FT1ITF: Introduction to Filmmaking

Module code: FT1ITF

Module provider: Film, Theatre and TV; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Dominic Lees, email: d.lees@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE FT1ATF (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 27 June 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. 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;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of basic technical equipment in accordance with the safety policy of the department;
3. Document, analyse and critically evaluate processes and realisation of group practical work, drawing on appropriate critical and theoretical frames of reference;
4. 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
5. Develop the following skills and competencies: 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.

Module 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. Reflection is structured and regular, and students are asked to document their practice both verbally and in writing to consolidate understanding.

Structure

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.

Study hours

At least 18 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback will be provided in class during practical workshops.

Reassessment

Additional costs