Film Production with Foundation Year

This module is designed to support students with the transition to university, the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary for successful future study and the foundations of a developing sense of vocation. Through a carefully structured and scaffolded series of seminars and workshops, students will be supported in building their self-awareness of, and confidence in, themselves as active learners. Delivered in the context of their subject area and aligned with the development of academic skills and attributes required across all Foundation Year modules, workshops will focus on academic skills such as referencing, selecting and using valid academic resources, reading/researching for academic purposes, using feedback constructively and gaining confidence in contributing to discussions and debates. Coordinated assessment points across the Foundation Year experience enables this module to provide students with ongoing support and opportunities to practice and develop their skills and confidence with a range of written and oral assessment types relevant to their subject area as they progress through the year.

This module introduces students to invaluable meanings and understandings that are gained from being at university and participating in wider intellectual discussions and debates. Within the context of each Discipline foundation year, students are introduced to a range of thinkers and questions that have important in various ways across the discipline. Designed to further encourage the foundations of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking within and beyond their own subject, students will come to understand that inter and cross disciplinarity has an essential role to play in the academy and to their own intellectual progression.

This module introduces students to the study of film production, language, reading, writing and media and communication as academic disciplines through exploring a range of platforms and by putting various forms of communication into practice. Students will be introduced to general and specialist fields of their subject areas including different media platform, creative texts, and film. Across a range of contexts including personal experience, and contemporary issues in literature, film production and media and communication the meaning of these subjects in their broadest sense will be explored. Students will be introduced to a range of film production, media and communication and reading and writing techniques, strategies and concepts and begin to understand the ways in which wider social, cultural, and political issues are entwined with, and impact upon literature, media and film.

This module offers students the opportunity to gain core competencies in professional camera and lighting equipment operation for both drama and documentary production work. Undertaking intensive hands-on workshops, students’ skills and creativity are honed and tested thorough weekly formative exercises designed to foster knowledge and practical application across both drama and documentary disciplines. Student groups will pitch their script ideas in Week 5 for tutor progression feedback.

This module offers students the opportunity to gain core competences in professional sound-recording equipment and a chosen piece of editing software for use in both drama and documentary production work. Through intensive hands-on workshops, students’ creative and aesthetic skills are tested and honed through weekly exercises designed to test knowledge and practical application across drama and documentary forms. A formative task informs project development and tutor feedback on progress.

In this module, students have the opportunity to develop basic storytelling and scriptwriting skills by focusing specifically on the study and writing of short screenplays. The focus will be on analysis and implementation of narrative devices (including narrative shortcuts and use of sound), development of story and character (and the inter-relationship between the two), and on skills in writing visually and succinctly. The particular character of the ‘short’ screenplay will be examined, analysed, and practiced. Scripts will be written with a view that they be made as a short film in Semester 2 for the ‘Producing Drama’ module.

This module offers students the opportunity to gain a core understanding of the professional skills needed to develop a short film. Particular focus on the development of ‘soft skills’ will feature within the module in order for students to develop their understanding of the commitment and practice needed by film crews to successfully produce a short film. This will be complimented with developing a student’s theoretical understanding of film genres and their application to filmmaking and to creating meaning within the frame. Students will explore how genre is created through semiology (the use of signs and symbols) within the frame to express a range of meanings and how they support narrative. A group film project is designed to advance student understanding and development of filmmaking creative and professional practices. Students undertake an individual online blog in order to continuously reflect on their own professional development and understanding, throughout the module.

This module serves as an introduction to documentary filmmaking. Through the exploration and experience of producing a 'cinematic documentary portrait', students will develop fundamental skills including that of conducting filmed interviews and creating meaning through the combination of words, images, and music in the edit. Through the study of documentary film references and by means of their own practice, this module also allows students to appreciate the social impact of documentary films and problematise them from an ethical perspective.

This module offers students an opportunity to be involved in the production of a short filmed drama from the creation of an original screenplay (as developed in Semester 1, Creating Short Screenplays) to delivery of the final film. Students are able to participate in both the basic creative dimensions of fiction filmmaking including directing performance, cinematography and editing and the organisational dimensions of producing and production management. Working in key roles throughout the pre- production, production and post-production stages of the film making process, students will develop the ability to work creatively and organisationally in groups of 4. The aim of this module is the recognition of filmmaking as a collaborative art form. Students also set up a personal website and an online social presence. A formative task affords project tutor development feedback on project progression.

