Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Screen Arts)

Program Overview

Students develop strong foundational skills in all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and production to camera, sound, lighting, editing, and scriptwriting. The program emphasizes practical application, enabling students to conceptualize and produce their own projects while gaining rigorous training to become professional motion picture equipment technicians. Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the demanding and competitive film and television industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed as a hands-on, in-depth exploration of the film and television industry. Students learn the creative, business, and technical skills needed throughout the entire production process: from development and pre-production to production and post-production. The program emphasizes the practical application of skills, enabling students to conceptualize and produce their own projects, as they also gain rigorous training to become professional motion picture equipment technicians.

Key aspects of the program:

• A unique "script-to-screen" experience
• A focus on Mātauranga Māori and the program's embedded values from the Te Noho Kotahitanga partnership
• Fostering whanaungatanga and collaboration with other creative disciplines
• Partnerships with Māori practitioners strengthens the learning foundation for both staff and students
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction and mentoring
• A diverse range of specialist pathways to choose from
• Opportunities to collaborate and work with other departments such as acting, art, and costume

Objectives:

• Develop strong foundation skills in directing, production, camera, sound, lighting, editing, and scriptwriting.
• Understand the entire filmmaking process and choose a specific area of focus for further specialization.
• Gain experience on professional-style sets and learn from experienced industry professionals.
• Develop a strong portfolio of creative work to showcase to potential employers.
• Prepare for a successful career in the demanding and competitive film and television industry.

Outline:

Year One:

• Focuses on foundational skills, covering core areas in directing, production, camera, sound, lighting, editing, and scriptwriting.
• Provides a comprehensive overview of the entire filmmaking process.
• Guides students in choosing a specialization for further studies.
• Includes assignments that require creative and critical thinking, as well as a supervised crew role on a studio shoot.

Year Two:

• Deepens knowledge and practice within the chosen specialization.
• Students work on diverse projects, including a student-directed studio production.
• First opportunity to shoot on location.
• Writing students begin crafting short film scripts, which are then directed by their peers, crewed by students in production and camera/sound, and finally edited by students specializing in editing.
• Develops specialized skills within the selected area of film and television.

Year Three:

• Puts all learning into practice with master classes and projects like short films and webseries.
• Refines skills as filmmakers and collaborators.
• Focus on concentrated opportunities for industry training and professional practice.
• Equips graduates with a diverse skillset, industry connections, and practical experience for a smooth transition into the professional world of film.

Careers:

• Director
• Camera Assistant
• Screenwriter
• Production manager
• Editor
• Cinematographer
• Researcher
• Sound recordist
• Post supervisor
• Sound designer
• Production Co-ordinater
• Content developer
• Production Assistant
• Writer’s Assistant
• Assistant Editor
• Camera Operator

Other:

• Interview required for admission, with a portfolio of previous work encouraged.
• Opportunities to participate in workshops, events, and industry connections.
• Strong emphasis placed on practical experience and collaborative learning.

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students $10,800(NZD) (Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. International students $25,377 (NZD)