Film ProductionBA Hons

What you'll do

You'll study fiction and non-fiction experimental films and critique production modes, structural strategies, and aesthetic approaches.

You'll develop skills in research, concept development, pre-production planning, production techniques and professional practices and work in groups to produce 2 short film.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Identify, collect and deploy ideas related to storytelling modes within fiction and non-fiction experimental films
• Plan, produce and present a group short film in response to a brief
• Manage a film production, working effectively as a team
• Assess, reflect and discuss your own production process and artefacts
• Recognise, apply and review skills to a professional industry standard
• Analyse the construction of film

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to create work using digital filming technology, including professional cameras, location sound recorders, microphones and digital editing software
• Recognise and utilise the film grammar of audio-visual communication
• Demonstrate skills in single-camera production techniques and processes
• Demonstrate the ability to project manage film productions and communicate ideas effectively
• Recognise, define and explore the roles, responsibilities and procedures involved in effective single-camera production team-working
• Identify and implement health and safety, welfare and compliance issues associated with film production practice

What you'll do

On this module, you'll explore the above key questions about cinema by examining a selection of historical and contemporary examples of cinematic approaches from mainstream Hollywood, independent, European and transnational cinema.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Identify and describe key theoretical concepts around film language, representation and spectatorship
• Debate major debates in film practice and theory around issues of representation, through the discussion of specific films and their academic critiques
• Compare and contrast different cinematic approaches from a range of production contexts and identify the ways they create meaning
• Demonstrate basic analysis skills in relation to specific examples of filmmaking.

What you'll do

You'll examine new technologies, considering new innovations in digital, VR and XR technologies. You'll also consider the ethical considerations facing the industry and its future, covering issues such as the industry's push towards a more inclusive and diversive production practice and the ongoing response to concerns over environmental sustainability. Finally, you'll look at how your response to these challenges helps you flourish in your career, and how you can lead the creative production industry to realise its ambitions for the future.

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to outline laws, professional codes of conduct and moral philosophical positions that may relate to creative media production practices, film and TV production and broadcast/exhibition
• Identify and demonstrate the student's own skills, interests and motivations in the context of career decision making
• Identify the specific skills and qualities required in broad fields of creative technology industries, informed by academic and professional insight
• Critically reflect on the technological, ethical and commercial challenges and opportunities surrounding the contemporary film and tv industries

What you'll do

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Differentiate between the use and application of different editing software platforms
• Demonstrate understanding and application of basic editing skills with Avid MC
• Interpret and apply key concepts of digital media management storage and techniques
• Recognise the application of industry practice on any given project
• Define the use of particular editing techniques in an artefact

Explore this module

What you'll do

You'll study story and script development, scheduling, budgeting, health and safety, funding and the international marketplace. You'll also learn how to conceive, develop, pitch, package and produce shows across genres.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Recognise and implement editorial and financial strategies for international TV and film production
• Demonstrate an understanding of the national and international marketplace
• Present and pitch ideas appropriate for a range of existing and emerging broadcasters and platforms, through a globally aware company or outlet for international TV/film production
• Formulate and demonstrate awareness of international production roles and the global production marketplace
• Demonstrate and apply an awareness of health and safety procedures and an ability to prepare and process production documents

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Interpret, analyse and explain aesthetic, thematic, political and economic concerns of transnational films and filmmakers.
• Apply key theoretical reading to analysis of films.
• Critically assess how new technologies, production and exhibition contexts impact on national and transnational filmmaking.
• Evaluate the relationship of film to wider geo-political agendas and concerns.
• Critically understand and articulate distribution, marketing and reception of transnational work.

What you'll do

With the support of the Creative Careers team, you can find, apply for and complete a year of a work placement with a variety of employers - previous placements have been offered from NBC, Disney, Warner Bros. and a variety of SME's in the region.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with a reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within their chosen area of employment or self-employment
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with a reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Recognise and use the grammar of film language required in the practice of single-camera production and cinematic filming
• Develop and apply advanced standard operating skills, technical competency and aesthetic judgement related to single-camera production practices and cinematographic techniques
• Identify and assess key roles, responsibilities and procedures involved in effective TV and Film production team working
• Identify and implement health and safety, welfare and compliance issues associated with television production practice
• Identify and review how technical experimentation, application, creativity and aesthetics can enhance the story form, and challenge its conventions and techniques
• Recognise and develop skills in single-camera production operating techniques and processes

What you'll do

You'll learn about the casting process and how to get the best out of actors when on set, in rehearsal and production.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate effective casting processes and protocols for direction for the screen
• Reflect on how the rehearsal process impacts directorial process
• Direct actors/social actors in performances for the screen
• Apply the appropriate communication, film language and methodology of directing actors
• Create a short filmed sequence, using appropriate directing techniques for actors and crew

What you'll do

You'll follow the typical timeline of industry programme pre-production and learn the key skills of content generation, research and storytelling, to get your ideas off the ground. You'll also explore the key elements of producing a factual programme, how the commissioning process works, how to cast the right people, how to get your idea noticed and how to tell compelling stories.

