Overview

The emphasis in the module is on the study of Film and TV with a focus on story-telling through fiction. This requires the student to learn and evaluate film and TV language, analyse the roles played by image, sound and music, mise-en-scene, sets and setting, and to understand the notion of genres and their conventions.

Students consider the stages involved in film or TV production and the roles of major studios, public broadcasting and commercial organisations and the independent film-makers in the context of sources of finance, distribution and aesthetic values.

Students also consider the relationship between film makers and their audience – audience positioning and targeting, audience reading and assumptions and the expectations of audiences themselves – and look at the work of film- and programme-makers in a wider cultural context.

The module covers the following topics: - Cinematography - Editing - Mise-en-scene (Costume, Hair and Make up) - Mise-en-scene (Lighting and Colour) - Mise-en-scene (Setting) - Sound - Genre - Narrative and Auteur - Film Business

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Oral presentation can be somewhat hard to follow and there is no attempt to engage the audience.

Satisfactory (50–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Oral presentation is mostly understandable but there can be strain for the listener at times. Speaker attempts to engage the audience.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Oral presentation is generally clear throughout and engages the audience in parts.

Excellent (70%-100% / A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Oral presentation is highly engaging and clear throughout.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe key aspects of film and TV direction and production.

• Explain how different elements of film-making contribute to effective story-telling.

• Show an understanding of film theory and how film and TV operate within a cultural context.