2010

FEATURE FILM AND TV SERIES

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
COURSE
OUTLINE AND
APPLICATION
INFORMATION
www.openchannel.org.au

CUF60107 Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media

 GENERAL INFORMATION
This program is designed for filmmakers with prior education or experience, however successful completion of the
program leads to attainment of an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media qualification.

Course title Feature Film and TV Series Development Program

Course Code CUF60107-FS

Delivery mode Full-time equivalent for 30 weeks. Part-time option also available.
Duration 790 hours over 30 weeks

Dates Orientation/Induction: December 1 to December 10, 2010

Semester 1: January 17 to March 11, 2011
Semester 2: March 21 to August 5, 2011

Class times Monday, 9:30am – 4:30pm

Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
This is a blended learning program. An additional eight (8) hours per week is required for
meetings with project mentor and online self-directed learning. There will be an additional
twenty (20) days for production of a teaser trailer.

Fees 
Individual Enrolment (Producer or Writer or Director - Teams encouraged to apply):
Subsidised fee: $2,500*
Full fee: $9,200**
Shared Enrolment for Creative & Business Team (minimum two people)
Fee: $4,600 per person***
(no subsidised fee available under shared enrolment option)
Student Fees include all tuition and assessment, student services, discounted equipment
hire during enrolment, and 15 days edit suite hire per project.
 This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding for eligible applicants.
*
** Full fee participants undertake all business and creative sessions. One scholarship place is available which
subsidises fees, and will be offered to one applicant based on merit.
** This option allows two or more members in the creative and business team (Writers, Directors, Producers) to
complete different parts of the program.
Students enrolling under this option choose EITHER the creative lab (9 units) or business lab (7 units) and
associated online courses. Each participant under a shared enrolment graduates with a Statement of Attainment
(partial qualification)
ALL participants enrolling on this basis from the same team share mentoring hours and production support which
are provided on a per-project basis.

Additional Costs Participants must have their own Portable Hard Drive.
Open Channel provides access to production equipment hire at discounted rates. This is
subject to standard hire conditions. Costs for materials related to individual project work is
the responsibility of students.
Students who enrol by mid-October are eligible to attend SPAA Fringe (October 22-23) for
a registration fee of $150 (40% discount)to be booked through Open Channel. Travel and
accommodation are at students’ own expense.

Entry process Entry is selective and by application. Full selection criteria and application details are on
pages 7 to 9.
Applicants who do not have a developed treatment or draft screenplay can undertake the
accredited short course ‘Concept to Script’ as an alternative entry point (see page10)
Applications close Monday November 15, 2010

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DEVELOPING QUALITY,
ORIGINAL, NARRATIVE
FEATURE-LENGTH
THEATRICAL FILMS
AND TELEVISION
SERIES.

“Usually, you get one shot at a project. And when you do, it needs to be ready”
Marc Gracie, Director/Producer of feature films The Craic, Take Away, The Tumbler and TV’s Shock Jock,
Full Frontal, The Adventures of Lano & Woodley.

 You can have the best actors in the world and the best director and the best DOP, but if you’ve got a lousy script
“
then it just doesn’t work.”
Jan Sardi, Screenwriter of Shine, Mao’s Last Dancer and The Notebook

“Budgets need to be big enough to really work on a script, so that a film doesn’t go into production before it
should – which happens too often”
John Howkins, Author The Creative Economy

“In order to increase the number of high quality and market-ready scripts and game concepts it is generating, the
industry should .. devote resources to the skilling and training of Victorian screen industry participants in this area”
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development’s Victorian Screen Industry Review,
August 2008
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 1. COURSE SUMMARY

“I am an independent filmmaker/film school student

or graduate, with a project I need to develop for the
commercial marketplace. My concept is a traditional
narrative designed to be told as a linear story to
its audience”

The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Feature Film and Series Development)
develops people and projects. It is designed for scriptwriters, directors, producers
or creative teams with a specific narrative film or television series project in
development. Its aim is to foster script development skills and to increase the number of
Victorian productions.

Developing People
This program equips emerging and graduate screen producers, directors and writers with
skills in creative and technical project development. Skills learned previously at film school
or through independent production experience are developed and benchmarked against
industry standards. Participants develop an industry network, and the business knowledge
needed to get projects into production.

Developing Projects
With expert industry mentors, participants workshop a screen project and develop scripts.
Projects are interrogated creatively, technically and financially in their evolution from concept
to screen–and always with the audience in mind. Participants develop tools that will aid the
commercial realisation of projects.

Limited places are available. Entry is selective by application.

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2. COURSE OUTLINE
A brief course outline is included here. A full course outline can be downloaded from
http://www.openchannel.org.au/training/addipfands.html

The Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (Feature Film and Series Development) is open
to film and television makers who have:
• prior production experience; and
• a feature film or television series project at treatment or early draft stage.
Interested persons without a treatment or draft script can undertake accredited short course
‘Concept to Script’ as an alternative entry point (see page 10).
Creative teams are encouraged to apply.

