An exciting new course in digital video production will commence in the 2002 Autumn Term at CQU Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Mackay campuses.

Digital Moviemaking provides both a practical introduction to digital video production and a critical examination of digital movies and the digital moviemaking process. Students have the opportunity to create their own short movies using industry standard, state-of-the-art editing software. Course Coordinator Dr. Liz Hills said that “ the high level of student interest in digital movie making necessitated the need for its development and incorporation into the Multimedia degree.

Special effects, computer generated sequences etc. are being utilized more frequently and it’s imperative for CQU as an educational provider to keep pace with cutting edge technology and impart such knowledge and skills to our students to increase their chances of employment.” The film industry is shifting and gone are the days when people worked from the bottom up in-house. Major screen producers are now stressing the importance of tertiary qualifications, especially with the advent of new technologies. The practical component of the course emphasizes script development, storyboarding, DV camera techniques, digital video editing and exporting. In addition to these conceptual and technical skills, this course provides students with an analytical framework for exploring the creative and cultural significance of digital movies-mainstream and alternative, professional and amateur, off-line and on-line-as a form of communication.

The digital moviemaking course is available as an elective to all students and is expected to prove very popular with drama, arts and music students studying at the conservatorium. For further information please contact Dr Liz Hills: 49 30 9476 or Shuron Billman: 49 30 9023.