What you'll learn

You’ll learn the key skills of content generation, research and storytelling.

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Work as part of an editorial team
• Develop, pitch and produce factual programming to an industry standard
• Produce factual media that is technically proficient for broadcast using video recording tools
• Learn to pitch confidently, and to present and defend an original idea
• Understand how the commissioning process works, from concept to transmission
• Understand the factual narrative and develop a topic into TV
• Critically evaluate a range of factual media programming for audience consumption

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Develop independent, analytical and creative attributes, through engaging imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries
• Demonstrate the ability to be effective team players, able to provide leadership and to support the success of others
• Communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences

What you'll learn

• Apply the practice skills and production techniques, appropriate to the client's requirements
• Implement creativity in the client's market place
• Develop and deliver a finished product to the client, to agreed timescales, thereby demonstrating effective Project Management
• Summarise appropriate professional relationships and attitudes towards colleagues and client
• Demonstrate professional Project Management in the form of Research; organisation and reflective analysis of the process

What you'll do

You'll cover the creative process, from pitching techniques to proposal writing, and create a short film.

What you'll do

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Develop a critical and reflective appreciation of the relationship between film and ethics, with an ability and readiness to question the principles, practices and boundaries of film practice and analysis, allied to a commitment to social justice issues such as equality, respect and sustainability.
• Engage in an interdisciplinary approach that combines a contextual analysis of film with a detailed consideration of professional practice, bringing the insights of both together to better enhance the transferable skills developed in each subject area.
• Develop a future career strategy informed by a considered duty of care both to one's self, one's co-workers and to one's future employers, at the heart of which will be a self-critical understanding of the ethics of professional practice that can be applied across a range of different career contexts.

What you'll do

Study abroad placements are done in year 3 of a 4 year sandwich degree structure. Enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies and develop knowledge and skills essential for roles in the global workforce. Participation in this module is subject to a selection process, supply and demand you'll be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Where activity is to be undertaken in a non-English speaking country, you'l need to evidence your language ability and plans for improving your language competency.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on your course within a global context
• Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
• Reflect critically on your personal development during your study abroad, identifying the transferable skills you acquired and their relevance to future study and employability

Teaching activities

5 hours of tutorials

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 20 hours studying independently. This is around half an hour a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

• a 2,000 portfolio (pass/fail, pass mark of 40)

What you'll do

Study abroad placements are done in year 2 of a three year degree. Enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies and develop knowledge and skills essential for roles in the global workforce. Participation in this module is subject to a selection process, supply and demand you'll be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Where travelling to a non-English speaking country, you'l need to evidence your language ability and plans for improving your language competency.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on your course within a global context
• Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
• Reflect critically on your personal development during your study abroad, identifying the transferable skills you acquired and their relevance to future study and employability

Teaching activities

3 hours of tutorials

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 20 hours studying independently. This is around 1 hour a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

• a 2,000 portfolio (pass/fail, pass mark of 40)v

What you'll do

You'll enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
• Reflect on your personal development and how your employability prospects have been enhanced by the exchange

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll engage practically and creatively with sound recording and sound design for the film industry. You'll use location recording techniques, specialist sound recording equipment, and professional software packages.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Develop and apply advanced standard operating skills, technical competency and aesthetic judgements, relating to sound design
• Use the grammar of film languages required in the practice and art of audio acquisition and sound design
• Identify and review how technical experimentation, application, creativity and aesthetics can enhance the story form, and challenge its conventions and techniques
• Identify and assess key roles, responsibilities and procedures involved in effective TV and film production team working and processes

What you'll do

You’ll use software such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D and look at 2D and 3D compositing, green screen, keying, advanced tracking and other techniques that will help you build convincing visual effect scenes and set extensions in your films. 

Lectures cover shooting for FX, whilst workshops focus on the Post Production methods.

What you'll learn

• When you complete this module successfully, you’ll be able to:
• Apply fundamental compositing skills in After Effects.
• Develop and show an understanding of the importance of ‘shooting for FX’.
• Utilise a range of advanced green screen keying techniques.
• Create and manipulate elements within After Effects.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to use appropriate Post Production workflows for VFX delivery through the Online Editor.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
• Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
• Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
• Communicate the outcomes of their experience through the effective use of reflective practice.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Analyse the complexities of launching a startup business
• Critically reflect upon the factors which contribute towards successful market research, marketing, manufacturing, and selling
• Recognise suitability for specific roles in business and collaborative working

What you'll do

You'll investigate theory and practical skills to allow reflection, and experimentation with two dimensional and three-dimensional approaches, using images, theory and texts.

