FTMESP-Exploring Screen Practices

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Semester 1
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables students to develop new and enhance existing skills in screen media-related practice by responding to one or more briefs and practical exercises. These short projects are responsive to ‘real jobs’ stimuli, are anchored in the study of particular dimensions of film, television or other screen media forms and in the critical/theoretical study of films and programmes. Flexibility and responsiveness to emerging industry developments is a key attribute of this module. The projects are supported by appropriate technical workshops and masterclasses, while the creative process and the finished work are guided though class discussion and structured critical reflection. The module works best when knowledges from across the course are used in synergy with Exploring Screen Practices.

Aims:

To develop production and filmmaking competencies by the realisation of short practical projects; to develop an understanding of the way in which creative processes relate to critical analysis; to extend skills of reflection, analysis and evaluation by relating critical and theoretical issues to screen media decision-making in practice; to enhance the students' professionalism and range of professional skills in the fields of film, television and other screen media; to prepare practical and reflective skills for those taking FTMDP through practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate the critical, technical and organisational expertise required to produce short films, television programmes or other screen-related products;


• demonstrate systematic and coherent decision-making in the production of short films, television programmes or other screen-related products;


• demonstrate skills of leadership and team working appropriate to screen media practice;


• demonstrate excellent communication skills and ability to work to deadlines;


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


• be able to deploy relevant technologies and practices in a sophisticated and confident manner;


• document and critically reflect on processes of creative screen practice.

Additional outcomes:

The module extends skills and competencies which are central to the degree: team working practices; problem-solving; management and communication skills required to satisfactorily carry out responsibilities in group 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 and other screen media.

Outline content:

The course consists of one or (more frequently) more briefs. These explore particular areas of film, television and/or other screen forms and pose particular creative challenges, enabling students to develop their production skills and their ability to shape forms of visual and aural expression. The module is flexible enough to respond to interesting opportunities within and beyond the programme as they emerge, but projects and briefs are always selected for the opportunities they provide for the integrated development of conceptual and practical filmmaking skills. Workshops and masterclasses addressing particular skill areas are aligned with the requirements of assignment briefs. Formative feedback (tutor and peer) is provided at different stages of the project/s development; the finished work receives summative feedback and is carefully analysed in class and in reflective critical writing (or class presentation) by the filmmakers.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught in a mixture of seminars, workshops, masterclasses, exercises, independent production work and group supervision of projects.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Portfolio of audio-visual and written work (95%) – Spring term

Students complete a portfolio which comprises 3 short practical exercises, 1 showreel and 1 developmental blog. This work is undertaken across Autumn and Spring terms and is submitted as one summative assessment at the end of Spring term.

Professionalisation component (5%) – Spring term

The Professionalisation requirement will be assessed across the two terms via an especially designed marksheet including items such as working to interim deadlines, maintaining regular communication with tutors, technical teams and colleagues, participating in peer feedback processes etc.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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:

An overall mark of at least 50%.

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: 10 June 2024