module specification

A highly creative module in which students devise and develop concepts for short film drama projects, emphasising the importance of how to communicate a story visually.

You will learn about approaches to drama storytelling via screenings, discussion, and practice.

You will research, pitch, and develop treatments, storyboards and scripts following industry guidelines and legal frameworks.

The module aims to:

Develop students’ understanding of visual storytelling (using camera, location, sets and actors).

Encourage students to express their ideas effectively via appropriate formats.

Provide students with an overview of how to plan all elements for a drama production in a team.

Provide insight into the paperwork and planning required for pre-production for drama including different production roles.

This module is studied alongside and in combination with the Shooting Drama module.

The module will introduce students to a range of methods of communicating their film and TV concepts in the correct formats. They will develop these crucial skills through case studies, exercises, and coursework.

This paperwork and planning will contribute towards the practical productions carried out on the Shooting Drama module and will enable teams to communicate well with each other.

The module will include the following:

Camera language – Recognising and naming different types of shots, camera angles and camera movements.
Storyboards - Using multiple drawings to plan how the scene/sequence is shot.
Continuity – Designing sequences so that action is matched between shots using the 180-degree rule.
Script writing and narrative arcs - Understanding how scripts work, how to write one with beats. Synopsis, and loglines explained.
Shot list - Ordering the shots from the storyboard, so the filming is done efficiently.
Art direction – Designing the overall look of the film.
Costume considerations - What costumes would match the script and where to hire/make/borrow them.
Location Scouting - Considering where the story will take place.
Rehearsals - Blocking and dramatization by the actors based on the script.
Set design - Mise-en-scène and props.
Health and safety – Learning about how to work safely using a risk assessment.

(LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, UL0)

Teaching and learning will be carried out through lectures, screenings, and exercises. Lectures will include critical analysis through discussion of a range of examples of to explore visual storytelling. Screenings include short films and clips from notable filmmakers.

Case studies will be used to illustrate the presentation of concepts in appropriate formats including pitches, scripts, and storyboards. Critical evaluation and reflection will be an integral part of class discussion and coursework.

Teamwork and communication will be integral to the module. Students will meet to develop and produce their pre-production paperwork both inside and 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 and understanding.

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

LO1: Understand how to convey a narrative using film language and drama techniques, and devise and communicate a concept via a pitch, treatment, storyboard, or script.
LO2: Plan and prepare a drama production including actors, costumes, location, and props in a team.
LO3: Gain an understanding of pre-production paperwork for different production roles.
LO4: Demonstrate a basic level of analytical, reflective, and critical skills e.g. being able to critique their own and each other’s concepts and plans.

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