Diploma
SAE's Diploma of Film offers a comprehensive introduction to filmmaking, covering scriptwriting, production, and post-production. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software, preparing them for careers in the film industry.
Be cast directly into a world-class creative environment with SAE'S hands-on Diploma of Film. Guided by expert lecturers you will gain an in-depth introduction to film, from scriptwriting and film production, right through to digital post-production.
You will engage in collaborative studio-based learning where you will have access to all the latest equipment and software including DaVinci Resolve colour grading software and Adobe Creative Cloud. Your growth and development will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects, not theoretical-based essays.
You'll feel like you are already working, with the amount of hands-on experience you'll gain operating film production equipment for a variety of screen contexts, including cameras, lighting, and sound.
You'll also learn about digital post-production including audio mixing, tilting colour grading and the authoring processes.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Film.
Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:
International students must be 18 years or above when they arrive in Australia to commence studies.
Completion of Year 12 English at an Australian secondary school or college, or equivalent.
Be cast directly into a world-class creative environment with SAE'S hands-on Diploma of Film. Guided by expert lecturers you will gain an in-depth introduction to film, from scriptwriting and film production, right through to digital post-production.
You will engage in collaborative studio-based learning where you will have access to all the latest equipment and software including DaVinci Resolve colour grading software and Adobe Creative Cloud. Your growth and development will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects, not theoretical-based essays.
You'll feel like you are already working, with the amount of hands-on experience you'll gain operating film production equipment for a variety of screen contexts, including cameras, lighting, and sound.
You'll also learn about digital post-production including audio mixing, tilting colour grading and the authoring processes.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Film.
The Diploma of Film is stage 1 of the 3 stages of a Bachelor.
Stage 1: FoundationsCredit points: 10 This unit introduces you to the fundamental principles of screen studies, including theory and history, to explore ways in which these principles are connected to screen practice. Emphasis is placed on how these concepts and approaches work within screen production, allowing you to develop analytical, critical reflection and creative thinking skills by applying your understanding of topics in project-based activities. Finally, this unit should assist you in becoming more critically aware of your craft and introduce you to ways of developing your knowledge of screen production.
Credit points: 10 You will be introduced to the theory and principles of storytelling across a range of contemporary creative media contexts, which will then be applied to the creation of storytelling documents appropriate to your discipline. Theoretical approaches to plot, structure, character, story world, theme and genre will be explored and applied to a range of story development tools to engage your audience. Feedback processes and reflection are essential in the development of engaging stories, and you are expected to document your process and feedback from your facilitator and peers.
Credit points: 10 You will be introduced to the craft of filmmaking through participation in practical film shoots. Introductory learning of camera exposure, lighting and sound equipment, will be supported by a study of the fundamentals of frame composition and cinematography. The key roles and responsibilities of a working film crew, production processes and protocols are covered, including workplace health and safety. Familiarity with the using film production equipment and its safe assembly is as important in this subject as the technical and creative elements of visual storytelling.
Credit points: 10 This unit aims to instil a basic working knowledge of the structures, aesthetics and technologies involved in digital post-production. There is a particular emphasis on the editing process, as well as a general introduction to audio mixing, titling, colour grading and authoring processes within an industry-level non-linear editing tool. Editing techniques and approaches vary between different mediums and this unit focuses on both documentary and drama workflows and file management protocols. Effective communication of narrative is the main focus of the unit, and you will learn to edit for narrative clarity, performance, subtext and dramatic effect. Historical and contemporary perspectives on montage theory and continuity editing theory will be explored to broaden your understanding and approach to the art of editing.
Credit points: 10 This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact. As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
Credit points: 10 In this unit, students will draw upon practical theories of screenwriting and engage in industry standard iterative practices to produce high quality screenplays for short film production. The unit will introduce strategies for concept development, provide students with the opportunity to refine supporting documentation such a synopsis, outline or treatment, and guide students in applying stylistic conventions and narrative theories to their story ideas. The unit focuses on communicating strong characters and story worlds on the page, and crafting effective dialogue and scenes that engage audiences emotionally. Screenwriting is a learned craft that requires discipline, perseverance and an understanding of industry practice. You will engage with professional feedback processes as you develop your story concepts through to script stage, and then a pitch deck and final draft script.
Credit points: 20 In this unit, you will expand your knowledge in the areas of camera and lighting, which are essential skills required to have a career as a Director of Photography. The skills you learn in this unit can be applied to any form of film/TV production; short films, documentaries, music videos, TV commercials etc. You will learn to use technically advanced cameras, prime lenses and follow-focus units, as well as learn to shoot in LOG format (flatter colour space) and utilise LUTs (Look Up Tables) to enhance the look of your footage in colour grading. Lighting fixtures will be utilised in a variety of studio shooting scenarios, including day/night interiors and also green screen sequences. ND Filters will be explored in more detail, adding another creative tool to your filmmaking arsenal. Further focus will be placed on effective shot coverage and framing techniques in both drama and documentary settings.
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program. For full details, please refer to SAE's policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
Launch your creative career with confidence. Apply now