, as well as effective, distressed plasterwork. Plasterers will be given training to understand complex drawings, specifications and technical literature. Course: Model Making, Sculpting and Welding for the Film and Television Industries DURATION: 100 contact hours equivalent to 4 ECTS/ECVET Credits (1 ECTS/ECVET credit = 25 hours). The course content will set out to (but is not limited to); Enabling participants to build on their modelling skills in terms of designing, creating and producing threedimensional scale models and miniatures for use of film productions. Teach basic engineering techniques Introduce the role of other departments (including those they will be required to liaise with, such as the Construction Design unit and the Visual Special Effects unit) Refine sculpting skills, gaining practice in how to create intricate, impressive props for the film industry, in place of items that are difficult or expensive to procure. Introduce the demands and uses of welding fabrication on filming sets Explore the use of welding for props and building of Explain safety requirements 7
Course: Wood Set Design for the Film and Television Industries The course content will include, but is not limited to, the following areas: The creative shortcuts that can be used to build very short term, fake constructions as cheaply, but as safely, as possible How carpentry skills will be adapted to the need of the film industry. Understanding complex drawings, specifications and technical literature The Health and Safety requirements when working with tools. The responsibility in view of producing a variety of structures How to carry out of off-screen building Course: Film Set Painter for the Film and Television Industries This course aims to teach traditional painting skills required of domestic painters, while also teaching those skills related specifically to the film industry. This course must be based on a set of industry standards and will include, but is not limited to, training in the following areas: Leadership skills, Budgeting Time management Liaise with Production Designers and Construction Managers How to achieve certain decorative finishes (e.g. distressing) 8
Course: Stage Hands for the Film and Television Industries Participants will be made aware of the film production process and the requirements necessary for each stage, and will be taught various skills including, but not limited to: Understanding set design plans Health and Safety legislation and procedures across a wide range of activities, including Electrical Safety, Lifting and Handling, Disposal of Hazardous waste, etc. Filming terminology and the role description of other individuals involved in a production that stage hands will need to work with. Course: Physical Special Effects This course will concentrate on Physical Special FX. Areas to be covered, but are not limited to: Rain, wind, snow, fire, and water effects, including the different ways to create them and safety considerations Cast and crew safety requirements, laws and regulations Certificates of compliance Location work and Special Effects Special effects and vehicles, including preparing vehicles for an effect, what effect is to be achieved, and how to achieve it safely Pyrotechnics in the film industry and exposition to the specific needs when undertaking this activity in this industry Set Etiquette, including chain of command, working on a set, and set dialogue 9
Course: Props Procurement This course will aim to introduce participants to the world of props The role of the props/production buyer is clarified, as well as a number of other roles related to set design. Given their central role in this occupation, financial and administrative management tools will be shared with the participants. Course: Set Decorator for the Film and Television Industries The course content will consider, but is not limited to: Project management tools to ensure efficient coordination of all elements involved in set decoration Financial and administrative management tools are shared with the participants given their central role in this occupation. The expectations that come with this role are discussed as well as what the needs of décor for film sets are. The roles within the Set Design unit are explored. 10