Course Title: Provide freelance services

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: PERF5097C

Course Title: Provide freelance services

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

Course Contact: Elena Popa

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254815

Course Contact Email: elena.popa@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.

 

It applies to individuals who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

052142 Provide freelance services

Element:

1. Promote self to potential clients

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish, follow up and regularly maintain industry contacts 1.2 Participate in and maintain relevant industry, employer and other networks 1.3 Identify and implement strategies to enhance a professional reputation 1.4 Produce material about the services provided and promote across a range of media outlets and platforms

Element:

2. Negotiate work arrangements

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Establish clear project outcomes with client and agree on fees, schedules and expenses 2.2 Confirm contracts or agreements contain payment terms and conditions that provide a viable cash flow 2.3 Confirm contracts or agreements include obligations of all parties and include a process for varying terms and conditions 2.4 Seek specialist advice to review contracts or agreements before signing, if appropriate 2.5 Store signed contracts or agreements securely for future reference 2.6 Adapt to client work demands without compromising ethics or reputation 2.7 Negotiate contract or agreement variations as required

Element:

3. Manage financial and business aspects of service

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Set up and use effective systems for managing budgets, finance, taxation and project documents, seeking expert advice and support where necessary 3.2 Set a realistic fee structure for services provided 3.3 Plan and maintain a viable work schedule and cash flow outlined in a business plan 3.4 Send invoices in line with payment terms and conditions and promptly follow up any non-payments 3.5 Keep accurate and up-to-date financial accounts and records 3.6 Submit all taxation documents, using an accountant if necessary 3.7 Comply with business regulations, taxation and insurance requirements

Element:

4. Undertake strategic planning

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Implement strategies to identify work opportunities and risks 4.2 Identify and act on opportunities to expand the client base, either alone or in partnership with others 4.3 Seek constructive feedback about work performance from clients and other relevant people to improve work practices 4.4 Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and ensure skills and knowledge keep pace with industry developments 4.5 Regularly review and set realistic work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals 4.6 Identify risk factors and take action to minimise when planning work activities

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to:

    • participate in industry networks and develop a dynamic list of industry contacts
    • prepare resume and self-promotional materials and circulate using a variety of media outlets and platforms
    • prepare a business plan that identifies a fee structure and work schedule to maintain a viable cash flow
    • negotiate service contracts or agreements
    • develop and maintain an effective financial and document records system
    • develop and revise a strategic plan that identifies business opportunities and risks
    • seek constructive feedback to identify professional development needs and opportunities
    • review work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities :-
Lectures 
Group discussion 
Class exercises 
Class presentations 
Workshopping

Out-of-class activities :-
Online research 
Excursion 
Industry based practical project


Teaching Schedule

Semester 1

 

Week      

Class content

ASSESSMENTS
 

SEMESTER 1

  

Class 1

Week 9

APRA Presentation

Royalties and publishing

  

Class 2 Week 10

  Online review

 

Class 3

Week 11

  Online review  

Class 4

Week 15

GUEST LECTURE:

Jack The Bear

 

 

Semester 2

 

Week      

Class content

ASSESSMENTS
 

SEMESTER 2

  

Class 1

Week 1

Review Assessments

Discuss Ninety Nine / 100

Why have a business plan?
Writing a business plan
Purpose of the components of a Business Plan
Developing a concept
SWOT analysis 
Business planning – establishment costs 
Obtaining an ABN 
Discuss GST

Resumes

Assessment 1

Resume

Class 2 Week 2

Film Music Contracts

John Phillips

Production, contracts, financials and timelines in film and television music production.

 Assessment 2

Invoice

Class 3

Week 3

Business and legal requirements. 
Choosing an appropriate business structure
W.H. & S. requirements

  

Class 4

Week 4

SITE VISIT / GUEST LECTURE

Simon Moro

Ninety-Nine 100

  

Class 5 Week 5

  

 Assessment DUE
1 - RESUME

Class 6

Week 6

Online Review

  

Class 7

Week 7

Online Review

  

Class 8

Week8

The strategies of marketing 
Defining a market for your product/service

Layout and presentation of the plan
Development of Business Plan
Refining Business Plan

Assessment DUE
2 - INVOICE

Week 9

Online Review

  

Week 10

Online Review

  

Sem 2

Week 11

Development of Business Plan 
Refining Plan
Plan the presentation

  

Sem 2 Week 12

Review and preparation for Business Plan submission & Presentation

  

Sem 2 Wks 13

Submission of Business Plan. 
Presentation of Business Plan

Assessments Due
3 - BUSINESS PLAN

Sem 2 Week 11-14

Presentation of Business Plan

Assessments Due

4 - PRESENTATION

Sem 2 Week 14

Final results review

  

 

Please Note: Weekly course delivery may be subject to change

 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, and will include written submission and project work


Assessment Tasks

 Assessment 1 (ungraded)
• RESUME - You will complete a professional resume to showcase your skills and experience according to the chosen industry sector you wish to move into.

Commenced: Semester 2, Week 2 (Class 1)
Due: Semester 2, Week 5

Assessment 2 (ungraded)
• INVOICE - You engage in a simulation, which involves you role playing (in class and via email with your partner) to develop a quote, notes for a draft agreement and a professionally formatted invoice.

Commenced: Semester 2, Week 2
Due: Semester 2, Week 8

 

GRADED ASSESSMENTS:

Assessment 3 (Graded)
• BUSINESS PLAN - You will develop a personal business plan that identifies the business aims and objectives, finances, long and short-term goals and a SWOT analysis relevant to the Music / Sound Production Industries.

Commenced: Semester 2, Week 1
Due: Semester 2, Week 14

Assessment 4 (Graded)
• PRESENTATION - You will present your business plan in class to the lecturer and students.

Commenced: Semester 2, Week 1
Due: Semester 2, Week 14


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • participate in industry networks and develop a dynamic list of industry contacts
  • prepare resume and self-promotional materials and circulate using a variety of media outlets and platforms
  • prepare a business plan that identifies a fee structure and work schedule to maintain a viable cash flow
  • negotiate service contracts or agreements
  • develop and maintain an effective financial and document records system
  • develop and revise a strategic plan that identifies business opportunities and risks
  • seek constructive feedback to identify professional development needs and opportunities
  • review work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals.

 

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • identify industry network opportunities for freelance services in screen and media industries
  • identify professional expertise and services available to advise and support freelance services
  • identify media outlets and platforms that may be relevant for promotional purposes
  • identify sources of information about regulatory, taxation, insurance and other business requirements in relation to offering freelance services.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview