MECO6932: Semester 2, 2025

Units MECO6932 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

MECO6932: Advanced Video/TV Project

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

Overview

This is a project-based capstone unit focusing on specific publication and project outcomes. It builds on knowledge, techniques, professionalism and skills acquired by students who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite units, and further opportunity to enhance that knowledge, and practice those skills. Students will produce a substantial factual video or TV project and experience many facets of production and problem solving encountered in delivering a major media project in a convergent production environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48 credit points from Digital Communication and Culture or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables including MECO6900 and MECO6924
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECO6928 or MECO6904 or MECO6905 or MECO6935 or MECO6947
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Varga, david.varga@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Farzin Yektaparast, farzin.yektaparast@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Will Mu, will.mu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	David Varga, david.varga@sydney.edu.au
	Rebecca Metcalf, rebecca.metcalf@sydney.edu.au
	David Ma, david.ma@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
Portfolio or journal	Reflection journal Reflection journal: Outline creative and production pathways and challenges; statement on production ethics/legals compliance and document provision; generative AI usage acknowledgement and description of tools applied (if AI used).	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Dec 2025	500 words per person max 1000 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Major project Factual video project (team or individual submission with support from others). Minimum length of six minutes. Final length to be determined in consultation with your teaching team, based on the type and complexity of project.	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Dec 2025	3000 words equivalent video production.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research brief and pitch Pitch major video project to class, incorporate feedback for written submission.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Sep 2025	1000 words + in-class presentation.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Learning and Teaching Policy 2024

View rubrics on Canvas for specific assessment criteria. As a general guide, see below.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Exceptional standard of learning outcomes
Distinction	75 - 84	Very high standard of learning outcomes
Credit	65 - 74	Good standard of learning outcomes
Pass	50 - 64	Acceptable standard of learning outcomes
Fail	0 - 49	Learning outcomes not met satisfactorily

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.

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 factual video genres and production, assessment requirements, unit AI acceptable use policy, tips for developing project ideas.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Production ethics, creative/factual practice research, story development and reflection, preliminary ideation and writing workshops.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Story, visual style and structure. Camera workshops, essential production setups for recording video and audio.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	TV studio workshop. Studio-based interviews, lighting and multi-camera setups.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Filming an editable sequence. Camera and moving camera (gimbal) workshops, Sony FX6 inductions.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Project update and pitch presentation, feedback given in class before submitting written pitch assignment.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Finding your voice and vision. Production research, planning, and preparation.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Premiere Pro Skills workshop/refresh/tips and tricks. Latest AI and text-based tools in Premiere for factual content.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Visual style and language in the edit. Multi-camera syncing and editing in post, principles of sound design and mixing. Using AI tools for graphic asset creation, translations/subtitling and audio sweetening.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Post shoot story beats and evaluation of rushes. Project timeline, completion and workflow updates.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Roughcut screenings and project progress updates.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Final review of projects for feedback and changes prior to finecut screenings.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Finecut screenings. Production journal and ethical reflection discussion, marketing and release.	Lecture and tutorial (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.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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.

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 skills required to produce a factual video story of broadcast quality with the following technical skills: operating a camera; presenting to camera; video editing and essential graphics; audio editing and sound design.
LO2. display sound editorial, professional and ethical judgement in a media and documentary production context
LO3. demonstrate skills in critical discussion and analysis of digital media in a range of media formats and environments
LO4. demonstrate awareness of key ethical issues involving the production of digital media and research materials, including the use of generative AI
LO5. plan and achieve goals while working to deadline
LO6. collate and present a range of digital media assets in a manner appropriate to a specified media or research project.

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 offers students an opportunity to develop video production skills in factual storytelling through the creation of a major factual capstone video project.

Additional information

All projects must be factual, but creative licence is encouraged within accepted factual genre definition.

You cannot interview family or friends unless you gain prior approval.

Group projects are strongly encouraged. If you choose to work on an individual project, you should (unless excused by your instructor) work with a classmate or classmates in a ‘buddy’ system where you provide support and mutually assist each other. You can only book out the FX6 camera in its largest kit form with at least one other student or assistant with you (two people minimum) for safety reasons.

Project duration will be determined in consultation with your instructor, based on the complexity of your project and the best natural length for your idea, but generally six minutes is considered the minimum, with longer durations expected for group projects.

All members of the group will receive the same grade for the assignment.

If you choose a TV studio-based project – such as an interview show or a news feature magazine – you will need to work in a group of at least four and no more than six. This is to ensure all essential production and editorial tasks are covered.

This means the final “As for Live” show should generally be around 20 minutes long as a studio compile.

The project is compiled and finalised during a single session in the TV studio, often with minimal editing afterwards — hence the term “as for live.” It may include pre-recorded segments (shot during the semester), live interviews, presenter pieces to camera, as well as video-edited titles, segues, and a closing segment.

All project requirements will be discussed in class and when you pitch your major project (Assignment 1 – Week 6).

A screening of selected student works will be held in the week following final submission of video projects.

Additional costs

Purchase of Class 10 SD cards is required for shooting field video with the GH5. FX6 cards will be provided. An SSD will be supplied to students for use during the semester but must be returned to the DMU at the end of semester. Students are strongly advised to purchase an extra 1TB external hard drive for backing up their project files, in addition to the provided DMU SSD.

Work, health and safety

Always wear shoes with a closed toe when working with camera equipment. No sandals, thongs or flip flops will be allowed in the TV Studio.

You can only book out the FX6 camera in its largest kit form with at least one other student or assistant (two people minimum) for safety reasons.

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

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

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

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