This module offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of opportunities available to them within the film and media industries during their time studying at university. The module will consider a variety of strategies and techniques used by early career filmmakers to gain experience within the film and media industry such as a development of CV writing skills, a development of a social media presence and the processes of finding potential work opportunities. Additional approaches such as freelancing and starting a business will also be covered. The aim of the module is to develop a student’s understanding of how to approach finding work within these industries during their time at university. This module will feed into employability focused modules at later levels, as well as identifying any current challenges a student will need to address in their own professional development.

Following on from key core editing techniques learned at Lv 4, students develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and historical practices and aspects of cinematic editing both as a technical skill and as narrative convention. The module will focus on the development of aesthetic and practical skills applicable to the filmmaking process and how image construction and structure contribute to creating mise-en-scene. After a historical overview, students will examine specific areas of editing through lectures and workshops focusing on areas such as: sensation vs perception, editing of moving image, cutting sound, colour grading and delivery. Students will produce an individual portfolio that demonstrates a range of editing techniques, including narrative and experimental image juxtaposition. Students will research and write a case-study analysing a particular editorial practice or industry practitioner. A formative task affords tutor feedback for project progression.

Building on the Level 4 module Creating Short Screenplays, and on the demands of drama production, students explore the central role of the scriptwriter in the film production process. Whilst acknowledging the collaborative process involved in the development of initial ideas for the screen, students will also have the opportunity to develop their own sustained screenwriting style with an emphasis on the importance of character in the production of engaging screen narratives.  The module is designed to facilitate those students choosing the Level 6 Adaptations option module and those writing a feature length screenplay for their EIS Level 6 Final Major Project. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

This module follows on from Level 4 sound studies to develop students’ practical sound production technical skills including location shooting and in post-production through a group project. The module examines the historical and contemporary relevance of sound production in relation to the filmmaking process and how it contributes to mise-en-scene. The focus will be on the practical and aesthetic elements of sound production to understand how it operates and how it contributes to theme. Students will individually reflect on their sound work. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

This module develops cinematographic skills, acquired from Lv4 study, to inform creative authorship and technical camera operation. Students will understand that the conceptual development of visual narrative in film is a vital compliment to cinematographic technical ability. Utlising examples from contemporary cinematographers, students will critical analyse how practice informs the filmmaking process, this will be realised to produce a group short film. Studies and experimentation with genre and semiotics will take place during workshops that explore cinematographic methodologies. These workshops are designed to advance students’ key core skills in lighting, camera, direction and mise-en-scene, inclusive of a written critical analysis. A formative task to present a working script and shot/lighting plan affords project progress tutor feedback.

Building on key core filmmaking and directing skills studied at Lv 4, students will develop and hone particular personal and ideological themes, to directorially draw upon as a filmmaker, in pursuit of creating bold, innovative and forward-looking stories and mise-en-scene. Understanding film as an art form, as a means to developing an original voice, will serve to develop directorial craft skills. A series of ‘master filmmaker’ directors will be analysed to broaden and deepen an understanding of cinematic language for mise-en-scene. Students will research and write a critical analysis examining examples of a particular director’s work (other than those studied on the module). A formative task will afford students feedback on project and research progression.

In this module students will examine how real-life events can be shaped into screen stories of the factual genre. A toolbox of storytelling skills will be practiced, with particular emphasis on techniques for writing narration such as delivering backstory, eliciting the audience's curiosity, and devising emotional cues. Guidance is also given on the early stages of project development including the identification of stories with potential, researching them, and organising a film production as a team of specialised crew roles.

Bringing together skills and knowledge gained so far at level 4 and 5, this module aims to prepare students for work on a major filmed project with an underlying focus on the student’s project plans at level 6. Students will begin the pre-production process of a major filmed project, to be with an aim to complete at level 6. Students will also be introduced to a number of key processes they will go through when working on a major project such as concept development, crew formation and responsibilities during pre-production, funding sources, off set management as well as a consideration of future distribution avenues and funding of a larger scale version of the project. The module will culminate with students developing a clear strategy for future stages of their final major project.

