Module Information

Module Identifier
FM34200
Module Title
Fiction Film Production
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
Successful completion of Part 1 (Film & Television practice)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Workshop 20 x 2 Hour Workshops
Viewing 5 x 3 Hour Viewings
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio and Essay 1  (4000 word equivalent)  40%
Semester Assessment Portfolio and Essay 2  (4000 word equivalent)  60%
Supplementary Assessment Portfolio and Essay 1  (4000 word equivalent)  40%
Supplementary Assessment Portfolio and Essay 2  (4000 word equivalent)  60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key production processes in film-making, in particular fiction film-making;

2. Employ a range of research techniques in order to create, develop and present a film idea;

3. Manifest technical competence, aesthetic judgement and an appreciation of the interdependence of key production roles;

4. Recognise the ethical dimensions of professional media practice;

5. Critically reflect on the creative process and produce work which is informed by, and contextualised within, relevant theoretical issues and debates.

Brief description

This module offers students an opportunity to apply some of the technical and creative tools acquired during Part 1 with a view to creating increasingly independent work culminating in a group film production. This module will focus on fiction production which relates to techniques acquired in the study of other production genres.

Content

Semester 1

The Structure will consist of lectures and/or seminars, followed by workshop exercises.

Week 1
Course intro. Modes of fiction, and creating a fiction.
Workshop: Group work - generating, researching and developing, ideas.

Week 2
Group presentations: film pitch.
Seminar: Narrative and story-telling: Mainstream vs Independent/Arthouse.
Workshop: Collaborative working methods - characters and dialogue.

Week 3
Group film presentations.
Seminar: Style and genre.
Workshop: blocking / choreographing.

Week 4
Group film presentations.
Seminar: Soundscapes and sound effects.
Workshop: Sound design.

Week 5
Group presentations: refined film pitch.
Seminar: Lighting, scenography, making objects significant.
Workshop: Lighting.

Week 6
Seminar: Styles and approaches to editing.
Workshop: editing.

Week 7
Seminar: Preparing to shoot, production practicalities, creating a production schedule.
Workshop: Editing, motion graphics and finishing.

Week 8
Group film presentations.
Seminar: Considering audiences, producing a publicity pack.
Workshop: pitching appropriately.

Week 9
Group tutorials.

Week 10
Seminar: Expanding the idea - developing a 3-minute film into a 10-minute film.
Workshop: Review of preparations for semester 2.


Semester 2

Students develop personal projects (script, film and production package). Weekly 2 hour sessions are used for group tutorials (10 x 2 hour sessions) where individual work-in-progress is presented and discussed. These sessions are also used to trouble shoot, discuss techniques and share advice concerning technical matters. Semester 2 culminates in a formal viewing of all final products.

Workshop: Advanced editing

Week 9
Lecture: Production management
Seminar/Workshop: Turning a script into a film - creating a production schedule

Week 10
Lecture/Seminar: Branding a film - producing a publicity package
Workshop: Review of scripts developed during the semester

Semester 2

Students develop personal projects (script, film and production package). Weekly 2 hour sessions are used for group tutorials (10 x 2 hour sessions) where individual work-in-progress is presented and discussed. These sessions are also used to 'trouble shhot', discuss techniques and share advice concerning technical matters. Semester 2 culminates in a formal viewing of all final products.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Technical work requires numeracy. This will not be assessed.
Communication Written communication as well as the process of communicating a concept through a particular medium is directly assessed for inclusion in the creative portfolio and the final project assessment (film). Oral communication skills are developed through exercises, seminars, pitches and feedback on written work particularly during Semester 2 although this is not directly assessed.
Improving own Learning and Performance Filmmaking is a continual process of self-assessment and learning. The final project includes a self-assessment.
Information Technology Competence and familiarity with information technology is expected, particularly in the research period, but this is not formally assessed.
Personal Development and Career planning TThis module has value not only for those with concrete career aims in the media industries but offers all participants opportunities for personal development - see items 1 - 7 above and contains transferable skills. Guest lecturers from the industry can also provide specific career advice.
Problem solving Filmmaking is a continual process of problem-solving. Students are tested on this individually and as part of a team.
Research skills Students undertake research as exercises and in the development of the final project.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work The majority of media production forms involve a high degree of teamwork through group productions and group tutorials in Semester 2. Students reflect on their abilities to take lead roles, as well as to undertake given instructions in their assessed essays.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6