module specification

This module focuses on post-production for film and television: picture editing, sound design, graphics, compositing and digital visual effects. Following a practice-led 

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This module aims to:

• Consolidate student knowledge and understanding of television production roles and enable students to build effectively on existing knowledge and skills in all aspects of production

• Enable students to work effectively to a professional standard as part of a production team

• Extend students’ knowledge and competence in technical aspects of television production to an advanced level

• Foster a critical and analytical approach to television codes and conventions

The main practical production task on the module is a magazine show which allows students to follow individual interests, learning to operate as self-motivated freelance practitioners in devising and contributing programme elements, whilst also enabling them to gain a solid grounding in all aspects of conventional gallery/floor based studio production, having the opportunity to work in a range of roles, including: floor-manager, vision mixer, lighting technician, camera operator and so on. Students will learn about studio lighting, vision mixing, sound and directing practice, firstly in a series of 'masterclass' style workshops with industry professionals and subsequently on the production of the main programme. This part of the syllabus will place an emphasis on professional communication skills and effective team-work, working very tightly throughout to time schedules and incorporating ‘disaster’ planning in simulations of ‘live’ TV. Students will learn about the distinct conventions of television as differentiated from film production practices.

Students will also be introduced to the historical development of television practices and theoretical perspectives on television and will be encouraged to adopt a critical and analytical approach to codes and conventions as reflective practitioners. Theoretical and critical material will be integrated with the practical production elements throughout the course, following a practice-led research model and this will be further explored in students' essays on specific areas of television history, practice and conventions and in their reflective journals.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical studio role playing exercises, masterclass workshops with industry professionals, technical instruction and demonstrations, engagement with set reading and independent research. The module as a whole follows a practice-led research approach which places an emphasis on experiential learning and critical reflection. This will be reflected in the essay and journal. Students will have access to up to date digital studio facilities. All coursework and assessment material will be posted on Weblearn and students will be encouraged to make use of the site to share relevant media materials and links.

On completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced critical understanding of television studio practice and conventions, including those relating to television journalism

• Demonstrate an ability to critically interrogate televisual material screened to an appropriate level in discussions and written work

• Work effectively and with professional competence in at least two technical and/or operational studio roles and collaborate as a team member in Live Television gallery work

• Use television studio and programme making terminology correctly to a professional standard

• Apply theoretical, critical and conceptual understanding to aspects of television and digital video practice

• Formulate content for a television programme and demonstrate initiative in devising appropriate material

• Carry out primary and practical research tasks specific to the television context making  appropriate use of digital strategies and resources

The main item for assessment is the group production of a magazine programme which should be followed through from inception to finished product and presented for assessment on DVD. This forms the central spine from which other aspects of the course derive. Early in the course, there will be a tutor observed practical studio team-work exercised followed up by peer critique and reflection. Students are expected to research a relevant area of television production history, theory and context in order to write their critical essay. They also have to maintain a journal throughout the course which documents their progress and learning, taking account of key ‘M’ level employability skills in communication and team work. This journal should also indicate clearly the specific contributions made by individual students within the main group production.

Allen, Robert C. and Annette Hill ‘The Television Studies Reader’ (London: Routledge, 2004)

Cury, Ivan ‘Directing and Producing for Television’ (Burlington, Mass: Focal Press, 2007)

Dovey, Jon ‘Freakshow: First Person Media and Factual Television’ (London: Pluto Press, 2000)

Bignell, Jonathan ‘An Introduction to Television Studies’ (London: Routledge, 2007)

Musbirger, Robert B. ‘Single Camera Video Production’ (Burlington, Mass: 2010)

Tomlinson, Holman ‘Sound for Digital Video’ (Burlington, Mass: Focal Press, 2013)

Utterback, Andrew H. ‘Studio Television Production and Directing’ (Boston: Focal Press, 2007)

Millerson, Gerald ‘Lighting for Television and Film’ (Oxford: Focal Press, 1999)