module specification

This module is delivered alongside the core level 5 Creative Filmmaking module.

On Film Production Skills (this module) you will devise, pitch, write, research, develop (and reflect upon) films that you shoot on the Creative Filmmaking module.

You will learn how to devise original stories for screen and will go on to develop these ideas into viable film projects that are original, contemporary and stylish.

You will develop films across a variety of formats and genres including (but not limited to): Fiction film, Documentary, TV Studio production, Interactive and VR, Experimental Film, Live Client-Led (these projects might be competitions, live briefs from external organisations or self-generated projects around themes).

Throughout the year you will work on a series of briefs to create works for inclusion in your portfolio. Briefs are dynamic, they can change from year to year, adapting to new and emerging practice in a way that encourages you to work at the cutting edge. This helps prepare you for entry into the industry as it is today.

Briefs for this module can include (but are not limited to):

• Short film scripts
• Teaser trailers / proof of concept
• Pitch presentations
• Pitch packs
• Television studio scripts
• Documentary research packs
• Marketing material and distribution plans
• Critical reflection

Module aims:

• To give you the opportunity to experiment with film ideas and concepts, working across a variety of production genres.
• To encourage ambition and originality, to create an environment within which you are willing to take creative risks.
• To introduce film and TV industry concepts and terminology and to begin to merge ideas and process with accepted industry practice.
• You will develop your ability to turn ideas into viable film or screen-based projects, creating plans informed by previous production work.
• You will build on your ability to describe and appraise your work and will develop your critical insight.

NOTE: This module is delivered alongside the core level 5 Creative Filmmaking module.

Film Production Skills is where you will pitch, write, research, develop (and reflect upon) films that you shoot on the Creative Filmmaking module.

The syllabus is arranged around specific briefs which can change from year to year. The syllabus is dynamic and can adapt to the challenges of these briefs.

Topics could include (but are not limited to):

• Devising ideas for film
• Principles of drama
• Dramatic structure
• Storyboarding and previsualisation
• Working with AI and assistive software in a creative context
• Screenwriting
• Pitching and designing pitch materials for a commissioner
• How to create a teaser trailer or proof of concept
• Documentary research
• Writing questions for documentary interviews
• Documentary structure
• Documentary ethics
• Transcription and subtitling
• Creative project development
• The casting process
• Producing: scheduling and planning for film including practical considerations

Indicative production genres (varying from year to year):

• Documentary and factual
• Fiction Film
• Experimental Film
• Interactive Film / VR / New and Emerging Screen based practice
• Live Brief or Client Led Brief
• TV Studio multicamera production

Other areas explored by the syllabus:

• Critical appraisal of creative work
• Critical reflection on filmmaking practice

This module is delivered alongside the core level 5 Creative Filmmaking module.

On Film Production Skills (this module) you will devise, pitch, write, research, develop (and reflect upon) films that you shoot on the Creative Filmmaking module.

The learning and teaching strategy for this module and other core filmmaking modules is to place the emphasis on learning through practice.

Teaching methods include practical workshops, demonstrations, lectures, seminars, group tutorials and screenings. End of brief screenings are a focal point for this module and the Creative Filmmaking module. The screenings provide an opportunity to reflect on films and the challenges of the production process.

We regularly invite film industry guest speakers to share their knowledge with students in special masterclasses and workshops.

Students are taught how to be manage their own project schedules and have additional bookable access to production rooms (Avid Suite / Holloway Film Studio) at other times during the week. Lecturers are available for consultation and for a schedule of regular group (or individual) tutorials and feedback throughout the duration of each brief.

This module encourages and combines lecturer-led learning, peer based and learning through experience alongside independent study.

Project briefs provide an opportunity for students to work both indivdually and with others on the same course and potentially set up collaborations with students from other courses and other levels. Events are organised each year to encourage cross-course / cross-level creative collaboration.

On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

LO1. Extended skills in writing and / or researching a film or TV project, including familiarity with and understanding of key terminology and concepts associated with film practice and production
For example, writing a drama script or compiling appropriate research material for a documentary film, and being able to explain your film practice and production processes using appropriate industry concepts and terminology.

LO2. A developing understanding of how to plan a film or screen-based work, with increased analytical, reflective and critical skills and awareness.
For example, by being able to identify how your future practice may adapt and change based on experience gained working on film projects, and by planning (and analysing approaches to planning) film and TV projects from pre-production phase through to final exhibition.

LO3. The ability to effectively describe your work for a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
For example, to bring out the critical value of your film or screen-based work.

LO4. Developed practical skills and an understanding of practice in Film and TV Production.
For example, planning and producing films that demonstrate developing technical skills.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/30B7F2E8-A586-8A1C-F70C-1F818FEA026E.html?lang=en&login=1