FT1TSP-TV Studio Production

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT1ATF Approaches to Film
Modules excluded: FT1ES Exploring the Studio
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Dominic Lees
Email: d.lees@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Working in groups, you will develop your critical and practical understanding of multi-camera television studio production. This module builds on Introduction to Filmmaking to focus upon the critical and practical skills and processes necessary for realising film/television productions in practice. You will bring together textual analysis, individual and group research and collaboration and devising processes in your development of film/television work, documenting your own practice. You will develop interpersonal skills necessary for creative group work and will be introduced to a range of basic technical skills.

Aims:

This module aims to give students experience of developing critically engaged film/television production, cultivating an understanding of the practices and critical processes that come together in the devising, planning, realisation and documentation of such pieces. It aims to reinforce the critical relationship between development of meaning and creative decision-making introduced in FT1ITF, giving students experience in the application of systematic approaches to film/television practice, individual research and group collaborative decision-making. Furthermore, it aims to give students confidence in using specialist equipment and developing some of the basic technical skills necessary for complex production work. It will extend the skills of analysis and documentation introduced in Introduction to Filmmaking.

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 plan and develop practical exercises in film/television 


• 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 abasic understanding of the functioning of mise-en-scene and performance to the development of practical productions 


• 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, theoretical and industrial frames of reference 


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


• demonstrate through practical exploration and critical documentation a critical awareness of the processes involved in creative decision-making in film/television, taking account of the interaction of various areas of decision making in the construction of meaning 


• demonstrate through practical exercises and documentation that they have drawn on their studies in the co-requisite courses to inform the planning, realisation and documentation of practical exercises 

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the development of skills and competencies which are central to the course: 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/television productions.

Outline content:

The module consists of structured group projects designed to build upon Introduction to Filmmaking in developing group experimentation and exploration in film/television practice. It explores the practical decision-making processes in developing creative practice, including the application of textual analysis, technical skills, research and studio exploration and rehearsal, through small group projects designed to address particular concepts, practices and film/television forms. The case study typically explores the conventions of a strand of multi-camera television production, and textual analysis and individual research provide the context for the devising of a small group television production which critically engages with these research activities. The practical work is accompanied by critical analysis requiring students to reflect on the effects of their decision-making and to relate their own work to wider practices and critical concepts.

Global context:

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

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminar discussion develops textual and performance analysis, critical reading and individual research extends knowledge of contexts and models of practice, and group collaborative devising and production explore design issues and introduce students to specialist film/television equipment. The documentation of practical work enables students to reflect on the effects of their decision making and to relate their own work to wider industry practices and critical concepts.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		4
Practicals classes and workshops		16
Supervised time in studio/workshop		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		10
Preparation for presentations		8
Preparation for seminars		8
Preparation for performance		90
Group study tasks		16
Carry-out research project		8
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Project output other than dissertation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

60% of module mark covers the practical assessment. A small percentage of the summative practical assessment mark will be determined by self- and peer-assessment. 

40% of module mark covers the documentation, with summative assessment through a Development Blog.. 

Formative assessment methods:

There will be oral feedback throughout the module.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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% overall

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: 7 December 2022