Course Title: Provide freelance services
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 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 A
(July - Feb)
Week |
Class content |
ASSESSMENTS |
SEMESTER 2 |
||
Class 1 Week 9 |
Review Assessments Discuss Ninety Nine / 100 Why have a business plan? Resumes |
Assessment 3 Resume |
Class 2 Week 10 |
Film Music Contracts John Phillips Production, contracts, financials and timelines in film and television music production. |
Assessment 4 Invoice |
Class 3 Week 11 |
Business and legal requirements. |
|
Class 4 Week 12 |
SITE VISIT / GUEST LECTURE Simon Moro Ninety-Nine 100 |
|
Class 5 Week 13 |
APRA Presentation
Royalties and publishing |
Assessment DUE |
Class 6 Week 14 |
GUEST LECTURE |
Assessment DUE 2 - INVOICE |
SEMESTER B - Feb - May 2019 |
||
Class 7 Week 1 |
REVIEW |
|
Class 8 Week 2 |
The strategies of marketing Layout and presentation of the plan |
|
Class 9 |
Online Review |
|
Class 10 Week 4 |
Online Review |
|
Class 11 |
Development of Business Plan |
|
Class 12 |
Review and preparation for Business Plan submission & Presentation |
|
Class 14 Week 8 |
Submission of Business Plan. |
Assessments Due |
|
|
|
Week 9 |
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
UNGRADED ASSESSMENTS:
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 A, Class 1
Due: Semester A, Week 13
(See Schedule above)
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 A, Class 2
Due: Semester 2, Week 14
(See Schedule above)
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 B, Week 9
(See schedule above)
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