Creative Development lab

1 day per week
The Creative Development Lab workshops participants projects from a creative perspective
and involves:
• Generating and using script documents as a development tool
• Reading and analysing scripts
• Case studies
• Script development, writing and editing
• Actor-based development, and actor table reads
• Pre-visualisation in FrameForge Previs Studio
• An opportunity to collaborate in the creation of concept art
• Development of pitch tools and pitching skills
• Supported production of audio-visual materials where appropriate i.e.
teaser production

Business Development lab

2 evenings per week
The Business Development Lab workshops participants projects from a business
perspective and involves:
• Established and emerging business models
• Case studies
• Examination of budget levels and financing plans
• Market research
• Industry networking and partnerships
• Business management and leadership
• Strategic, business, financing and marketing plan development

The business development lab informs and guides the creative development of the project.

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 Individual project mentoring/coaching
Flexible hours, 15 hours total per project (average 30 minutes per week)
Ongoing coaching, advice and evaluation from mentor selected for the particular needs of
your individual project. Participants can participate in the selection of a mentor.

Blended learning activities

Flexible hours, 8 hours per week, plus production time 20 hours.
Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 8 hours a week outside face-to-face
class time on blended learning activities and structured development tasks. This includes
components of online learning and supervised individual project work, for example of a
teaser film.

3. OUTCOMES
Participants complete the course with:
• Script at a subsequent draft stage
• Concept documents
• Selling tools such as Previsualisations, Concept Artwork, Teaser Scenes
• Market-ready projects
• Pitching materials and strategies
• Strategic, business, financing and marketing plan
• Industry networks

4. CAPABILITIES
Participants complete the course with:
• Advanced screenwriting and/or script development skills
• Packaging skills and knowledge of casting process
• Business and management skills
• Critical project assessment tools
• Collaborative development skills
• An understanding of the relationship between business and creativity
• Market insights

5. STAFF AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS

The program is delivered by leading industry-based educators, trainers, mentors and
guest speakers.
An updated list of staff for the program can be accessed on the Advanced Diploma of
Screen and Media course page at: http://www.openchannel.org.au/training/addipfands.html
Sessional guests are brought in to work with participants on projects. Past trainers of Open
Channel have included Producers such as Marc Gracie (The Craic), Directors such as Alkinos
Tsilimidos (Blind Company), John Ruane (Dead Letter Office), Chris Langman (Water Rats),
and Writers such as Chris Corbett (Blue Heelers), Marilyn Tofler (Whatever Happened to
That Guy), and Riwia Brown (Once Were Warriors).

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Individual Mentors are brought in to the program to mentor participants based on the type
of project and needs of the individual script.
Industry partners such as Distributors, Exhibitors and Broadcasters meet with students to
provide a real world perspective on project development.
A “global industry” approach incorporates interaction with a number of international
agencies as course partners, providing input into project development and an international
perspective.
Please note Open Channel reserves the right to change advertised staff and delivery of
program without notice.

6. ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
This program leads to a nationally recognised Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
[CUF60107] qualification. This is the highest-level screen industry vocational qualification.
The broad concept of industry competency concerns the ability to perform particular tasks
and duties to the standard of performance expected in the workplace. Competency requires
the application of specified skills and knowledge relevant to effective participation in an
industry, industry sector or enterprise.
Skills learned previously at film school or through independent production experience are
developed and benchmarked against industry standards.
To achieve the full qualification, participants must achieve all 16 Units of Competency:

BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts–core unit 30 hours

CUFCRT07A Research and apply concepts and theories of creativity–core unit 20 hours
CUFWRT602A Edit Scripts 50 hours
CUFDRT602A Audition and select performers (casting) 50 hours
CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers (script workshopping) 50 hours
CUFDRT502A Direct performers (teaser or scene production) 50 hours
CUFDRT601A Establish the creative vision for screen productions 50 hours
CUFDIG508A Design digital simulations (presvisualisation) 50 hours
BSBWRT501A Write persuasive copy 50 hours
BSBMKG605B Evaluate international marketing opportunities 60 hours
BSBMKG607B Manage Market Research 50 hours
BSBMKG609A Develop a marketing plan 50 hours
BSBADV602B Develop an advertising campaign 100 hours
CUFCMP501A Manage and exploit copyright arrangements 20 hours
BSBREL502A Build international business networks 50 hours
BSBMGT617A Develop and implement a business plan 60 hours

*Specified hours relate to nominal delivery hours recommended within the State of Victoria and may vary within
the individual course. For more information on Units of Competency you can visit the National Training and
Information Service at www.ntis.gov.au

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 Assessment in this program is unique in a number of ways:

Assessment is formative
The program recognises the individual skills and needs of participants. The focus of
Formative Assessment is on improving rather than proving. Competency can be achieved at
different times for different people.

