Module catalogue: SM7034

SM7034 - The Factual Storytelling Business (2024/25)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2024/25

Module title

The Factual Storytelling Business

Module level

Masters (07)

Credit rating for module

School

School of Computing and Digital Media

Total study hours

200

164 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	50%		Pitch Pack (presented in class)
Coursework	50%		Teaser Trailer (2-3 mins)

Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Autumn semester	North	Wednesday	Morning

Module summary

This module investigates and decodes the non-fiction storytelling industry, preparing you for the challenges and expectations you will face as a creative practitioner in an exciting and competitive new media landscape.

You will learn how to plan and prepare a creative idea in order to attract backing and development funding from industry gatekeepers. We focus on how ideas are pitched to commissioners and design pitch packs and trailers in standard industry formats.

Embracing new and emerging forms and practice, we also investigate alternatives to film and digital project finance including social media and crowdsourced campaigns. The module concludes with analysis of contemporary strategies and tools available for distribution of finished projects in a rapidly changing online world.

This module is an essential pre-requisite to the major projects module and a future career in the factual storytelling industry.

Syllabus

This course is constantly updated to reflect contemporary practice. Current indicative content includes:

• Creating an engaging idea
• Creativity vs commerce
• Rights, ethics, access and legal
• The Pitch
• The Commissioning process
• Crowdfunding and social media
• Teaser trailers
• Film festivals and online distribution
• The Documentary feature

Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 4

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Scheduled teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, case-studies, screenings, student presentations and practical workshops, supplemented by tutorials and use of the University’s blended learning platform (VLE).

Students will undertake independent study, including research, planning, case-studies, creative and practical work. Students will have independent access (as required) to appropriate filmmaking equipment, post production facilities and computer labs.

There will opportunities to present project pitches and work in progress, in-class feedback and discussions encourage self-reflection, which is reinforced by peer and tutor input. The module culminates in the creation of a short trailer for a major film or interactive project.

This trailer is screened at the beginning of the Major Projects module (spring semester). The screening encourages feedback, future collaborations and reflection on audience perception and expectations.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1 Analyse and define structures, hierarchies and the role of gatekeepers in film, television and new media industries

LO2 Prepare ideas for pitching to commissioners

LO3 Plan, shoot and edit teaser trailers

LO4 Understand and take account of fundamental legal and ethical issues that relate to the factual production environment

Bibliography