Students must choose one module:

• Professional Practice - 15 Credits
• Work Placement - 15 Credits

Students must choose one module:

• Digital Distribution - 15 credits
• Festivals - 15 credits

Following on from key core editing techniques learned at Lv 4, students develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and historical practices and aspects of cinematic editing both as a technical skill and as narrative convention. The module will focus on the development of aesthetic and practical skills applicable to the filmmaking process and how image construction and structure contribute to creating mise-en-scene. After a historical overview, students will examine specific areas of editing through lectures and workshops focusing on areas such as: sensation vs perception, editing of moving image, cutting sound, colour grading and delivery. Students will produce an individual portfolio that demonstrates a range of editing techniques, including narrative and experimental image juxtaposition. Students will research and write a case-study analysing a particular editorial practice or industry practitioner. A formative task affords tutor feedback for project progression.

Building on the Level 4 module Creating Short Screenplays, and on the demands of drama production, students explore the central role of the scriptwriter in the film production process. Whilst acknowledging the collaborative process involved in the development of initial ideas for the screen, students will also have the opportunity to develop their own sustained screenwriting style with an emphasis on the importance of character in the production of engaging screen narratives.  The module is designed to facilitate those students choosing the Level 6 Adaptations option module and those writing a feature length screenplay for their EIS Level 6 Final Major Project. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

This module follows on from Level 4 sound studies to develop students’ practical sound production technical skills including location shooting and in post-production through a group project. The module examines the historical and contemporary relevance of sound production in relation to the filmmaking process and how it contributes to mise-en-scene. The focus will be on the practical and aesthetic elements of sound production to understand how it operates and how it contributes to theme. Students will individually reflect on their sound work. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

This module develops cinematographic skills, acquired from Lv4 study, to inform creative authorship and technical camera operation. Students will understand that the conceptual development of visual narrative in film is a vital compliment to cinematographic technical ability. Utlising examples from contemporary cinematographers, students will critical analyse how practice informs the filmmaking process, this will be realised to produce a group short film. Studies and experimentation with genre and semiotics will take place during workshops that explore cinematographic methodologies. These workshops are designed to advance students’ key core skills in lighting, camera, direction and mise-en-scene, inclusive of a written critical analysis. A formative task to present a working script and shot/lighting plan affords project progress tutor feedback.

Building on key core filmmaking and directing skills studied at Lv 4, students will develop and hone particular personal and ideological themes, to directorially draw upon as a filmmaker, in pursuit of creating bold, innovative and forward-looking stories and mise-en-scene. Understanding film as an art form, as a means to developing an original voice, will serve to develop directorial craft skills. A series of ‘master filmmaker’ directors will be analysed to broaden and deepen an understanding of cinematic language for mise-en-scene. Students will research and write a critical analysis examining examples of a particular director’s work (other than those studied on the module). A formative task will afford students feedback on project and research progression.

In this module students will examine how real-life events can be shaped into screen stories of the factual genre. A toolbox of storytelling skills will be practiced, with particular emphasis on techniques for writing narration such as delivering backstory, eliciting the audience's curiosity, and devising emotional cues. Guidance is also given on the early stages of project development including the identification of stories with potential, researching them, and organising a film production as a team of specialised crew roles.

Bringing together skills and knowledge gained so far at level 4 and 5, this module aims to prepare students for work on a major filmed project with an underlying focus on the student’s project plans at level 6. Students will begin the pre-production process of a major filmed project, to be with an aim to complete at level 6. Students will also be introduced to a number of key processes they will go through when working on a major project such as concept development, crew formation and responsibilities during pre-production, funding sources, off set management as well as a consideration of future distribution avenues and funding of a larger scale version of the project. The module will culminate with students developing a clear strategy for future stages of their final major project.

