This article will concentrate on the subject of the master of the craft. In Australia, the term refers to a director or producer, while in the United Kingdom the term is used more restrictively to describe an individual. A producer usually creates the movie in a studio, but independent producers are increasingly common. A number of film producing companies have emerged over the past few decades. Distributors are another branch of the distribution network that is becoming more prevalent in modern film making.
A filmmaker can be considered a master of the craft when their films reach at least two awards at the Australian Film Institute or the Academy Awards. At the academy, movies are evaluated on different criteria, including whether the audience understood what was happening and how the plot was developed. Some films are also scored by an expert panel of movie critics. Students who successfully complete an Australian film course will often graduate with a diploma or a Masters Degree in film studies.
The third division of the curriculum is focused on the director as a creative professional. It examines the director’s vision and the emotional reaction it inspires in audiences. Emotion is key to successful movie making, as is the story, music and dialogue. Students will learn about developing the screenplay, casting, editing, music, sound and more. It is hoped that students will be able to apply the principles of film theory, as well as utilise different styles of storytelling.
Students studying the craft and commerce of cinema will be exposed to current works and new works by famous Australian directors. Many of the masters of the film industry have produced some of the most celebrated films in the industry. These include Mad Max: The Road Runner, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Justice League: Island of Wonders. As well as being great entertainment, these films are educational and help students understand how the story is told, how to manipulate images and how to tell a story using many elements. It is important for aspiring filmmakers to understand these concepts.
Students may be disappointed with their coursework if they do not choose a major in film studies. However, there are other options to consider. Taking film courses at community colleges or vocational schools allows students to gain credits towards a degree, while giving them exposure to the art of film. Many community colleges offer film courses in addition to traditional academic study, and students can transfer credits if they have earned satisfactory grades in their previous courses.
Once students complete an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, they should focus on learning how to develop their skills through independent film production and editing. Students should also spend time learning how to market their own films. Some of the tools that students will use include web sites, video blogs and social networking sites. Learning how to distribute a movie is an integral part of film courses, and students should spend time getting familiar with all of the distribution options available.
Once a student has graduated with a bachelor’s degree, they may want to consider taking a film course at a four-year university or a private institution. At a four-year college, students will learn a wide variety of different subjects that include lighting and graphics design. Film courses are generally not dissimilar to other coursework at a four-year college, and students will be able to complete their coursework in about two years. At a small film school, the program may be longer, but typically it is not more than 18 months long. Most master’s degrees are generally completed in about five years.