Unit information: Filmmaking Fundamentals in 2018/19

Unit name	Filmmaking Fundamentals
Unit code	FATV10001
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Jimmy Hay
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Film and Television
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Description

This unit introduces students to the basic technologies and practices required for filmmaking, combined with a conceptual approach to the creative process of film production. Merging practical skills with theoretical understanding, this unit will include Cinematography, Editing, and Sound, whilst also covering essential related areas including Health and Safety and Risk Assessment, as well as approaches to film production records such as logshot logs, storyboards, and script breakdowns. This unit provides necessary knowledge of the production workflow for the Department of Film and Television and thus ensures that students learn introductory craft skills that can be used in all units with a filmmaking component. The unit is assessed through a film, or a set of film exercises, demonstrating the practical work produced on the unit, and a reflexive account in which students reflect critically on their practice and learning within the unit.

Aims:

1. To learn the basic technologies of filmmaking and to use these creatively in making a film or a set of short film exercises.
2. To understand theoretical and conceptual approaches to film, and apply these to the creative process of filmmaking.
3. To learn details of essential production related areas - such as Health and Safety and Risk Assessments - and put these into practice.
4. To understand the workflow relating to film production and postproduction and how this works in the department.
5. To critically reflect upon practical filmmaking in a written reflexive account.
6. To understand and put into practice the fundamentals of filmmaking practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate proficiencies in utilising a range of filmmaking technologies;

2. produce work showing capability in operational aspects of film and television production technologies, systems, techniques and professional practices;

3. apply key production processes and professional practices relevant to film and television industries;

4. demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which film and television technologies and practices make possible different kinds of aesthetic effects and forms;

5. evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner, with reference to academic and professional issues, debates and conventions;

6. demonstrate knowledge and use of safe and ethical working practices.

Teaching Information

7 x 2hr lectures, 10 x 3hr production practice workshops, 3 x 2hr production tutorials in groups

Assessment Information

Film or short film exercises (50%) ILO 1-4, 6

2,000 word reflexive account of practical work (50%) ILO 1-6

Reading and References

• Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing (London: Penguin)
• Block, B. (2008) The Visual Story: Creating The Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media (Oxford: Focal Press)
• Dancyger, K. (1997) Technique of Film and Video Editing (Oxford: Focal Press)
• Figgis, M. (2007) Digital Film-making (London: Faber)
• Frost, J. (2009) Cinematography for Directors: A Guide for Creative Collaboration (Studio City, Michael Weisse Productions)
• Mackendrick, Alexander (2006) On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director (Faber &Faber)
• Worthington, C. (2008) Basics of Film-Making 01: Producing (Lausanne:

AVA Publishing)