Film Production

Module overview:

This module will give you an opportunity for hands-on experience in the logistical, financial, creative, and people management aspects of the film making process. You will be introduced to the roles in producing and learn that whilst every film involves a series of routine processes, each film is also unique, with its own set of challenges to overcome. Activities will include understanding and answering a professional and real documentary funding opportunity, developing an idea and a synopsis, a creative statement, and put together a confident and engaging demo (including all required production paperwork).You will also develop and complete a production folder following industry requirements working towards the BFI funding scheme BFI NETWORK England short fiction film funding. You will work from an actual script and will be guided to write a director statement, produce a script breakdown, a financial structure as well as a budget, a mood board and team bios. You will also be introduced to the industry requirements in terms of inclusivity and environmental sustainability, and you will have the opportunity to gain your BAFTA albert professional certification.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar, combining lectures, workshops, hands-on exercises, group work, and professional skills development. You’ll also get 30 minutes of weekly asynchronous support with readings, videos, and online tutorials to build your technical skills.

Module overview:

You will form a variety of industry-model crews and collaborate to locate, research and explore the representation of real subject matter; to deliver a creative, innovative and accomplished 8-10 minute non-fiction film. With the aim of developing narrative and portraying characterisation, you will apply an informed selection of methodologies in relation to subject matter and use increasingly sophisticated cinematic film language to achieve a rigorous and considered piece of work. This requires the ability to analyse and articulate the relationship between filmmaker, subject and approach, as well as an understanding of historical traditions and contemporary approaches, including the modes of documentary; personal, poetical and lyrical styles; political documentary; hybridity; verbatim documentary; use of archive; observation and visual subtext; feminist documentary; and re-enactment. Particular attention is given to critical analysis and practical application of a range of interview and storytelling techniques, from stylised to informal; alongside discussions of ethics, representation, diversity and inclusion. Lectures, screenings and workshops are designed to cover historical, global and cutting-edge trends, with reference to commissioning; emerging technologies; and funding, screening, distribution and exhibition sites and opportunities. Critically for a practical course with accreditation, teaching will be supported by separate high-level, intensive and hands-on technical skills training.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar and technical training. Your learning will include screenings, analysis, seminars, workshops, group work, and production meetings. You’ll also get 1 hour of weekly asynchronous support with online tutorials, readings, and videos to reinforce technical skills and support your written assessment.

Module overview:

This module focuses on the cinema industries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. It examines terms such as ‘world cinema’, ‘accented cinema’, ‘transnational cinema’, and ‘migration cinema’ in relation to representation, as well as to historical, political and economic contexts. The module introduces you to the diversity of world cinema, whether in the form of documentaries, drama, or animation, and to the local, regional or national cultures that have given rise to particular modes of film production, stylistic traditions, consumption habits, and social significance. It also examines the cultural, economic and ideological positioning of world cinemas within global patterns of film distribution, consumption and meaning.

We will explore the role of film festivals in the circulation of global cinema and may include a field trip to a London institution or festival involved in the promotion of global cinema. A guest industry speaker will update you on emerging trends. In this way, you will be introduced to film curation and programming as potential career paths.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar/workshop. These sessions cover key topics, include global film screenings, research skills training, group work, and discussions. You'll also take part in three dedicated workshops to develop your video essay editing skills. Each week, you’ll get 30 minutes of asynchronous support with extra readings and viewings.

Module overview:

This module takes you to deeper understanding and execution of more advanced storytelling techniques and film characters - and their motivations - within a given scripted film story. You will work in groups to pitch and write a short screenplay on a theme, as well as each taking an individual role from the core options of Cinematographer, Sound/Sound Designer, Producer Editor and Director, with optionally a Production Designer. You will form and interpret the screenplay into story beats, scenes and shots while at the same time working to keep the production realistically achievable within the constraints of time, budget, location(s) and available talent. The fiction short as scripted drama or comedy – is foregrounded as the classical form, but docufictions and hybrid forms are also examined and encouraged. Drama and fiction storytelling will be put in context with the critical analysis of case studies and a specific focus on audience and reception, narration theories, genres and concept of popular cinema, as well as the role and importance of short fiction films in the film and TV industry. Critically for a practical course with accreditation, teaching will be supported by separate high-level, intensive and hands-on technical skills training.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar/workshop, with two weeks dedicated to on-the-ground film production. Your learning will include screenings, analysis, studio practice, group work on set, and technical training. You’ll also receive 20 hours of advanced technical workshops and 30 minutes of weekly asynchronous support with online tutorials, readings, and viewings to reinforce your skills and support written assessments.

