Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Acting for Camera

• Unit Code

  MTH3001

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  10

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

Survey of the media performance and specialised acting techniques for the camera and microphone. The application of these skills in television at broadcast standard. In Semester 6 of the BA (Musical Theatre) programme, each student partakes in the production of a showreel which is forwarded to casting directors and agents nationwide prior to the graduating showcase performances.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Adapt to the performance style of film and television.
2. Attend film and TV auditions knowing the major requirements and techniques used in the industry.
3. Become relatively self reliant in research and general preparation for a role.
4. Rehearse quickly in order to produce clear and believable performances in the shorter time required by film and TV and to be able to modify performances rapidly.
5. Research and increase skills via texts and videos/DVDs.
6. Understand single and multi camera production, including camera shots, editing, crew hierarchy, agents, rehearsal and shooting schedules.
7. Understand visual language and style in film and television.

Unit Content

1. Editing and film styles.
2. Film and television acting. A large number of exercises and short scripts will be rehearsed, recorded and reviewed with the emphasis on effective, believable film and TV performance.
3. Film and television protocols and crew structures, roles and responsibilities.
4. Film and visual language.
5. Film genre.
6. Techniques for rapid approaches to achieve believable performances and character.
7. Techniques will be investigated as rapid approaches to achieving performance character and understanding.
8. The conceptualisation and filming of the showreel involves considerable community interaction.
9. Typically used camera shots and their meaning.
10. What pictures tell us over and above performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The course consists of micro-lectures, practical classes, exercises, rehearsals, performances, recordings and reviews.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Barr, T. (1982). Acting for the camera. New York: Harper & Row.
• Goldman, W. (1983). Adventures in the screen trade. London: Futura/MacDonald & Co.
• O'Brien, M. (1983). Film acting. New York: Arco Pub.
• Reynerton, A.J. (1970-78). The work of the film director. London: Focal Press.
• Fiske, J., & Hartley, J. (1978-1980) Reading television. London: Methuen and Co.
• Moran, A. (1985). Images & industry: Television drama in Australia. Paddington: Currency Press.
• Moran, A., & O'Regan, T. (Eds.). (1985). An Australian reader. Paddington: Currency Press.
• Shand, J., & Wellington, T. (1988). Don't shoot the best boy! The film crew at work. Paddington: Currency Press.

Journal References

• Cinema Papers (Aust)
• Film Comment (USA)
• Sight & Sound (UK)
• Interview (USA)

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