Students must choose one module:

• Professional Practice - 15 Credits
• Work Placement - 15 Credits

Students must choose one module:

• Digital Distribution - 15 credits
• Festivals - 15 credits

The Final Major Project is either a group film production (running time negotiable with supervisor) or an individual feature-length screenplay (80- 100pages); this is an Extended Independent Studies (EIS) project. The practical project is supported by an individual ‘mini-viva’ session (10mins) where students have the opportunity to critically account for, and analyse, their particular creative contribution, research and specialist role on the project to a panel of tutors. Genre and subject area are determined through negotiation with personal project supervisors with whom students will have regular tutorials to discuss creative progress, issues and logistical challenges for the production. 2 Formative tasks are undertaken to receive feedback on the project’s progress across both semesters.

This module develops understanding of how advance post-production techniques are deployed in the modern film production process. Using a wide range of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects etc.) you will create a short film sequence utilising and demonstrating post- production techniques. Seminars and workshops will explore examples of post-production techniques in current use and provide historical context to improve understanding. This module will equip students with advanced skills in post- production appropriate to entry into the film and media production industries. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

Following on from Lv5 studies on the Digital Distribution and Global Producing: Film Festival, Marketing and Networking options, this module prepares students for post-study employment opportunities. The module aims to provide students with a realistic knowledge of the current employment possibilities within the film industry and develops the important aspects and understanding of industry requirements needed for graduate entry into the film industry. Professional and current practitioners will advise and tutor students on seeking and securing work within a particular sector, ones that compliment skills acquired on the Film Production degree. To hone interpersonal skills, each student will present their completed website and showreel, inclusive of a reflexive accounting of their creative choices. A formative task affords tutor feedback on portfolio progression.

Students must choose two modules listed below (only one Value Studies module can be chosen per academic year):

• Advanced Cinematography - 15 Credits
• Animated Post-Production - 15 Credits
• Advanced Screenwriting: Adaptations - 15 Credits
• Creative Industry Collaboration - 15 Credits

Students must select one of the modules listed below:

• Creative Documentary Practices - 15 Credits
• Professional Creative Practice - 15 Credits

Students must choose two modules listed below (only one Value Studies module can be chosen per academic year):

• International Collaboration - 15 Credits
• Television Studio Production - 15 Credits
• Emerging Practices - 15 Credits

The Final Major Project is either a group film production (running time negotiable with supervisor) or an individual feature-length screenplay (80- 100pages); this is an Extended Independent Studies (EIS) project. The practical project is supported by an individual ‘mini-viva’ session (10mins) where students have the opportunity to critically account for, and analyse, their particular creative contribution, research and specialist role on the project to a panel of tutors. Genre and subject area are determined through negotiation with personal project supervisors with whom students will have regular tutorials to discuss creative progress, issues and logistical challenges for the production. 2 Formative tasks are undertaken to receive feedback on the project’s progress across both semesters.

This module develops understanding of how advance post-production techniques are deployed in the modern film production process. Using a wide range of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects etc.) you will create a short film sequence utilising and demonstrating post- production techniques. Seminars and workshops will explore examples of post-production techniques in current use and provide historical context to improve understanding. This module will equip students with advanced skills in post- production appropriate to entry into the film and media production industries. A formative task affords project progression tutor feedback.

Following on from Lv5 studies on the Digital Distribution and Global Producing: Film Festival, Marketing and Networking options, this module prepares students for post-study employment opportunities. The module aims to provide students with a realistic knowledge of the current employment possibilities within the film industry and develops the important aspects and understanding of industry requirements needed for graduate entry into the film industry. Professional and current practitioners will advise and tutor students on seeking and securing work within a particular sector, ones that compliment skills acquired on the Film Production degree. To hone interpersonal skills, each student will present their completed website and showreel, inclusive of a reflexive accounting of their creative choices. A formative task affords tutor feedback on portfolio progression.

Students must choose two modules listed below (only one Value Studies module can be chosen per academic year):

• Advanced Cinematography - 15 Credits
• Animated Post-Production - 15 Credits
• Advanced Screenwriting: Adaptations - 15 Credits
• Creative Industry Collaboration - 15 Credits

Students must select one of the modules listed below:

• Creative Documentary Practices - 15 Credits
• Professional Creative Practice - 15 Credits

Students must choose two modules listed below (only one Value Studies module can be chosen per academic year):

• International Collaboration - 15 Credits
• Television Studio Production - 15 Credits
• Emerging Practices - 15 Credits