Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To introduce film as an art, as a tool for documentation and self-expression
2. To introduce and put into practice a range of documentary film practices
3. To develop technical, creative and critical competence in non-fiction film production

This module introduces the essential components for documentary film practices and provides a foundation for a broad range of practical production work at Stages 2 and 3

This module provides the opportunity to become familiar with the creative fundamentals of video and audio production for non-fiction film

Outline Of Syllabus

Revision and extension of the fundamental technical elements of video and audio production
Introduction to pre-production, production and post-production processes for documentary
Introduction to techniques for capturing dialogue in documentary (assessed formatively)
Introduction to narrative sequencing and visual story telling theories and techniques
Introduction to poetic forms of self-expression through sound and image
Introduction to logistical and ethical concerns through interpersonal relations and representation
Reflection on film practice

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module will be able:
1. To show an understanding of film as an art, as a tool for documentation and self-expression
2. To understand processes for a range of documentary film practices from pre- to post-production
3. To make informed critical judgments about technical competency and creative expression

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module will be able:
4. To demonstrate practical skills in a range of documentary film practices
5. To show technical competence alongside the ability to express feelings and reflections about the social and historical world through film
6. To reflect critically on practice and be able to articulate underpinning theoretical frameworks in discussion of one's own practice

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered through a single workshop session that will include lecture content broken up into a series of short presentations that set out key theories and concepts. Integrated with this will be seminar-type discussion of individual film sequences and practical workshop exercises based on the exemplar materials and knowledge-based content. Students will also be working through the implications of key readings for practice. This will enable students to achieve Knowledge Outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Practice-based activities form a significant method of teaching which will enable students to achieve Skills Outcomes 4, 5 and 6.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The rationale for the assessments is to enable students to develop the practical and creative skills required for filmmaking at Stages 2 and 3. The Creative Project assessment is a single portfolio but contains 2 components of equal length for which there is written feedback. Given the emphasis on practice, the Creative Project forms the major part of the assessment.

The formative assessment component (Dialogue) is designed to revise and consolidate camera, editing and direct sound recording skills from Introduction to Film Technologies. There is verbal 1-2-1 feedback.

The Reflective Log provides the opportunity to reflect critically on the theoretical and methodical considerations that informed the practice and how effectively the aims and learning outcomes have been realised. Feedback is written.

General Notes

N/A