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Filmmaking - TFT00010I

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Andrew Vickers
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

As the title implies, this module covers all of the key aspects and stages of filmmaking. And, best of all, you write and direct a film! You may also photograph, light, sound-record or edit it, if you wish - as well as work as a crewmember on the films made by other students. It really is a full-on immersion into the challenges and rewards of cinematic storytelling. Films made for this module invariably feature heavily in the TFTI student-run Luma film festival, and some go on to play in festivals in the UK and beyond. Students choose to tell stories in fiction, non-fiction (documentary) or experimental forms. But whatever type of film you make, you’ll learn much more about the skills, creativity and critical thinking required in an industry that’s constantly evolving. This is a challenging module. Developing, writing, filming and finishing a film is hard work. It’s a test of stamina and nerve, as well as of your creativity and craft. But, as past students will tell you (and your tutors too), there’s nothing quite like seeing your completed work projected on the cinema screen for the first time.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To provide an inter-disciplinary course structure in which students explore all stages of the film creation process
  • To provide a comprehensive grounding in the application of picture and sound technologies and production methods in the film production process
  • To provide a basic foundation in market research as it relates to film presentation to determine target markets and gauge effectiveness in meeting specified goals

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of crew members and their position within the overall film production framework
  • Demonstrate an ability to develop, refine and present film program concepts in both written and visual form
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyse story and script requirements to develop an effective production strategy
  • Demonstrate an ability to prepare for and manage film pre-production including script development, budgeting, scheduling and procurement of required elements for filming
  • Demonstrate an ability to apply standard production techniques to create visual and aural elements for a film project
  • Describe the postproduction process including all steps required to finish visual and sound elements
  • Demonstrate the ability to assemble, refine and finish all visual and aural assets into a complete film program
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the assessment process to gauge the effectiveness of a program in conveying the intended story or message to a specific target audience

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Presentation: Technical report and reflective discussion about the Production Project		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Production Project: Short Film		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students receive regular feedback in Autumn term on informal development exercises (e.g., creating a concept outline, presenting a pitch of a story idea, creating a draft treatment, etc.) as part of timetabled seminar sessions.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Report in place of Production Project		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Presentation of Production Project		 N/A 50

Module feedback

They will receive detailed written feedback on production project and presentation assessments within 25 working days of the submission dates.

Indicative reading

  • Quinn, E & Counihan, J The Pitch Faber and Faber, 2006, ISBN: 0-571-227414
  • Katz, Steven, Film Directing Shot by Shot Michael Wiese Productions, 1991, ISBN 0-941188-10-8
  • Simon, D & Wiese, M Film and Video Budgets, 4th edition, Michael Wiese Productions, 2006, ISBN 1-932-907106
  • Singleton, R Film Scheduling, 2nd edition, Lone Eagle, 1997, ISBN 0-943-728398
  • Proferes, N Film Directing Fundamentals, 3rd edition, Focal Press, 2008, ISBN 0-240-809408
  • Frost, J Cinematography for Directors, Michael Wiese Productions, 2009, ISBN 978-1-932907-55-1
  • Weston, J Directing Actors, Michael Wiese Productions, 1999, ISBN 0-941-188248
  • Murch, W In the Blink of an Eye Silman-James Press, 2nd edition, 2001, ISBN 1-879505-62-2
  • Wyatt, H and Amyes, T Audio Post Production for Television and Film: An introduction to technology and techniques, Focal Press, 2003, ISBN 0-240-51947-7
  • Yewdall, D.L., Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound Focal Press, 2003, ISBN 0-240-80525-9
  • Adcock, D et al. Marketing Principles Financial Times/ Prentice Hall, 2004 ISBN: 0-582-849551


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.