Filmmaking Course Structure

The University of Otago's MSciComm in Science and Natural History Filmmaking is a two-year full-time programme taught in collaboration with NHNZ. The course is restricted to 12 students each year.

First Year of the Programme

The first year of the programme consists of five papers. But it's not like you're stuck in a classroom memorizing formulas or learning to take an Arriflex camera apart with your teeth - there's plenty of hands-on practical work. Our philosophy when it comes to communication is that we all have to walk the talk. Yep, we cover the theory, but we go one step further than where academia usually stops: we make you produce, and in particular, we help you to produce better. Didn't we say that there is a better way?

Of the five papers, four are compulsory and cover:

• SCOM 401 The Techniques of Natural History Filmmaking - The camera and editing techniques required for natural history filmmaking
• SCOM 402 The craft of storytelling
• SCOM 405 Science and Natural History Film - The processes involved in documentary filmmaking
• SCOM 495 Thesis Preparation and Proposal - Development of a film and thesis proposal

The optional paper can cover any one of the following:

• SCOM 403 Science and Creative Non-Fiction Writing - The ability to write creatively and critique non-fiction
• SCOM 406 Communicating Science
• SCOM 407 Digital Design for Factual Communication - Designing digital media for creating impact and communication
• SCOM 415 Documentary Film and Media - The history of documentary

Second Year of the Programme

This is where the real fun begins! You get to make your own documentary on science, wildlife or natural history. The film will constitute a part of your thesis, which includes a written academic component as well.

The world is literally your oyster as we encourage you to enter brave new worlds of filmmaking.