Module overview:

This module enhances your final year film portfolio to include critical knowledge of the diversity of current moving image practices, including exhibition, alongside the challenges facing practitioners in the contemporary screen industries. It examines a varied global corpus of filmmaking practices, including animated, experimental, documentary and short films, together with the historical, social, geographical, cultural, technological and institutional contexts from which they emerge. Teaching is through a combination of seminars, workshops, field trips and a guest lecture by a visiting industry practitioner. You will debate issues surrounding race, gender, diversity, class, decolonisation, migration, climate, new technologies, sustainable production, and inclusive practices in relation to today’s screen industries. The module builds your EDI awareness, equips you to become informed and engaged practitioners with an innovative, confident and singular critical voice, and prepares you to be ethically conscious practitioners in advance of you entry into the workplace or progression to postgraduate study.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar/workshop. These sessions will cover key topics, include group work, debates, and blog workshopping. You’ll also benefit from field trips and a guest industry speaker. Each week, you’ll get 30 minutes of asynchronous support with extra readings and viewings.

Module overview:

You will competitively pitch and then form groups around original project proposals, work towards a common goal to launch a feasible, engaging and robust project outline which is then picked up in Group Production: Final and realised in the form of a thoroughly researched, considered and rigorously produced film. The focus in this module is on finding a story, defining an audience, style and approach to support artistic and creative intentions, and creating industry-standard documentation to shape, share and test group and individual-role plans for the short film production, including budgets, schedules, scripts, storyboards and floorplans, treatments, all of which are required in the assessment. The formative work also moves towards the Test Shoot, in which you will test the more challenging aesthetic, technical and logistical aspects of your project in advance of the following term’s production. The film craft and technical skills delivered throughout the programme, alongside intensive research and development into technical strategies and subject matter underpin the key outcomes of this pre-production module. You will be encouraged to work towards a sustainable production to be able to use the BAFTA albert certification for your film. Critically for both learning and to follow the accreditation requirements, the teaching will be accompanied by 20 hours of technical skills delivered by the technical instructors.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly seminar/workshop, with a strong focus on active learning—such as developing script outlines in class with tutor feedback. Two tutors, specialising in fiction and documentary, will co-teach using a breakout model tailored to your chosen project and role. This approach follows industry best practice and IMIS-accredited standards.

You’ll also receive 20 hours of advanced, role-specific technical training and 30 minutes of weekly asynchronous support with online tutorials, readings, and viewings to support your technical and written work.

Module overview:

This module is designed to support the formation and collaboration of student-led crews to produce drama and documentary projects developed during Group Production: Development. You will utilise high-level technical and creative skills in defined and industry-related roles to produce and post- produce a considered and mature short film demonstrating high production values and practices, sophisticated visual and aural storytelling methods, and multi-layered subject matter. Groups collaborate closely to realise a shared vision, using industry models of production to further develop employable skills and qualities for today’s industry. This experience and the final film demonstrating team and individual achievement provides a basis and calling card from which to build industry careers. Industry guest speakers will deliver workshops and, in some cases, maintain connections to projects throughout the term. These vital role models will provide a crucial link to the latest industry and employment practices, opportunities and career routes. The module ends with a graduation screening at a high-profile venue such as the BFI Southbank, which you will help to organize to showcase your work.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through a weekly supervised practical workshop and seminar. In practical sessions, you’ll complete structured group tasks to prepare for filming while developing professional, inclusive, and tech-enhanced practices. Workshops will give you advanced hands-on training in areas like directing, producing, and sound design, with a focus on diversity and industry standards.

Seminars will function as group work-in-progress meetings, helping you discuss, plan, and monitor your project—mirroring real-world production models. You’ll also receive 20 hours of specialist technical training and 30 minutes of weekly asynchronous support through online tutorials, readings, and viewings to support both technical and written work. All activities follow the Albert scheme to embed sustainability at the core of your work.

