FT1ITF-Introduction to Filmmaking

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT1ATF Approaches to Film
Modules excluded: FT1ES Exploring the Studio
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Ms Shweta Ghosh
Email: shweta.ghosh@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Through a series of workshops and small group practical projects, you will develop your technical and creative skills in filmmaking, and understand how research and collaborative communication are central to this process. You will explore key decisions in design and production, and how these are inevitably rooted in the cultural and socio-political contexts in which filmmaking occurs.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the working practices and theoretical contexts for critical practice as a methodology for the study of film and television texts and as a means of creative production. It aims to provide a practical introduction to the critical relationship between development of meaning and creative decision-making in these forms, and give students experience of devising, documenting and analysing critically engaged moving image production, cultivating an understanding of the practices and critical processes that come together in the devising, planning, realisation and documentation of such pieces. Furthermore, it aims to introduce students to specialist equipment and some of the basic technical skills necessary for production work.

 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• work effectively and independently in small groups in order to accomplish short exercises in realising texts and devised material practically, taking account of critical analysis, group discussion and research;


• demonstrate a basic understanding of connotation and denotation, channels and systems of communication in the production of meaning;


• demonstrate this understanding in processes of reading and devising, producing and performing texts;


• demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of basic technical equipment in accordance with the safety policy of the department


• document, analyse and critically evaluate processes and realisation of group practical work, drawing on appropriate critical and theoretical frames of reference;


• articulate an understanding of 'critical practice' (practice as a means of exploring critical issues and articulating critical understanding) as it applies to film and television.

Additional outcomes:

The development of skills and competencies including: oral communication, argument and collaboration required for effective group work; management and communication skills required to satisfactorily carry out responsibilities in small exercises; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument, both individually and collectively; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis, evaluation and development of film and television productions.

Outline content:

The module consists of a series of workshops in which students are introduced to the principles of critical practice through discussion, reflection, analysis and small-group practical projects in screen practices. Each project is developed from research and critical thinking exercises, and institutes practical or critical constraints that encourage in students a developing awareness of the relationships between context, text, and reception, and between intentions and the finished outcome. Ref lection is structured and regular, and students are asked to document their practice both verbally and in writing to consolidate understanding.

Global context:

This module develops students’ critical thinking in relation to, and their understanding of, devising and production techniques common to a range of national contexts and traditions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Workshop discussion is supplemented by textual and performance analysis, critical reading and individual research of contexts and models of practice, and group collaborative devising. The documentation of practical work enables students to reflect on the effects of their decision making and to relate their own work to wider practices and critical concepts.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	8
Practicals classes and workshops	30
Supervised time in studio/workshop	18
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	20
Advance preparation for classes	20
Preparation of practical report	30
Completion of formative assessment tasks	24
Group study tasks	20
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Practical skills assessment	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will submit a portfolio of practical skills and document their learning process via short written assignments.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback will be provided in class during practical workshops.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% module mark

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 25 November 2021