Please download the Course Specification below for a complete overview of BA Practical Filmmaking (Three-Year) modules.
Story to Script
The script is the blueprint or plan from which the production flows. In this module, you will learn how story ideas are converted to scripts, and both ‘how’ and ‘why’ to use an industry format for your screenplay.
You will learn the fundamentals of storytelling for screen, including plot, characters, conflict and resolution, and how to develop these into a coherent and compelling narrative. At the end of the module, you will have developed a short film script from an original idea into a format ready to take to pre production.
Visual Approaches in Film
This module introduces you to the craft skills and filmmaking techniques in cinematography, sound, and post production. You will discover how mood and tone contribute to story, and learn practical techniques in framing, composition, and lighting that can convey meaning.
You will explore editing techniques and styles that blend image and sound to create powerful sequences. At the end of this module, you will have learnt the fundamentals of camera, lighting, sound, and post production, completing a number of practical exercises which form the foundation of your further practical and technical craft skills development.
Fundamentals of Production Management
Effective management and organisation is vital to successful film production. In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of producing and successfully delivering a short film. All film students need to understand how production decisions impact all areas of the process, and how all departments contribute, as a team, to the production workflow.
Effective collaboration is key to a successful film career in any department, and so all students are introduced to the fundamentals of managing a production, to understand how the entire production chain affects their role.
In addition, students will complete MetFilm School and industry-recognised accreditation to work unsupervised with equipment, as part of the greenlighting process.
Director’s Lab
This module works to demystify the role of a screen director. Examining how a director takes a screenplay and transforms it, with the collaboration of a creative team of collaborators, into a finished film, the module introduces the steps and techniques involved.
You will learn how to approach a script as a director, gathering and communicating your creative ideas, and preparing and working with actors and crew to see them come to life on screen. At the end of this module, you will have the tools and techniques to apply to directing, or transfer to other roles in film.
Short Film Production
Building on your creative, production, and practical skills so far, you will bring these together in collaborative teams to create a short film. This module emphasises storytelling, craft skills, collaboration, and organisation, setting you up to develop these skills further as you progress on your filmmaking journey.
At the end of this module, you will have the opportunity to work on a number of short films, which will be one of the major achievements of your first year.
World Cinema
This module explores films and filmmakers from globally and their visual storytelling techniques that provide cultural context and ideologies to an audience. You will discover films from different parts of the world and discuss the similarities and differences the productions adopt in creating national identity.
Throughout the module, you will analyse how equality, diversity, and inclusivity can be represented through film, and how this has been achieved historically and in current approaches. At the end of this module, you will have been challenged to view film in a new light, and to develop your opinions in a safe and constructive environment.
Documentary Development and Production
This module examines factual storytelling and the importance of realism and facts that run through documentary productions. In a small team, you will develop and produce a short documentary film, learning how to find and develop stories, work with contributors, and structure a creative documentary narrative based on reality.
You will practice and apply visual techniques in camera, lights, sound, and editing in observational situations, and learn subject research and interview techniques from an editorial, technical, and ethical point of view.
Documentary challenges you to tell meaningful stories in creative, compelling ways, and to consider your impact on society through your role as a filmmaker.
Developing the Series
In this module, you will develop an idea for an episodic drama. You will learn about structuring narrative and character arcs into an episodic series, working with storytelling techniques for local and global audiences.
The creative process is grounded in contemporary contexts in business, technologies, and audiences for streaming and digital platform. You will understand the parameters of industry practices such as the ‘writers room’, working with showrunners, and developing a series ‘bible’.
Commercial Screen Production
In this module, you will apply your skills to the broader context of commercial projects, with a view to meeting client or customer expectations, and delivering to a brief.
The audience reach and brand values of businesses mean that commercially funded projects can offer great production and financial benefits to filmmakers, but creative conditions, brand guidelines, and regulatory codes must be understood and adhered to.
To success commercially, you will need to meet client requirements while staying within time and budget constraints, and producing work with creative flair that sets you apart from the competition. In this module, you will work on a commercial brief to complete a project for your portfolio.
Cinema Elective: Specialism Choice
Specialisms include Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Screenwriting, and Post Production.
Through your elective, you will have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in one of the above specialisms. Through your research and practice in this module, you will deepen your approach to your work, allowing you to reflect on your strengths, and to improve on your weaknesses.
Regardless of your chosen specialism, you will build transferable and collaborative skills, as well as deepening your understanding of your role and responsibilities as a Head of Department (HOD), alongside other HODs in film production. At the end of the module, you will have examples of work to include in your portfolio.
Film Theory and Language
This module expands on film theory and analysis through watching and analysing a range of films from particular angles. You will hear and express opinions based on research and reasoned analysis, drawing on a wide range of cultural and critical perspectives.
By doing so, you will find yourself able to approach your own practice as a filmmaker with confidence in your motivations, and an awareness of the factors affecting the audience.
Genre Production
In this module, you will make a 15-20 minute genre-based short film, in which you will take on a key role that allows you to demonstrate your work at an advanced level in terms of narrative, technical, and management skills.
You will research the genre of production concerned, and fulfill your role based on appropriate preparation and execution for your department, working as part of a collaborative team.
Graduation Project Development
In this module, you will develop and prepare for your final graduation project. You will propose and develop a concept into a fully-fleshed out treatment, ready to pitch for production or further development, depending on the nature of the project.
You will be assigned a mentor to guide and advise you through this process, including the creative, logistical, and ethical aspects of your proposal. At the end of the module, you will have a project for your portfolio.
Creative Career Development
This module revolves around exploring your identity as a film professional, giving you a platform to understand where you see yourself in the screen industry once you graduate.
You will examine, test, and create a digital online presence that reflects your best work, describes your passion, and provides you with your own voice, allowing you to reflect on the educational journey that you have taken.
Graduation Project Delivery
The final module of your degree, this module is heavily based on self-directed learning and mentor support as you deliver your graduation project in a key creative or HOD role.
We include a diverse range of teaching methods which include:
- Productions
- Seminar-style Group Teaching
- Tutorials
- Practical Group Work
- Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
- Work-integrated Learning
- Authentic Assessment
We use a wide range of assessment which include portfolios, performances, research, presentations, and reflective work. Please download the Course Specification below for more information.
