Fundacao Getulio Vargas Mod 7 Media Arts and Its Production Discussion Questions Discussion Board Posts and Unit Summary (Responses to screened films and

Fundacao Getulio Vargas Mod 7 Media Arts and Its Production Discussion Questions Discussion Board Posts and Unit Summary

(Responses to screened films and lecture pods and related topics)

1500 words equivalent

Blogging is to take place weekly and will be reviewed periodically by your tutor.

Aims

– Demonstrate an awareness of the processes and practices of screen media arts production and the interdisciplinary

and multi-platform nature of screen media arts production.

– Demonstrate an ability to critically review a screen media work

– Demonstrate an exchange of ideas and engagement with others within the group.

Description

We want to see evidence of students interacting online. Throughout the semester, you are asked to interact with

each other via the discussion board. The discussion board is there for you to post your ideas, to discuss and share

information and to debate a range of viewpoints. This activity will form an important part of your learning and

research process. This is part of peer learning.

Students are required to commence this assessment in the first week and continue to do so on an ongoing basis

throughout the semester. You are required to respond to at least 10 of the films and topics screened throughout

the unit. At the end of the semester students are required to submit ten of their own posts relating to different films

and related topics from the course. It is suggested that students write their work up in word docs before submitting

them on vUWS and keep these saved in a folder on your computer. The 10 selected posts, are to be collated into

one document and submitted on vUWS. The selected posts should demonstrate a depth of knowledge and learning

about relevant course topics and display evidence of research.

(minimum 1000 words)

Students are also required to write a summary of their thoughts and observations about what they have learned

throughout the semester making references to the films screened and topics covered, in particular topics relevant to

your major or area of interest. (minimum 500 words)

– Ideas for Discussion

Discussion in class is a starting point. Questions relating to each of the films will be posted on vUWS each week.

These will be discussed during class in groups. From that point it is up to you to do further research and reading

on films/topics or aspects that have motivated or inspired you. Students are advised to take notes in class and use

these points for further research, thinking and writing outside of class.

Along with these, you are also asked to consider other topics or points of interest that are raised in class and posted

on the discussion board. You may want to know more about camera, editing, sound or a particular issue raised

throughout the semester in the films. You may wish to conduct further research on a particular topic that interests

you. You might want to know more about films of a particular genre. You might want to know more about a film

screened in the course, why it was considered worth watching, and more about its background.

You might hear about an interesting show on TV, or an online documentary, or a way of shooting video on mobile

devices, or a link to an interesting video sequence and want to share it with others and ask questions about it. You

might hear about a film festival coming up in Sydney, or reviews of films.

There may be links to discussions on media debates that you find interesting and wish to share with other students.

You may start a discussion thread asking such questions, or you may want to enter a post outlining a topic that

interests you and asking for responses. You might post a link to an online article or web video, explaining why you

chose it and ask for responses. Then follow up the discussion that ensues.

You are also asked to consider how topics relate to your major or main area of study. MODULE 01 – INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA ARTS AND PRODUCTION
Module 1 – http://www.iameleven.com/thefilm/
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Module Learning Outcomes
Introduce students to the unit
Introduce students to concepts and practices in a rapidly changing media landscape
Explain how screen media production fits into this media landscape and the importance of historical and wider
contexts
Show how multiple varieties of screen media appear in a range of forms and genres; from short to long form,
web video, cinema, television, video games et al
Explain why fundamental principles of storytelling for the screen apply across a range of communications
disciplines
Point to expectations for assessments, study and class time throughout the semester
Concept Pods 1-3
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Video #1 Foundations of Media Arts and Production: Introduction (Duration: 17:34)
Video #2 Exploring Multiple Forms in Media Arts Production (Duration: 24:04)
Video #3 Introduction to Screening: I am Eleven (Duration: 4:04)



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Essential Readings
Richard Barsam & Dave Monaham. (2009). Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. W.W. Norton &
Company Chapter 1 Looking At Movies, pp 1-24.
Tutorial Plan
Discussion Questions
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Consider these questions while viewing I Am Eleven and be prepared to discuss in class:
Why watch this film? What are the elements that might make it a film worth watching? Why would we be
asking university students to watch a film about eleven year old children?
Consider some follow up research – perhaps on the film-maker, her motivation and the process of making the
film. Perhaps also on some similar films.
How might a film about eleven year olds be relevant to wider audiences? Seeing the world through the eyes of
a child – Is it a premise worth exploring?
What did you learn about their world and your world from the film? What did you take away from the
screening?
Additional resources
http://www.davidbordwell.net/essays/studying.php
http://www.sbs.com.au/films/movie/13031/i-amelevenhttp://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=5097

