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  2. Acting for Camera [PAM3219]

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA 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

    PAM3219

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    2

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

Description

An introduction to the specialised acting techniques associated with working to a camera, and the application of these skills in media projects at broadcast standard.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Adapt to the particular performance styles of film and television.
  2. Become relatively self reliant in research and general preparation for a role.
  3. Rehearse quickly in order to achieve a 'truthful' performance of a variety of roles in the shorter time allowed by film and TV formats and to be able to modify performances rapidly.
  4. Understand the mechanics of multi camera and single camera production, including camera shots, editing, crew hierarchy, and rehearsal and shooting schedules.
  5. Understand the preparation requirements for auditions.

Unit Content

  1. Film and TV Acting - Technical Continuity of performance - artificial time. Acting without words. Maintaining the impression of spontaneity. Working with cameras.
  2. Film and Visual Language - What pictures tell us over and above performance. Editing. Film styles.
  3. Rehearsal and recording of audition pieces.
  4. Triggers - a number of games, exercises and techniques will be investigated as rapid approaches to achieving performance, character and understanding.
  5. Film Acting Style. A large number of exercises and short scripts will be rehearsed, recorded and reviewed with the emphasis on effective, believable film and TV performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes, exercises, rehearsal, performance

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework 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.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
PerformanceAssessment is continuous and is based on the objectives of the unit60%
ExercisePreparation of class work20%
ExercisePreparation of class work20%

Text References

  • Moran, A. (1985). Images and Industry: Television drama in Australia. Paddington: Currency Press.
  • Shand, J., & Wellington, T. (1988). Don't shoot the best boy: The film crew at work. Paddington: Currency Press.
  • Reynerton, A.J. (1970-1978). The work of the film director. London: Focal Press.
  • O'Brien, M. E. (1983). Film acting. NY: Arco Pub.
  • Barr, T. (1982). Acting for the camera. NY: Harper & Row.
  • Goldman, W. (1983). Adventures in the screen trade. London: Futura/ MacDonald & Co

Journal References

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

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

PAM3219|2|1

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA 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

    PAM3219

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    2

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

An introduction to the specialised acting techniques associated with working to a camera, and the application of these skills in media projects at broadcast standard.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Adapt to the particular performance styles of film and television.
  2. Become relatively self reliant in research and general preparation for a role.
  3. Rehearse quickly in order to achieve a 'truthful' performance of a variety of roles in the shorter time allowed by film and TV formats and to be able to modify performances rapidly.
  4. Understand the mechanics of multi camera and single camera production, including camera shots, editing, crew hierarchy, and rehearsal and shooting schedules.
  5. Understand the preparation requirements for auditions.

Unit Content

  1. Film and TV Acting - Technical Continuity of performance - artificial time. Acting without words. Maintaining the impression of spontaneity. Working with cameras.
  2. Film and Visual Language - What pictures tell us over and above performance. Editing. Film styles.
  3. Rehearsal and recording of audition pieces.
  4. Triggers - a number of games, exercises and techniques will be investigated as rapid approaches to achieving performance, character and understanding.
  5. Film Acting Style. A large number of exercises and short scripts will be rehearsed, recorded and reviewed with the emphasis on effective, believable film and TV performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes, exercises, rehearsal, performance

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework 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.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
PerformanceAssessment is continuous and is based on the objectives of the unit60%
ExercisePreparation of class work20%
ExercisePreparation of class work20%

Text References

  • Shand, J., & Wellington, T. (1988). Don't shoot the best boy: The film crew at work. Paddington: Currency Press.
  • Goldman, W. (1983). Adventures in the screen trade. London: Futura/ MacDonald & Co
  • O'Brien, M. E. (1983). Film acting. NY: Arco Pub.
  • Moran, A. (1985). Images and Industry: Television drama in Australia. Paddington: Currency Press.
  • Barr, T. (1982). Acting for the camera. NY: Harper & Row.
  • Reynerton, A.J. (1970-1978). The work of the film director. London: Focal Press.

Journal References

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

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

PAM3219|2|2