BA (Hons) Digital Film Production

Digital Film Operations

This module is designed to provide a foundation ‘toolkit’ of practical skills to aid understanding of current creative media industries.

You will be introduced to a range of technical and procedural skills including audio, video, photography, web and digital design.

These skills will develop your understanding of the processes involved in the manufacture and delivery of audio-visual presentations within the creative industries.

Introduction to Film Studies

This module will explore Hollywood films and independent US cinema as textual and cultural products. You will place these in a context that traces their aesthetic and formal development to gain a firm grounding in film studies.

Poetry Film

This module aims to provide you with a wide-ranging knowledge of the different ways in which artists and filmmakers have challenged the narrative and stylistic conventions of mainstream cinema.

The module encompasses pre-production and planning, location filming, post production and exhibition. It aims to develop transferable skills in team work, collaboration and professional practice as students explore creative forms of expression through digital film production.

Post-Production 01

This module aims to introduce you to, and provide a foundation for, the specialised skills involved in all aspects of post-production.

Theoretical learning is combined with practical and technical exercises through a series of workshops. You will study the basic application of all post-production specialisms.

This module will develop your understanding and deepen your theoretical, technical and practical knowledge of post-production workflows.

Practice Toolkit

This module is designed to provide a foundation ‘toolkit’ of practical skills to aid understanding of current creative media industries.

You will be introduced to a range of technical and procedural skills including audio, video, photography, web and digital design. These skills will develop your understanding of the processes involved in the manufacture and delivery of audio-visual presentations within the creative industries.

It aims to develop transferable skills in information technology.

Sound and Vision

This module engages you in fundamental practice and principles of camera and microphone operation.

You will learn about:

• Camera setup and preparation
• Camera audio setup
• Connectivity and microphone preparation
• Eyepiece function and the graticule
• Tripod and safe practice
• Safe camera handling
• White balancing and exposure
• Basic picture composition and shot types
• Audio metering
• Monitoring and level adjustment
• Microphone placement
• Method and discipline of camera craft
• In-camera shot sequencing
• Basic coverage.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a short documentary film shot in a small team.

Digital Cinematography

This module explores the key concepts and practices of digital cinematography.

The role and responsibilities of the cinematographer within the production team are defined and you will investigate relationships between cinematic content and visual forms.

Drama Craft

This module builds on the “Script to Screen” module and explores the drama techniques that apply primarily to drama production.

You will investigate topics including teamwork, cinematography, art direction and set construction, directing and sound design.

This module will develop your awareness in audio-visual technology and production health and safety.

Field and Location Recording

During this practical module, you will develop the skills and specialist techniques required for recording sources in the field as well as actor dialogue and sound on set and location for film and TV productions.

You will work alongside peers and professionals to record dialogue and sound during the department’s commissioned short film.

Multi-Camera Operations

This module explores the use of multi-camera recording techniques and the management of various events. It aims to provide you with a range of technical experiences and knowledge of events practice, while developing transferable skills in creating material to a client’s requirements.

Post-Production 02

This module builds upon Post Production 01 and aims to develop your creative input to the post-production process, and develop more specialised skills involving all aspects of post-production. Theoretical learning is combined with practical and technical exercises through a series of workshops.

You will develop your understanding and application of all post-production specialisms in a creative context by producing a portfolio of work which fall within the appropriate technical constraints and deepen their theoretical, creative, technical and practical knowledge of post-production workflows.

Production Design

This module will give you a solid foundation to the main areas of production design from concept initiation to realisation.

You will investigate elements of art direction, mood boards, props and make-up (including prosthetics) and explore how to decipher aspects such as design metaphor, colour scheming and spatial awareness.

This module will explain the aesthetic, narrative, and technical facets of the craft.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a portfolio of work.

Production Management

This module addresses operational areas in filmmaking, as embodied in the role of the production manager.

You will deepen your specialist theoretical knowledge and skills in areas that are vital to successful drama filmmaking through thorough analysis, planning and application.

It introduces you to the knowledge and skills required primarily for the pre-production phase of filmmaking, whilst touching upon filming and post-production.

SFX Pyrotechnics: Practical and Digital

This module develops your understanding of the practical application of special visual effects (SFX) as used in the film and high-end TV industries.

You will be guided through the planning, practical acquisition and digital enhancement of SFX as applied by industry, with a concentration on risk assessment, safety, workflows and conceptual awareness.

Short Drama

This module builds on your knowledge from the ‘Drama Craft’ module and explores recent technical developments in the fast-changing landscape of the media and creative industries.

In addition, you will be introduced to advanced filmmaking techniques as you adapt work written by students on the ‘Writing the Short Film’ module, giving you vital experience of working on real scripts.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a journal and a 15-minute group presentation.

Audio Post-Production

This practical module builds upon key skills acquired in the Sound Engineering and Music Production, Mastering Music, and Sound Design, ADR and Foley modules and explores the complex technical and creative post-production processes involved in ‘dubbing’ or ‘mixing’ sound and music for film and TV.

Business of Production

This module explores business practice in our ever-evolving film and TV industry.

With a focus on how to establish and run a film/TV/digital production company, this module is designed to prepare you for professional, working life in the creative screen industries.

You will develop a professionally focused ‘toolkit’, enhanced by theoretical and practical knowledge of the requisite skills base the contemporary screen production industry demands.

Digital Cinematography 02

This module aims to support those who require a deeper knowledge of digital cinematography.

The module will cover key concepts of camera and lighting by the exploration of both theory and practice with an emphasis on applied techniques.

Directing Actors: Multicamera

This module will introduce you to the hands-on production methods of TV production. With a focus on how to create and deliver a multi-camera, studio-based TV show, this module is designed to prepare you for professional, working life in the broadcast industry.

Documentary Project

During this module, you will be given the opportunity to create a short documentary from concept to completion.

Guidance on pre-production will include advice on narrative structure, ethical consideration, risk assessment, research techniques and scheduling.

This will be followed by training in practical production and camera skills for documenting reality and the experiences of real people.

Post-production will navigate editing disciplines including modifying and refining narrative structure in the light of coverage acquired in the production phase and awareness of technical processes and standards.

Final Major Project: Film Production

The aim of the Final Major Project is to produce a substantial body of work sustained over two semesters, as you develop transferable skills in creating, analysing and evaluating large scale production projects.

You are expected to work professionally with an industry focus to produce a short drama film with high production values.

Industry, Engagement & Film Festivals

This module offers you the opportunity to learn about the dynamic and rapidly changing ways in which films are consumed in the public arena.

Festivals are a key element of the filmmaking marketplace, where films are sold by independent producers to distributors and offer audiences the opportunity to experience a rich variety of cinema, such as animation, shorts and documentaries.

This module will encourage you to engage with the world of the film festival, the industry networking opportunities they offer, and apply analysis to both audio-visual content and festival management.

Online Editing, Grading & Deliverables

This module will introduce you to the range of skills you need in the online environment of the post production industry. You will gain some experience of the essential role the online editor and colourist.

You will receive a grounding in the competencies required to work within the industry as an industry professional and be assessed through a portfolio.

Online Porfolio

In this module, you will be expected to enhance your career prospects by producing an online portfolio that aligns your skills with your commercial and professional objectives. It aims to develop transferable skills in balancing creative and strategic career objectives.