Rationale
This module is the culmination of the student’s conceptual, practical and creative development on the course. Students will be expected to generate and develop ideas which they will critically evaluate in order to select the most original and physically possible concept for a film which they will make independently on video. This conceptual selection process will enable them to use the form of their choice, possibly documentary, drama or experimental, in the most innovative manner. It is anticipated that the film made will relate to work undertaken in a previous module or other Level 6 module. However, students will be expected to stretch their creative boundaries to produce conceptually and visually creative content, which may also involve working with outside agencies. There will be space in the autumn to teach further practical or technical skills as appropriate. The work will be supported by group sessions and individual tutorial support.
The module revolves around the separate and distinct threads of fiction, non-fiction and experimental film presented elsewhere in the programme and maps them against the evolution of a cinematic language which concerns itself with notions of fiction, drama, and realism. Building on experience from Levels 4 and 5, students have the opportunity to concentrate on the more advanced image-making capabilities of the filmmaking tool kit and will be encouraged in experimentation and audio-visual risk taking. Whilst the module is primarily concerned with the practice and production of film, a foundation will be briefly set out which deals with philosophical and technological challenges within the contemporary field, such as those signposted by notions of interactivity and rapidly evolving distribution targets.
Indicative Content
This module culminates in the production of a negotiated film project. Part of the negotiation will focus on the genre of the major project, but students will essentially be choosing from the genres presented earlier in the degree, i.e. documentary, fictional short or experimental film.
The Autumn workshop will present a structured production schedule revolving around a number of more advanced topics. The knowledge and skills that students develop in the creation of film will derive from a range of points of departure. This breadth is intended to service the choice presented in the negotiated production project which forms the major assignment in the second half of the module. In addition to film being driven by conventional narratives, notions of film being driven by any other parameters such as structure, motion, audio, framing, depth of field, light, colour and so on, will be examined. Examples might include soundtrack driven film, abstract narrative and other alternative narratives or film for installations. Deeper skills in motion graphics and 2.5D animation will promote contemporary styles and approaches. Also the importance of polished soundtracks will be emphasised through looking at techniques in audio sweetening.
In addition to refining existing known shooting and editing techniques, some advanced key skills in motion graphics, grading and image processing and lighting will be covered. Students will be encouraged to engage with the management of more substantial and sophisticated productions.
Assessment
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Time Constrained Assignment, 750 word equivalent (15%)
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Film Short, 3000 word equivalent (70%)
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Production Paper, 750 word equivalent (15%)