Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the history, theory and practice of video production. The unit will equip students with practical skills in planning and researching a video, as well as skills in digital camera operation, video recording, lighting, sound and digital non-linear video editing. The unit emphasises factual, non-fiction video.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	18 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications including MECO1004
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Blue Lucine, blue.lucine@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	News Quiz Early Feedback Task Quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Aug 2025	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	80 second video news story In pairs, students research, shoot and edit a factual news story	25%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Oct 2025	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Pre Interview & Oral Pitch Find and interview someone for your documentary. Based on this preparation interview, pitch your project to the class.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Nov 2025	3 mins spoken, equivalent 1000 words.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Major video project In groups, students research, shoot, and edit a 6 minute factual video	45%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 18:00 Closing date: 21 Nov 2025	6 minute video, equivalent 2300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

You must submit all assessments to pass this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	High distinction projects demonstrate outstanding levels of creativity, storytelling, technical competency and publishing ability. These productions have a sophisticated approach towards creativity and storytelling by understanding their audience and drawing on outstanding engagement techniques. The technical capacity demonstrates outstanding skills by correctly recording, capturing, manipulating and exporting the production that adheres to industry standards. The work exceeds the requirements of this assignment and could be commissioned by existing media publications.
Distinction	75 - 84	Distinction projects demonstrate excellent levels of creativity, storytelling, technical competency and publishing ability. These productions have a sophisticated approach towards creativity and storytelling by understanding their audience and drawing on excellent engagement techniques. The technical capacity demonstrates excellent skills by correctly recording, capturing, manipulating and exporting the production that adheres to industry standards. The work exceeds the requirements of this assignment.
Credit	65 - 74	Credit projects demonstrate good levels of creativity, storytelling, technical competency and publishing ability. These productions have a well-rounded approach towards creativity and storytelling by understanding their audience and drawing on satisfactory engagement techniques. The technical capacity demonstrates good skills by correctly recording, capturing, and manipulating the production, which may have a few minor problems. The work demonstrates the requirements of this assignment.
Pass	50 - 64	Projects that pass demonstrate minimal levels of creativity, storytelling, technical competency and publishing ability. These productions have some understanding of creativity and storytelling but have been masked by errors and problems in comprehensive production. The technical capacity demonstrates some skills by correctly recording, capturing and manipulating the media, but also demonstrates some technical problems and errors. The work minimally meets the requirements of this assignment.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5 % per day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit & production planning	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The 80-second news package	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Vox pops and basic camera operation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Copyright and ethics; 2. The shot and action; 3. Working on location	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Pieces to camera and coverage	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	The Art of Interviewing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Shooting the Interview	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Video editing your news story	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Intro to Adobe Premier Pro	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Writing to pictures	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Finalising the news package in premier pro	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	The Studio	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	TV Studio operations	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Producing a major video	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Pitch presentations for A2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Storytelling and Structure	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Group work, major project production & 3 point lighting for interviews	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Modes of address in documentary and long form factual stories	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Camera bootcamp, coverage and composition	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Engaging with the Industry	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Major Project production & post-production: story structure and development	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Working with sound	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Major Project post-production, in class feedback screenings	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Major Project post-production, final week for changes. Export by Thursday.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Major Project Screening Old Geology Theatre	Presentation (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience. Lecture attendance will be taken via canvas.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
All assessments must be submitted to pass the unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings are on canvas, and will be updated per semester.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of all stages of video production, including: pre production, production and post-production processes, with particular reference to factual video production.
LO2. understand single camera and video editing techniques to a level appropriate to complete short-form information-based video items
LO3. demonstrate the ability to work with others in a video news/production team, understanding the roles and responsibilities of each member of the work group, and taking responsibility for their own value judgements and ethical behaviour towards others
LO4. demonstrate skills in critical discussion and analysis of video production, including a visually literate understanding of the ‘discourse’ and ‘grammar’ of the moving image, the relationship of producer to audience, and the concept of mode of address
LO5. demonstrate the ability to plan and achieve goals, working to deadlines and within set budgets.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been updated to reflect the feedback from the 2024 USS.

Additional information

For approved AI use, please read Canvas.

Additional costs

You will be required to purchase your own SD card for the unit. Details are on canvas.

Work, health and safety

Most weeks will have a practical element. Please come to class dressed appropriately, and wear shoes that cover your heel and toe.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECO2602: Media Production: Video

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links