Module overview:

This module involves completing an individual project based on your interests and strengths, developed over your degree. You’ll focus on research, innovation, and delivering a final outcome to a professional standard. Your project format will match your programme. Alternatively, you can choose a consultancy project, producing a portfolio that documents your work and its outcomes.

How you’ll learn:

You’ll learn through project workshops where you’ll define your project and understand the assessment. After that, supervision will be tailored to your project, with regular check-ins throughout the term. You’ll also have 30 minutes of asynchronous digital support each week.

Module overview:

This module provides an opportunity for an optional work placement year between the second and third year of the degree.

This module is available as an option to all students studying on the listed programmes. This one-year (sandwich year) module is additional to the 360 credits of a 3-year degree programme.

Participating in a work placement year will enable you to develop employability skills across a longer period. It thus complements and builds on the employability skills developed through the curriculum throughout the first two years of the degree programme.  

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits.

This module invites you to take on the role of a video content creator, building on the skills acquired in Fundamentals of Image Making. You will examine the dynamic world of social media as news, with a particular focus on the theme of "identity." You will explore the impact of distributed media, examining how non-professionals contribute to shaping new media practices through platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

Throughout the module, you will critically engage with the history and implications of self-promotion on social media, analysing its influence on society and the efforts to address its challenges. You will also explore citizen journalism, where social media content plays a pivotal role in reporting on crises and events inaccessible to traditional news outlets.

Teaching and learning

In weekly seminars, you will explore citizen journalist strategies – from video blogging to video editing – for creating engaging media content. Alongside these hands-on activities, you will engage deeply with thought-provoking questions about identity, voice, and representation in the digital age.

By the end of the module, you will have the skills to create compelling video content and a nuanced understanding of the role of social media in shaping our world.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. Lectures will provide a critical foundation, introducing key concepts such as identity, social media and citizen journalism, while seminars will focus on hands-on skill development.

There will be an additional 30 minutes of online digital support per week. This will consist of virtual learning tools to extend access to resources through online tutorials, videos, and discussion forums.

Due to the highly technical nature of this module, you will be taught in a computer lab equipped with Adobe Creative Suite to support the required software-based learning outcomes.

You will also have access to DSLR cameras, microphones, lighting equipment, and a dedicated photography/filming studio, to facilitate practical exercises in media production.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using critical commentary and a self-produced video.

30% - critical commentary, you will explore the module theme ‘identity’. You will critically analyse a piece of video content that engages with the concept of identity.

70% - self-produced video, you will produce a four-minute video as a piece of citizen bases, engaging with the module theme of ‘identity’.

30 credits

In this module, you will critically explore how media representations are constructed and manipulated. You will examine semiotics, framing, and context, understanding how these elements influence perception.

The module will also address the social and cultural impacts of altered imagery, focusing on the concept of authenticity and the ethical considerations of image manipulation, while reflecting on historical perspectives of visual content authenticity.

You will gain practical skills in photography, learning to control key technical aspects like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and colour temperature. You will also explore the use of natural and artificial lighting to create specific moods, alongside composition techniques such as focal length and depth of field to enhance your imagery.

The module also introduces you to Adobe Photoshop, starting with basic tools and non-destructive editing techniques. You will advance to more complex methods like masking and compositing, developing a cohesive photographic project. Finally, you will manage workflows and deadlines, preparing your work for an online portfolio to showcase your skills as both a photographer and an image-maker.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. Lectures will provide a critical foundation, introducing key concepts such as media practices, and image construction, whilst seminars will focus on hands-on skill development.

There will be an additional 30 minutes of online support per week. This will consist of virtual learning tools to extend access to resources through online tutorials, videos, and discussion forums.

Due to the highly technical nature of this module, you will be taught in a computer lab equipped with Adobe Creative Suite to support the required software-based learning outcomes.

You will also have access to DSLR cameras, microphones, lighting equipment, and a dedicated photography/filming studio, to facilitate practical exercises in media production.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a research presentation and a creative online portfolio.

30% - research presentation, you will deliver a 5-minute in class exploring the module of theme of ‘authenticity’. This will involve selecting a visual event from a media-related field and critically analysing how the chosen image(s) engage with the concept of authenticity.

70% - creative online portfolio, you will produce a photographic series that creatively interrogates the notion of ‘authenticity of the image’.