Video Post Production (Advanced)

Learn how the whole process of video production works – from concept and planning to delivery; discover the secrets of effective video and audio processing using editing, effects, motion graphics, compositing and more; develop your graphic design skills, create animated visual effects, and use the power of today’s production tools to seriously alter reality.

The Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced) will teach you how to transform that raw footage into a work of art and master the skills you need to make a good production great.  Produce a showreel to demonstrate your ability, and you’ll be armed and ready to present yourself for a range of roles in the creative media.

Class size is restricted to a maximum of 20 students.

Course Components

• Video production - video production processes: from concept to storyboarding, shooting, editing, visual effects and delivery; be part of a team that makes a short video production
• Video editing - learn how to edit footage, shot at different times and locations, to create a compelling and interesting story
• Audio post production - edit, process and effect audio; edit voiceovers and music, create foley effects and simple soundtracks
• Compositing and visual effects (VFX) - integrate 3D animation and live motion video; and composite multiple video sources to create fantastic visual effects
• Graphic design - create vector and bitmap graphics for use in motion graphics and television commercials (TVC)
• Motion graphics - combine your design skills with animation and effects to create animated visuals for TVCs, titles, IDs and more
• DVD authoring - create DVD menus and interfaces; encode video for DVD and author DVD titles
• Film studies - what works and why?; critique and analysis of some of the best (and worst) film and television ever created
• Industry practice - how copyright and legal issues affect video post production; learn how production is managed, workflow is organised; develop communication skills essential to success
• Industry project and showreel - working on your own, or with others, apply all the techniques you have mastered to create a video to a commercial standard.

* Course content is subject to change to ensure continued industry relevance.

Assessment

• Assessment is standards-based, which means you need to meet all the standards set for a particular task.
• There are no marks or examinations.
• All projects must be produced to a commercial standard.
• You are encouraged to develop technical skills and your own design style.
• Reassessment opportunities are available.
• Minimum 80% attendance requirements apply.

Equipment & Software

Equipment

• Apple Macintosh computers
• DV & HDV digital video cameras
• Sound recording equipment
• Video production room with lighting and blue/green screen

Software

• Apple Shake
• Apple Final Cut Pro
• Apple Soundtrack Pro
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• DVD Studio Pro
  
  

Entry Requirements

Natcoll's Diploma of Animation and Digital Video is designed as an excellent pathway into this course. By successfully completing this course students have the necessary core skills in digital imaging, video production, 3D modelling and compositing to maximise their learning potential in the Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced).

Applicants who have not completed the Diploma of Animation and Digital Video production course are still eligible for direct entry if they can demonstrate a range of video production skills. This will require submission of examples of completed video projects for consideration.

Course Fees & Related Costs

Course fees*

Domestic students: $6,800
International students: $17,500

*Domestic course fees are GST inclusive. Course fees could be subject to change.

Course Costs

The following estimated costs apply to classes starting in 2010. For some items the cost will vary depending on the brand of item purchased or on the student’s individual needs. Students are encouraged to discuss the items, especially textbooks, with their tutor before purchasing.

• Visual Diary - one provided
• Software manual - provided
• 300 print credits - provided
• Monthly internet quota - provided
• Textbooks (see below) - approx. $300
• External 3.5" 250GB (at least) Firewire hard drive - approx. $300
• 2 MiniDV video tapes - approx. $30
• Headphones - approx. $60

• 1 SD card – approx. $8
• 10 CD labels – approx. $15
• 10 CD presentation cases – approx. $50
• Storage media (CD/DVDs) – up to $70
• Extra print credits – up to $80 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Extra internet quota – up to $100 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Sundry stationery – up to $100

• The Art and Science of Digital Compositing, 2nd edition by Ron Brinkmann
  Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann; 2 edition (June 4, 2008), ISBN: 0123706386
• The Eye is Quicker : Film Editing: Making A Good Film Better                                  by Richard D. Pepperman
  Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions (March 25, 2004), ISBN: 0941188841
• Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects: Essential and Advanced Techniques, 4th Edition by Chris Meyer, Trish Meyer
  Publisher: Focal Press; 4th edition (November 12, 2007), ISBN: 0240810104
  
  

Industry Relevance

• Natcoll liaises closely with the video, animation and interactive industries to ensure the latest commercial practices are taught.
• Natcoll encourages students to work on real industry projects.

These connections with industry mean you will have the skills needed to hit the ground running once you finish your course.

Career Opportunities

• Video editor
• Motion graphics designer
• Video artist
• Compositor
• VFX artist
• VFX production coordinator

Further learning

Once you have completed this course, further develop and refine your skills with the Natcoll Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced) or diversify your skills with the Natcoll Diploma of Animation (Advanced).

Graduates can get credit for 1 semester towards Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology's 3-year Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Interactive Media) - saving half a year.

Another opportunity exists with the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) in the Philippines. IAFT is linked to Big Foot Entertainment who make feature length movies and have state-of-the-art facilities. Natcoll Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced) graduates can enrol for one year only (if they choose) in IAFT's 2-year Crazy Filmmaking Program and work on commercial projects alongside industry professionals from around the world.