FT2CSP-Creative Screen Practice

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites: FT1ITF Introduction to Filmmaking
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FT2EL Exploring Location FT2CCP Community and Collaborative Practice
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

You will develop, shoot and edit a short film, documentary or television project in a creative team. Your film, documentary or television production will be rooted in research, and in the critical and theoretical concepts and traditions of industry practice you have encountered so far on the degree.  

You will explore key production roles and practices within the industry, and build your awareness and skill in processes of creative design and story development. You will focus in particular on the short film form informed by industry contexts, drawing on festivals, visiting speakers, and your own independent research.  

Aims:

The module aims: to develop students' collaborative production competencies by the realisation of a short practical project; to develop an understanding of the way in which creative processes relate to research, to critical analysis, and to industry practices; to extend skills of analysis and evaluation by relating critical and theoretical issues to filmic or televisual decision-making in practice; to enhance the students' professionalism and range of professional skills in the fields of film and television; to encourage students to identify and present skills which enhance their employability. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module learners will be expected to:

• demonstrate the critical, technical and organisational expertise required to organise a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama;


• demonstrate systematic and coherent collaborative decision-making in the production of a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama.


• relate practical decisions in film or television to theoretical, critical and cultural ideas developed in earlier or concurrent critical modules;


• set out the critical and practical intentions for a short film, a documentary or television studio drama informed by relevant theoretical concepts and contexts, and taking account of defined production constraints, in both pitch and written forms;


• document and reflect on processes of production; 


• develop research skills when exploring production roles and collaborative practice 


• perform one or more production crew roles on a film set or television studio in line with established  industry practices; 


• evaluate and analyse the outcome of a practical project critically, taking account of audience reception, the relationship of initial intentions to the final production, and levels of critical and creative success. 

Additional outcomes:

This module develops in students skills of collaboration and leadership, particularly managerial and organisational skills. Decision-making and its consequences are central to the course, as are independent and group research. The module extends skills and competencies which are central to the degree: team work; oral communication and group co-operation; library usage to assist in independent work; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources: critical analysis of visual and written material and coherent argument; presentation of written work using IT. 

Outline content:

Students taking this module will explore industry production through research and through practice. They can choose to pursue practical work in either film or television. Students develop collaboratively, under supervision, a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama. There will be opportunities to document and evaluate the work, as well as reflect on the process of building skills and knowledge. Early parts of the module consist of a range of preparatory exercises and workshopsdesigned to develop particular skills relating to different elements of the chosen medium. Later parts of the module involve the development of practical projects based on taught elements and independent work.  

Global context:

Working on this module involves researching film or television as well as the production of the students' own work. Projects may conduct this research in relation to texts from a range of national cinemas and television contexts, and draw upon a diversity of film/TV production practices. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of group workshops, masterclasses and supervision in creative teams. Students will also undertake tasks independently, outside the classroom setting, to develop their projects in their creative teams. Teaching styles will be flexibly used and may vary week by week; teaching may be delivered to a different pattern in film, documentary and television, as dictated by the rhythms and processes of each medium. Production work on the options is alloc ated a nominal hourage but schedules and access to facilities are overseen by the module convenor or supervising tutor. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1
Seminars	9
Tutorials	3
Project Supervision	4	2
Demonstration	3
Practicals classes and workshops	2	7
Supervised time in studio/workshop		6	4
External visits	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40	40
Wider reading (directed)	10	10
Peer assisted learning	20	20
Other	20
Preparation for tutorials	25	25
Preparation for presentations	4
Preparation for seminars	10
Preparation for performance		10
Group study tasks	40	55	24
Total hours by term	197	175	28
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	40
Project output other than dissertation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed by development blogs and practical output. There will be a small element of self- and peer-assessment.   

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: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Travel to and tickets for festival (approximately £45) 

Last updated: 22 November 2022