Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

During this unit you will learn the principles of making films in a professional manner, gain hands-on experience of both film and digital media, and actively participate in a variety of film production roles.

A series of inductions and workshops will familiarise you with the production spaces, equipment and facilities available and how to use them safely, in accordance with current Health and Safety legislation.

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit). 

You will be shown how to operate basic film equipment, including cameras, light meters, simple lighting setups and sound mixers, in order to complete short film exercises.

The unit includes a 16mm film production exercise, working in groups, enabling you learn the basic disciplines of shooting and editing celluloid film stock using traditional equipment and adding a simple atmosphere sound track to the final edited pictures to complete the film, culminating in projection of the finished films.

Induction workshops in the use of film equipment

• Introduction to techniques of Film Production 
• Use of cameras 
• Use of lighting 
• Use of composition and framing
• Use of recording and editing sound 
• Use of picture editing 
• Health and Safety policy and practice

Method of Delivery
Lectures, workshops, demonstrations, screenings, practical exercises and group tutorials,

Aims

A1 To provide you with the opportunity for hands-on film production.
A2 To introduce you to the fundamental technical and operational skills required for film production.
A3 To establish your team working, communication and time management skills in relation to the practical constraints and logistics of film production.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your knowledge of the production process gained though practical experience.
LO2 Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of both the acquisition and post-production stages of the film production process.
LO3 Demonstrate effective communication and team working abilities and be able to critically evaluate and reflect upon your learning.

Reference Material

Key
Katz, S (1991) Film directing shot by shot: visualizing from concept to screen, Michigan: Michael Wiese Productions with Focal Press

Recommended
Hurbis-Cherrier, M (2007). Voice and Vision, London: Focal Press.
Eisenstein S. (1990). Sergei M. Eisenstein's Potemkin: A Shot-by-shot Presentation. Da Capo Press.
Samuelson, D, W. (1998). David Samuelson's "hands-on" manual for cinematographers. London: Focal Press.