Course Title: Provide freelance services

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2023

Course Code: PERF5101C

Course Title: Provide freelance services

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5412 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Marina Garbuio

Email: marina.cook@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry. This includes promoting self to potential clients, negotiating work arrangements, managing financial and business aspects of services, and undertaking strategic planning.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUAIND412 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 required industry, employer and other networks 1.3 Identify and implement strategies for enhancing a professional reputation 1.4 Produce material about services provided and promote across different media outlets and social media 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 for reviewing contracts or agreements before signing, as required 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 systems for managing budgets, finance, taxation and project documents, seeking expert advice and support as required 3.2 Set a realistic fee structure for services provided 3.3 Prepare a business plan outlining viable work schedule and cash flow 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 according to taxation requirements 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 for expanding the client base, either alone or in partnership with others 4.3 Improve work performance and practices using constructive feedback from clients and other required personnel 4.4 Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and to maintain skills and knowledge 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 develop prevention strategies when planning work activities

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 

Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

• demonstrations and practical application
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussions
• screenings
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• Industry examples and case studies

Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:

• reading set texts
• research
• screenings
• production work
• independent project based work 

Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability resources.

Week	Class content	Assessments
1	Overview of the course Look at areas of specialisation	Introduce Assessment 1 (Utilising the showreel created in Refine Digital Art Techniques)
2	Identify freelance work opportunities – Screen Hub, Seek, LinkedIn
3	In depth look at your strengths and weaknesses (SWOT) Skill Development and maintaining industry relevance
4	Industry Guest Research online profile and social media activity of industry professionals Information about Folio/Showreel
5	How to reach out, connect and engage with professionals How to engage with personal and professionals in the industry How to identify people/industry organisations that will help broaden your opportunity for freelance work.
6	Social Media Platforms for networking purposes Promoting your skills and services on social media How to copy links for Social Media	Assessment 1 due next week
7	Seeking feedback on proposed goals and strategy Finalise and submit Assessment 1	Assessment 1 Due
8	What is a business plan How to create an ABN Who is your target market? Marketing Channels	Assessment 2 Introduced (Utilising the Groups from Realise a Creative Project)
9	Setting up financial systems Keeping accurate and up-to-date records Why it’s important to keep the tax man happy
10	Cash Flows, Payments and Receipts Business regulations, taxation and insurance requirements
11	Contract negotiation Conduct contract negotiation with a client (student peer)
12	How to charge clients your worth (establishing fees) How to invoice and communicate with your client WIP Meetings with your client	Assessment 2 due week 15
13	Specialist Meetings Work on Assessment 2
14	Specialist Meetings Work on Assessment 2	Assessment 2 due next week
15	Finalise and submit Assessment 2	Assessment 2 Due
16	Review of Student Work - Assessment 2

 

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment 1  - Professional Goals and Profile Development - For this assessment you will undertake research, reflect, and discuss with peers, educators, and mentors to evaluate your current skills and interests and identify opportunities for further development, investigate potential career paths and freelance work opportunities in the industry, prepare material for self-promotion and reflect on feedback from peer, teacher or mentor and evaluate and develop personal and professional networks to enhance professional reputation. Date Due: week 7

Assessment 2 - Business Processes - This assessment will show your ability to provide freelance services and self-promote your work as well as yourself. Date Due: week 15

Assessment Tasks 1 and 2 are to be finalised by no later than end of semester 2 Week 16.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

 

Information about your studies:

You can access Student Essentials through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview