module specification

The module will provide a practical introduction to the creative and technical area of shooting a drama for film or TV.

You will develop confidence in working with camera, lighting, and audio equipment in a film studio and on location.

You will develop professional practices and learn about specific production roles by collaborating in small groups on a range of exercises and a final short drama.

You will learn about a range of drama filming techniques via screenings, discussion, and practice.

The module aims to:

• Develop students’ understanding of camera settings, video files and formats.
• Give students practical experience of using different lenses, framing shots, and creating camera movements.
• Provide students with an overview of approaches to filming dramatic sequences using lighting.
• Introduce audio recording for drama.
This module is studied alongside and in combination with the Pre-Production and Visual Storytelling module.

The module will allow students to develop skills by collaborating on a range of short exercises and working towards a final short drama production in specific production roles. They will be introduced to fundamental principles via lectures, demos and hands-on experience including:

Production roles – What each team member is required to do e.g. director, DOP, sound recordist.
Camera settings – Including Frame rates, ISO, shutter speeds, aperture, ND filters and resolution (HD or 4K etc).
Lenses - The differences between lenses and what to use them for.
Lighting - How to light a scene and integrate it with the camera settings for optimum cinematic effect.
Framing - Shot composition, framing action.
Camera Angles - What they add to a shot and when to use them.
Camera movement – How to create them and when to use them using a tripod or handheld, dolly, or drone.
Audio - How to record sound in a studio - where to place the microphone and what type to use.
Files - Saving and transferring the audio and visual recorded material.
Health and Safety – Working safely on a drama shoot.

(LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, UL0)

Teaching and learning will be carried out through lectures, screenings, and practical workshops. Lectures will include critical analysis through discussion of a range of drama filming techniques. Screenings include short films and clips from notable filmmakers.

The development of craft skills requires the practitioner to be both self-reflective and constructively critical. Students needs to be able to apply this understanding to their own work and the work of others. The development of these skills is embedded into the module.

During workshops students will be introduced to specific principles and techniques which will be demonstrated by the lecturer or technical demonstrator and then practiced in small groups. Students will use a range of camera, lighting, and audio recording equipment, which can be accessed outside of sessions from the Media Helpdesk for practice and use in the final production. Small groups will meet to develop and film their drama production outside of class time.

WeLearn materials include a range of readings, websites, and video-based learning materials such as short films and full-length film and TV drama through Box of Broadcasts which students are encouraged to engage with throughout the module.

Students are encouraged to read selected texts prior to attending class, and for the duration of the module to aid their skills understanding.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

LO1: Demonstrate understanding of how to use a camera for shooting drama using different lenses, camera settings and camera angles and movements.

L02: Understand basic principles of lighting, sound recording, and selecting and working with video and audio file formats.

LO3: Work in a team and carry out specific roles within a drama production.

LO4: Demonstrate a basic level of analytical, reflective, and critical skills e.g. being able to write an evaluation of their work.

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