On this module you will explore the relationship between research and filmmaking, including key methods of research in filmmaking, both academic and industrial. These methods will include: research methodologies and techniques (how to ask productive research questions; where to go and how to find materials relevant to your studies); identification and research of a suitable subject for a film; an understanding of context in the media world textual analysis of form and style in a variety of factual films and TV programmes; critical analysis of the arguments offered by a range of texts. As a focus around which to organize the development of your skills, you will also analyse the work and methods of several well-known factual filmmakers. Alongside the lectures, you will make two versions of a film that explores a subject of your choosing. You will be encouraged to experiment and push yourself beyond your usual practice. Your filmmaking will be a journey of self-discovery and reflection. For the research design process, you will write a pitch, identify key research milestones, deliver one version of the film and evaluate it, before producing a final version. Group critiques and peer reviews will allow you to discuss the ongoing progress of your projects. You will be assessed by a portfolio of work including a written pitch, a developmental workbook, both versions of the film and a written reflective commentary (2,000 - 2,500 words).
View the full module definitionThis module will help you better understand visual storytelling and develop skills essential to successful contemporary factual programming. You will employ documentary and film language to write programme treatments and storyboard ideas, culminating in pitches. You will also explore basic technical skills, enhanced through additional workshops and masterclasses, to facilitate practical film making. You will make two short productions (under ten minutes), learning to effectively plan and prepare, find and develop ideas, and ultimately film subjects and locations. You’ll operate as an individual practitioner to develop directorial experience, technical filming skills and to carry out the post production process. You’ll learn to reconcile a number of potentially conflicting pragmatic and conceptual issues. Formative assessment will include collective film reviews, peer assessment, pitching sessions and tutorials. Summative assessment will be formed of 2 films, accompanying paperwork and a reflective commentary; and submission of a record of budget and schedule for a programme series.
View the full module definitionThis practical and theoretical module introduces you to the critical role of the audience in the conception and design of factual programming. Over the course of the trimester you'll have an opportunity to take on every role of a live TV crew. You'll make a variety of factual TV programmes in the studio for different specified audiences and will pitch and finally deliver an as-live TV show of their design to include pre-recorded elements. The practical elements of this module will be supported by a developing understanding of the term ‘audience’. The module looks at successful models of programming (drawn from a range of TV shows, documentaries, video and broadcast campaigns), and how they address their intended audiences.
View the full module definitionThis module forms the major critical analysis element of the MA. You are invited to choose a topic related to your area of study, as the basis for a written research essay/dissertation or a video essay supported by a critical analysis. This analytic video essay explores its topic through a combination of audiovisual material, including soundtracks and voiceovers, still images, clips from films/videos and written text, including captions, subtitles, credits and bibliographic material. Either approach to this critical analysis should demonstrate an awareness of current critical debate in the subject, through appropriate reference to relevant examples both from visual practice and critical writing. Subjects may be thematic and issue-based, or may focus upon the critical analysis of a particular body of work. It is expected you will use the module to investigate the use of critical analysis as an aspect of your own creative development, by investigating issues as and preoccupations for which you feel a particular affinity or concern, and you use the research essay/video essay as an instrument of enquiry into the debates, conventions and values which define your own field of practice. Introductory lectures will explore the use of different modes of critical method and conventions of film and television research, and the production of critical writing/filmmaking as an aspect of individual creative and professional practice.
View the full module definitionThis module represents the culmination of learning on the MA FTVP degree and provides an opportunity for you to create a whole "film package". This will be a film/films of approximately 20 minutes' duration at a professional standard. This can be one programme or a series of shorter programmes. The exact duration and nature of the film/s will be agreed in the context of your own evidence-based case for the markets you are seeking to enter. This is your "calling card" to the industry and hence extensive study time is allocated, making it worth 60 credits. This substantial piece of audio-visual work, or collection of shorter audio-visual materials, must be produced to full professional standards and with accompanying documentation. Your work must demonstrate in-depth research into the subject, a well-developed and planned storyline, and a high level of practical expertise in filming, sound recording and post production. You will be required to prepare a verbal pitch and a written proposal, and identify broadcast slots or other routes to market. You will produce a basic business plan for your project, which includes a schedule and budget. In this way, you will bring together the essential requirements for a successful production: knowledge of audiences, a clear and feasible communicative objective for such audiences, and the capacity to realise such an objective in creative audio-visual form.
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