MODULE 02 – MISE EN SCÈNE & HUGO
Module 2 -https://www.facebook.com/HugoMovie
Module Learning Outcomes
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To introduce students to the concept of mise-en-scène and the early history of cinema as the primary
background to screen media production
To explore key principles in how action is staged for the camera frame as opposed to theatre space
Constructing the image through the lens; utilising deep space, mid-ground and foreground space, implied
space and shot-reverse shot construction
To understand how other key elements of mise-en-scène: cinematography, lighting, performance,
choreographing action, production design form cinema as a whole art form
To be able to appreciate the complexity of mise-en-scène and the history of cinema within the context of a
contemporary film and from the viewpoint of a film-maker’s homage; Hugo
Tutorial Plan
Discussion Questions
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Consider these questions while viewing Hugo and be prepared to discuss in class:
What did you observe from the opening scenes that demonstrate the use of non-verbal language/screen
language to communicate meaning? Give examples from the film.
What aspects of film history are referenced in Hugo? Give a number of examples.
In what ways are these examples integrated so that they are made relevant to the plot?
What elements of mise en scene can you comment on? Consider examples from the film that demonstrate
screen language and the communication of meaning using these elements.
– Use of camera
– Performance
– Staging of the action
– Production design
– Set
– Costume
– Makeup
– Props
– Visual effects
What other readings or references can you find and discuss that expand your understanding of the film?
Video #1 Intro to mise-en-scene (Duration: 6:00)
Video #2 Introduction to mise-en-scene – Contemporary examples (Duration: 14:31)
Video #3 Introduction to mise-en-scene: Intro to Hugo screening (Duration: 8:43)



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Essential Readings
Richard Barsam & Dave Monaham. (2009). Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. W.W. Norton &
Company Chapter 2 Principles of Film Form pp 27-57 & Chapter 5 Mise-en-Scène pp 155-192
Additional resources
Doing Film History – David Bordwell http://www.davidbordwell.net/essays/doing.php
Hugo Movie Review – Ebert https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hugo-2011
Hugo and the Magic of Film Trickery https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/feb/24/hugo-martin-scorseseoscars-georges-melies
MODULE 03 – THE GRAMMAR OF THE SHOT AND CITIZEN KANE
This week you will be introduced to the concept of screen language and learn about the grammar of the shot
as the basic building block of cinema.
Screening:
Citizen Kane: Director Orson Welles (USA 1941,119 minutes)
Synopsis:
When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane’s (Orson Welles) dying
words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to
staggering heights. Though Kane’s friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress,
Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane’s life, the reporter fears he may never
penetrate the mystery of the elusive man’s final word, “Rosebud.”
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Module Learning Outcomes
Explore key principles in how shots are constructed to convey meaning
Identify and analyse multiple varieties of shot types; how shot size, camera position and angles can convey
vastly different meanings and intent
Appreciate how the mechanics of shot construction express ideas and meaning, and how audience experience
is influenced
Understand the role of director and cinematographer working together on shot composition and lighting to
convey meaning within a film
Be able to analyse shot construction and observe the development of mise-en-scene within the context of a
complex film; Citizen Kane
Concept Pods 1-3
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Video #1 The Grammar of the Shot: The Building Block of Cinema (Duration: 7:57)

Video #2 The Grammar of the Shot: Citizen Kane Intro (Duration: 7:43)

Video #3 Use of the Frame in Citizen Kane. Questions. (Duration: 6:42)

Tutorial Plan
Discussion Questions
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Consider these questions while viewing Citizen Kane and be prepared to discuss in class:
Is the film just about the life of one man? If not what else does it encompass?
What is the meaning of “Rosebud” in your view?
What other impressions do you have of the film?
What other readings or references can you find and discuss that expand your understanding of the film? What
relevance does the film have to contemporary media and socio-political issues?
Supplementary Resources
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Citizen Kane – The Fragile Giant by Francois Truffaut https://www.lostinthemovies.com/2009/06/three-by-truffaut.html
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150720-whats-so-good-about-citizen-kane
MODULE 04 – PRINCIPLES OF SCREEN EDITING
This week you will be learning about the history, language and practice of screen editing.
Screening:
Balibo: Director Robert Connolly (Australia 2009, 111 minutes)
Warning:
This film contains content that some viewers may find disturbing.
It includes not only acts of violence, but also the obvious threat of violence or its result.
Synopsis:
As Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor, five Australian based journalists go missing.
Four weeks later, veteran foreign correspondent Roger East is lured to East Timor by the young and
charismatic José Ramos-Horta to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men.
As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship
develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President.
BALIBO is a political thriller that tells the true story of crimes that have been covered up for over thirty years.
Go to balibo.com to read more. http://www.balibo.com/
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Module Learning Outcomes
Build on the knowledge gained in the previous weeks topics into the area of screen editing
Explain the two historical approaches to screen editing continuity and discontinuity
Explain the various dimensions of film editing, graphic, rhythmic, special and temporal
Name and describe different shot types and transitions in relation to their meaning
Understand the role of the editor and the editing process
Concept Pods 1-3
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Video #1 Introduction & History (Duration: 8:25)