Assessment is contextualised
A Candidate’s Assessment is contextualised to the industrial outcome related to the
participant’s job role. Assessment is guided by the benchmarks of each Unit, but the means
of assessment can vary for producers, directors or writers. Units are also contextualised to
their role in project development.

Assessment is flexible
The specific evidence requirements for assessment are responsive to the participant and
their project.
Assessable activities will be directly relevant to the program’s objectives and may include:
• Treatments and synopses
• Written and verbal pitches
• Business planning documents
• Observation of development work
• Participation in program activities
• Script at various stages
• The creative and business package.

7. ELIGIBILITY

General Eligibility
In order to be eligible, all applicants must be:
• 18 years of age or over
• Australian citizens or permanent residents or be the holder of a Visa that permits full-
time study. No Student Visas are available.
• available to attend classes on the specified study days listed
• persons with a disability are encouraged to apply.

All applicants must also meet the following prerequisites:

• Hold a Certificate III in Media, or;
• Hold an equivalent (related) qualification, or;
• Have a screen credit for the capacity in which they are applying.

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Funded Place Eligibility (Skills Victoria)
In order to be eligible to apply for a Government funded place, applicants:
• Must be an Australian citizen; or a holder of a permanent visa; or a holder of a Special
Category Visa (sub-class 444); or an East Timorese asylum seeker; or a holder of a
Temporary Protection Visa
AND
i) Must be under the age of 20 years on 1 January 2010
OR
ii) A person aged 20 years or over on 1 January 2010, without a completed qualification
higher than an Advanced Diploma.
(E.g., if you have completed a Bachelor degree, you are NOT automatically eligible for
a funded place in this program. If you are currently studying but have not completed
your Degree you are eligible for a funded place. Subsidised fees continue even if you
complete your Degree before completing your Advanced Diploma.)
OR

iii) Unemployed as a result of redundancy or retrenchment without a completed

qualification higher than an Advanced Diploma. You will need to provide documentary
evidence on request to substantiate this. ie. Seperation certificate.

8. SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Demonstrated commitment to screen production as a career
2. High levels of interest in gaining and furthering development skills and knowledge
3. Demonstrated commitment to completing the entire program
4. Viability of screen project

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 9. HOW TO APPLY
Read this course outline and application information carefully. Check that you are eligible
to apply and that you can demonstrate your suitability for the course with reference to the
selection criteria.
Closing date for first round applications is Monday November 15, 2010. A second round of
applications may be offered after this date. Early applications are welcome.

Stage One
Download, complete and submit the application form at:
http://www.openchannel.org.au/training/addipfands.html
Please ensure that you provide the documents and supplementary information as requested.
This includes a treatment and sample script scenes, or a complete first draft script for
your project.

Stage Two
All shortlisted applicants are interviewed over the phone or in person. If required, attend an
interview at Open Channel, Docklands.
All applicants will be notified in writing on the outcome of their application.

If you have any questions please contact us:

Vocational Education and Training Manager
Daniel Schultheis
[email protected]
03 8610 9300

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ALTERNATIVE ENTRY - CONCEPT TO SCRIPT
The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media offers an alternative entry point for applicants
without a treatment or draft screenplay suitable for submission.

Alternative Entry applicants must complete the accredited short course Concept to Script.

Alternative Entry applicants must also, within twelve (12) months of completion of
Concept to Script, submit a treatment or draft screenplay which meets the standard entry
criteria for the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

The treatment or draft screenplay will also form the basis of assessment for two
Units of Competency:

CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments 50 hours

CUFWRT601A Write scripts 50 hours

Competency in these units is a hurdle requirement for progression in the Advanced Diploma
of Screen and Media, and are completed in addition to another 16 Units of Competency
packaged in the full program.

Course title Concept to Script (accredited option)

Course Code C2S
Delivery mode Part-time over five months.
Duration 100 hours [approx. 3 days a week over 6 weeks]
Dates/Times See www.openchannel.org.au
Fees For Concept to Script component only
Subsidised fee*: $270.00
Full fee: $1,230 members
$1,500 non members,
includes accreditation fee
*Skills Victoria subsidises the fees of eligible students. Please see
Section 7 for eligibility criteria.
Additional Costs In order to protect copyright applicants are encouraged to register
scripts with AWG (Australian Writers Guild) or another similar body.
Entry process Selective entry. Applicants must have prior related qualifications or
experience. Applicants apply using the Advanced Diploma of Screen
and Media application process, but are not required to submit a
treatment or screenplay on initial application.
Applications close See www.openchannel.org.au

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