This module explores short fact- and fiction-films, treating them as specific forms with their own aesthetic and narrative principles, and their own creative possibilities and challenges. The module combines intensive analysis of short-form films with historical contextualisation; instruction in the use of the School's technical facilities; treatment- and screenplay-writing instruction and workshops in areas such as cinematography, sound recording, sound design, production design and editing. Students are thus equipped with the key skills required to make MA-level short films and are enabled to develop creative ideas grounded in rigorous critical enquiry alongside dedicated technical and professional knowledge delivered by film practitioners. By the end of the module, students will also have completed both a screenplay and a documentary proposal portfolio (including a 3-minute pilot film). They will choose either their screenplay or documentary proposal as the basis for the short film they intend to develop for their dissertation.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Autumn
Main assessment methods;
Screenplay: 50%
Documentary proposal portfolio and 3-min pilot film: 50%
Reassessment methods;
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The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand narrative processes, generic forms and modes of representation at work in film and how they organise understandings, meanings and affects;
2 Understand critical approaches to film especially in relation to short, new and emergent film forms and the methods they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge
3. Understand key production processes and professional practices relevant to film and how these shape resulting films;
4 Demonstrate originality in the initiation of distinctive creative ideas based on secure research strategies that demonstrate an understanding of fact and/or fiction film forms, structures, audiences and specific communication registers;
5 Demonstrate competence in developing and writing an original screenplay/rigorously researched outline and conceiving and making a short film.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility;
2 Demonstrate sound decision-making in complex situations;
3 Demonstrate independent learning ability required for continuing professional or educational development;
4 Gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to develop creative ideas effectively and express them effectively.
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