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Independent Film

  • Module code: TP6001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is informed by the Advanced Research and Development module and involves the realisation of Independent Films. The module enables you to develop films either individually or as production units. It encourages the development of films that are both ambitious and build on the learning, successes and strengths gained during your Level 5 work.

Aims

  • To develop and focus skills learned in previous modules in relation to an independent film project.
  • To explore the development of a significant new project employing new and existing skills.
  • To encourage experimentation and the exploration of new areas of enquiry relating to the moving image.
  • To further develop the capacity for students to critically appraise self-initiated work, production unit work and peer projects.
  • To enable students to produce a significant piece of work showing a synthesis of the theoretical and creative areas dealt with in previous modules.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Develop a project relating to their key areas of interest within filmmaking
  • Take a project from initial concept and development  through to completion showing a professional and mature approach
  • Select the area of interest within moving image on which to focus, which will enable them to produce work relevant to their chosen career pathway
  • Organise the various elements involved in producing a piece of moving image showing time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively when necessary
  • Produce work that demonstrates a balance between conceptual, technical and aesthetic requirements.

Curriculum content

The production of a moving image piece of work and ongoing development of a showreel. Projects will be developed by the student building on their knowledge and understanding of filmmaking practices gained during Levels 4 and 5. All stages of work are expected to be comprehensively evidenced, from initial concepts and writing of treatments/scripts where necessary, through to the final presentation of work, supported by a research log.

To enable students to make an informed choice in the development of their projects, module content will also involve the examination of the roles of each member in a production team, ensuring an appropriate understanding of roles and designation of tasks takes place.

Teaching and learning strategy

Workshops and seminars will introduce students to how to approach an ambitious independent film project. Students will be given continual feedback on their self-directed study at tutorials and production meetings following the successful development of a film idea and proposal. Production meetings and individual tutorials take place, monitoring progress and encouraging ongoing development. Intermediate presentations at key points throughout the module will involve peer group discussion and analysis of individual roles within independent film projects.

Learning materials, course information, tutorial booking and general communication between staff and students is primarily via email, although other methods may be used where appropriate.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures / filmmaker talks Reviews / seminars / presentations / tutorials 120
Guided independent study 180
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 will be assessed individually although they have the option to work individually, in pairs, or in groups.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Develop a project relating to their key areas of interest within filmmaking 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 ability to take a project from initial concept and development through to completion showing a professional and mature approach 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. Select the area of interest within moving image on which to focus, which will enable the student to produce work relevant to their chosen career pathway 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. Organise the various elements involved in producing a piece of moving image showing time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively when necessary 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. Produce work that demonstrates a balance between conceptual, technical and aesthetic requirements. 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
Coursework Final Film(s), Presentation 100%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

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

Bibliography core texts

Mulvey, Laura (2006) Death 24X a Second. London, Reaktion.
Chion, Michel (1998) The Voice in Cinema. New York: Columbia University Press.

Weston, J. (1999) Directing Actors. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions

Rhodes, Gary D. and John Parris Springer (eds) (2005) Docufictions: Essays on the Intersection
of Documentary and Fictional Filmmaking.
McFarland & Co. New York: McFarland.

Additional reading lists provided individually according to the needs and demands of the student.

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