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to: 

• Explore theories, practices and the work of other creative disciplines, and discover links to architecture, interior spaces and/or the urban realm
• Experiment, review, select, retrieve, evaluate and manipulate information in order to expand their understanding of architecture, interiors and/or the city
• Utilise appropriate (visual, physical, written, oral) media to record and communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and engaging way, working individually and/or in groups

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate the operation and use of scuba diving equipment
• Display proficiency in basic diving safety and rescue procedures
• Understand and apply the physical and physiological principles of diving
• Plan, organise and conduct safe diving activities appropriate to the circumstances
• Plan and undertake dives for producing underwater film or photography
• Use and explain the techniques used in underwater film production and photography
• Describe and explain the main features of HSE legislation, risk assessment, project reports and the conduct of a diving project, within the Media Approved Codes of Practice

What you'll do

You'll explore topics including: on-set ingest and logging, storage and media, colour monitoring, preparing for the edit, advanced editing techniques, LUTs, and creative grading and integration.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Identify and apply industry workflows for TV and film production
• Describe and analyse current trends in post production
• Design an editing workflow and colour pipeline for a specific camera
• Apply key theoretical and technical concepts through the use of relevant software
• Evaluate aesthetic and technical decisions relating to a post-production workflow
• Apply advanced colour correction and colour grading techniques using industry software

Additional content

What you'll do

You'll explore the techniques and processes involved in the creation of written documents used to deliver Film and Broadcast TV material, focusing on the character and narrative development techniques used for International Short Film and TV Production.  You'll look at log-lining, synopsis writing, pitching, proposals, treatments, bibles, drafting screenplays and script editing.

Teaching activities

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to: 

• Analyse the skills necessary to tell structured, original and international stories
• Analyse the codes and conventions of a diverse array of Film and TV languages
• Compare and implement story structures and narrative requirements of global Film and TV Production
• Analyse target audiences and profiling projects, with regard to emerging platforms and global marketplace requirements
• Apply the skills to draft, re-draft and develop script-based media in order to operate successfully in the Creative Industries
• Understand script writing and appreciate what an array of acclaimed scripts consistently offer

What you'll learn

The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.

What you'll do

This final project is designed to bring together what you've learned in about script, documentary practice or narrative fiction storytelling, cinematographic craft, sound design and post-production practices.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Manage the demands and requirements of independent short film production and distribution
• Create and produce a professional/industry standard short film, within a small production team
• Present ideas in a professional pitch environment for a short film production
• Implement the ethical responsibilities of the producer related to short film production
• Appraise research sources and critically engage with major debates within non-fiction/fiction media to evaluate your work and that of your peers with reference to these issues
• Synthesise ideas and organise material, and present it in a professional manner, using appropriate technologies to communicate the ideas clearly

What you'll do

These materials will then be used as a press pack or electronic press kit (EPK), similar to those used in the industry to target film festivals.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Critically evaluate professional practice and show the development of your group film
• Develop, produce and promote a short film
• Assess ethical debates and best practice within the film and TV industries
• Produce promotional material for your own work
• Summarise and apply self-directed learning and project/time management skills

Additional content

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Competently understand and reflect on key skills required by industry for a specific career pathway or specialism
• Analyse and critique specific discipline practices and procedures
• Compare, contrast and discuss global differences and similarities relating to graduate roles film production
• Identify and address your personal development needs
• Deploy and integrate understanding of working with new emerging technologies and practices

Additional content

What you'll do

You'll oversee and/or design and publish, a personal professional website, which features an industry-level CV, show reel and other examples of work.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate project management skills in the context of the work you do in the module
• Demonstrate how to manage your workload and organise material effectively
• Create an online platform showcasing your skills and examples of your work
• Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of your work, with reflective reviews and evaluation
• Document your processes for each assignment in a professional and cohesive way
• Gather and deploy the skills necessary for continuing personal development in different media contexts and effectively communicate this via a package for self promotion
• Apply and critically reflect on your graduate and employability skills in a professional work environment

What you'll do

You'll create an original concept for, then write, the pilot episode of a new series. Through this, you'll learn to think independently, analytically and creatively about your own screenwriting and core screenwriting texts. 

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive / detailed knowledge of screenwriting core texts, structure and global marketplace demands
• Engage in critical debate in a professional manner and produce detailed and coherent analysis of key screenwriting material
• Confidently apply and reflect upon their own criteria of judgement and challenge received opinion. Can seek and make use of feedback on their pitches, outlines and scripts
• Construct a screenplay with due diligence paid to marketplace demands
• Critically analyse and reflect on research and the associated output
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques/methodologies applicable to the discipline (theory or research-based)

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Manage self-led learning and formulate a coherent argument about a chosen research topic
• Demonstrate critical understanding of film texts and their interconnection with wider cultural, social and political contexts
• Demonstrate critical understanding of economy of production, exhibition and distribution and how it affects film texts and audience reception
• Employ research and textual analysis skills appropriate to the current stage of your degree programme
• Communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing or audio-visual format

Additional content