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Filmmaking Practices 1

  • Module code: TP4001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The emphasis in this module is on developing a number of short film works in both production units and individually as an integral part of an introduction to the programme and its expectations. You will be introduced to a range of approaches to filmmaking, supported by inductions to the key areas of film resources. The module also provides support for the development of research enquiry.

Aims

  • To introduce students to film grammar, research methods and filmmaking practices
  • To introduce students to the various elements that constitute a film production
  • To provide film production skills in pre-production, production and post-production
  • To develop ideas and a conceptual framework for filmmaking work
  • To introduce the concept of collaborative work.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Express ideas and creativity in the medium of moving image.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of filmmaking production
  • Research projects and time manage successfully
  • Use pre-production, production and post-production based skills
  • Record and analyse moving image work produced in written and presentational form

Curriculum content

  • Introduction to the course and creative approaches to filmmaking
  • Introduction to film production imperatives, cinematic and editing technique
  • Resourcing, researching and producing a short film
  • Consideration of film grammar, how sound and image inter-relate

Teaching and learning strategy

Teaching will be delivered through a number of projects, seminars, workshops and lectures. These will be linked to group tutorials and tutor led group discussion/review at all project stages.  Film work will be supported by research and ideas development, along with final presentations clearly defining the individual student's input into the various projects.  The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all.

Professional and executive ability is reinforced, including attendance, punctuality, time and self-management, together with effective communication.  Technical consultation with support staff and tutors will support student learning.

All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Tutorials, seminars, workshops, lectures, project reviews etc 70
Guided independent study 230
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Filmmaking modules use an assessment strategy both formative and summative, responding to evidence of sustained creative and technical practical application based on a body of work produced during the realisation of projects. The process includes spoken and written feedback/feed forward on the ability to resolve, present and reflect on final project work, showing evidence of critical self-evaluation. Students may be assessed in groups or individually, depending on the specific project brief, where they may have the option to work individually, in pairs, or in groups.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Express ideas and creativity in the medium of moving image. Feedback/feed forward given in response to evidence of sustained application, and summative assessment of a body of work based on the realisation of projects.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of filmmaking production Feedback/feed forward given in response to evidence of sustained application, and summative assessment of a body of work based on the realisation of projects.
3. Research projects and time manage successfully Feedback/feed forward given in response to evidence of sustained application, and summative assessment of a body of work based on the realisation of projects.
4. Use pre-production, production and post-production based skills Feedback/feed forward given in response to evidence of sustained application, and summative assessment of a body of work based on the realisation of projects.
5. Record and analyse moving image work produced in written and presentational form Feedback/feed forward given in response to evidence of sustained application, and summative assessment of a body of work based on the realisation of projects.

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Films and accompanying documentation of research & development, production process Coursework 100%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography recommended reading

Rouch, J. (2003) Cine-ethnography (Visible Evidence). Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press

Bruno, G. (2003) Atlas of Emotion, Journeys in Art, Architecture and Film. New York: Verso

Nicolas, B. (1991) Representing Reality: Issues and Concepts in Documentary. Bloomington: Indiana University Press

Rascaroli, L. (2009) The Personal Camera: Subjective Cinema and the Essay Film. New York: Columbia University Press

Cook, P (ed). (2008) The Cinema Book. 3rd revised edn. London: BFI Publishing

Wayne, M. (1997) Theorising Video Practice. London: Lawrence & Wishart Ltd

Brown, B. (2011) Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers, Directors, and Videographers. 2nd edn. Oxford: Focal Press.

Murch, W. (2001) In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing. 2nd revised edn.  Los Angeles: Silman-James Press US

Truffaut, F. (1986)  Hitchcock: A Definitive Study of Alfred Hitchcock. Revised edn. New York: Simon & Schuster

Jones, C. (2006) The Guerrilla Film Makers Handbook.  3rd revised edn. Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.

Figgis, M. (2007) Digital Filmmaking. 1st American Edn. New York: Faber and Faber.

Thompson, R & Bowen, C. (2009) The Grammar of the Shot. 2nd edn.  Oxford: Focal Press.

Katz, S. (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions.

Bordwell, D. (2007) Film Art: An Introduction.  8th edn. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

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