Unit outline_

MECO2602: Media Production: Video

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
In-class quiz hurdle task Early Feedback Task News Story Quiz
Answer 10 questions to test your knowledge of the news story assignment
0% Week 03
Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 Aug 2026
10 questions AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Creative work group assignment Short Form News Story
In pairs, students research, shoot and edit a factual news story
25% Week 06
Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 Oct 2026
1200 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement Pre Interview & Oral Pitch
Find and interview someone for your factual video. Based on this preparation interview, pitch your project to the class. Submit a pitch deck on your idea.
30% Week 08
Due date: 25 Sep 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 Nov 2026
3 mins spoken, equivalent 1300 words. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Creative work group assignment Factual Video Project
In groups, students research, shoot, and edit a 6 minute factual video
45% Week 13
Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 30 Nov 2026
6 minute video, equivalent 2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the unit & production planning Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Week 02 The short form news story Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Vox pops and camera operation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 1. Copyright and ethics; 2. The shot and action; 3. Working on location Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Filming pieces to camera and coverage Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 The Art of Interviewing Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Shooting the Interview Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Editing your news story Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Editing in Adobe Premier Pro Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 06 Writing to pictures Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Finalising the news package in premier pro Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 07 The Studio Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
TV Studio operations Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Authenticity, Manipulation & AI in Factual Video Production Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Pitch presentations for A2 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 09 Storytelling and Structure Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Group work, major project production & 3 point lighting for interviews Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Modes of address in documentary and long form factual stories Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Camera bootcamp, coverage and composition Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Engaging with the Industry Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Major Project production & post-production: story structure and development Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Working with sound Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Major Project post-production, in class feedback screenings Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Major Project post-production, final week for changes. Export by Thursday. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Major Project Screening at the Old Geology Theatre Film (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 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.

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

  • LO1. Apply the stages of factual video production, including research and finding contributors, pre-production, production, and post-production.
  • LO2. Execute single-camera filming and video editing skills to create short, information-based videos that include interviews and real-world interactions.
  • LO3. Work effectively as part of a video production team, understanding different roles, engaging contributors ethically, and behaving responsibly and professionally.
  • LO4. Discuss and analyse video production, including how moving images communicate meaning, how audiences are addressed, and how producers shape content.
  • LO5. Plan and complete production work to meet deadlines and work 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This unit has been updated to reflect feedback from the 2024 and 2025 USS, as well as the new assessment framework.

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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