Video #2 Dimensions of Screen Editing (Duration: 11:51)

Video #3 Practice of Screen Editing (Duration: 6:06)

Video #3 Introduction to Balibo (Duration: 9:40)

Essential Readings
Richard Barsam & Dave Monaham. (2009). Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. W.W. Norton &
Company Chapter 8 Editing page 319.
https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/timor-companion/balibo
Tutorial Plan
Discussion Questions
Consider these questions while viewing Balibo and be prepared to discuss in class:
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Describe the storytelling style of Balibo. In doing so consider, visual style and use of camera, parallel editing
and point of view
Identify some examples, specific scenes or shot sequences that show the principles of editing as used in Balibo.
You may consider time, place, dramatic narrative and meaning
Balibo is a film that shows the importance of the eye witness in documenting significant events, raising
questions such as ‘whose eyes, whose perspective?’
When is it important to capture & tell stories? What are some of the benefits and pitfalls of bringing real
stories to audiences through dramatic storytelling?
What other readings or references can you find and discuss that expand your understanding of the film?
Supplementary Resources
The soldier appearing in the opening scenes is Major Mike Stone, and plays himself in the interview scene. Two
episodes of Australian Story on ABC TV were made about him. Transcripts can be read at the following links:
http://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-peacemaker/9173592
http://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-presidents-man/9172808
An SBS review of the film, with follow up stories on East Timor:
https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/article/2009/07/24/balibo
MODULE 02 – MISE EN SCÈNE & HUGO
= Overview
0
This week you will be introduced to the concept of mise-en-scène and learning about the early history of cinema as the
primary background to screen media production.
Screening:
Hugo: Director Martin Scorsese (USA 2011, 126 minutes)
Synopsis:
Orphaned and alone except for an uncle, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) lives in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris.
Hugo’s job is to oil and maintain the station’s clocks, but to him, his more important task is to protect a broken
automaton and notebook left to him by his late father (Jude Law). Accompanied by the goddaughter(Chloe Grace Moretz)
of an embittered toy merchant (Ben Kingsley), Hugo embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the automaton and find
a place he can call home.
Go to Hugo Movie.com to read more.
MODULE 01 – INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA ARTS AND PRODUCTION
Overview
0
This week you will be introduced to the unit and learning about key principles and contexts for screen media production.
Screening:
I Am Eleven: Director Genevieve Bailey (Australia 2012, 98 minutes)
Synopsis:
Do you remember when you were 11? Australian filmmaker Genevieve Bailey travelled the world for six years talking with
11-year-olds to compose this insightful, funny and moving documentary portrait of childhood. From an orphanage in
India, to a single-parent household in inner-city Melbourne, to bathing with elephants in Thailand, I AM ELEVEN explores
the lives and thoughts of children from 15 countries. I AM ELEVEN weaves together deeply personal and at times
hilarious portraits of what it means to sit at this transitional age. These young minds provide us with a powerful insight
into the future of our world.
Go to I Am Eleven to read more.
MODULE 04 – PRINCIPLES OF SCREEN EDITING
= Overview
This week you will be learning about the history, language and practice of screen editing.
Screening:
Balibo: Director Robert Connolly (Australia 2009, 111 minutes)
Warning:
This film contains content that some viewers may find disturbing.
It includes not only acts of violence, but also the obvious threat of violence or its result.
Synopsis:
As Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor, five Australian based journalists go missing.de Four
weeks later, veteran foreign correspondent Roger East is lured to East Timor by the young and charismatic José Ramos-
Horta to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men.
As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops
between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President BALIBO is a political
thriller that tells the true story of crimes that have been covered up for over thirty years.
Go to balibo.com to read more.
MODULE 03 – THE GRAMMAR OF THE SHOT AND CITIZEN KANE
= Overview
O
This week you will be introduced to the concept of screen language and learn about the grammar of the shot as the basic
building block of cinema.
Screening:
Citizen Kane: Director Orson Welles (USA 1941,119 minutes)
Synopsis:
When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane’s (Orson Welles) dying words, his
investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights.
Though Kane’s friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy
Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane’s life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive
man’s final word, “Rosebud.”

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