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Module Descriptors

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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 04/07/2022 13:50:21

Title of Module: Filmmaking Fundamentals

Code: FILM07009 SCQF Level: 7
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)		 Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Business & Creative Industries
Module Co-ordinator:Douglas  King

Summary of Module

This module is an introduction to the craft of filmmaking, visual storytelling and the process of making a short film. Students will acquire an understanding of the techniques and decisions involved in creating a story for the screen. This will include shot sizes, film grammar, composition, camera movement, production design, sound, lighting, editing and directing performance.

Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of film production; how the film industry functions and how film can create meaning for the viewer.

Students will learn to analyse their own and each other’s work and to communicate creative and critical ideas about filmmaking.


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:

 

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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2

 

Term 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. L1. On successful completion of this module the student will be able to demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scope and defining features of the filmmaking process. (KU)

L2. L2. Apply a range of skills, techniques and practices associated with visual storytelling. (Applied)

L3. L3. Undertake a critical analysis and evaluation of their own work and that of their peers. (Cognitive, Communication)

L4. L4. Exercise initiative and independence in carrying out technical and creative roles associated with cinematic storytelling in short film formats. (Autonomy)

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 7.

Students will gain an awareness of film and digital video-based media forms and the way in which they organise understandings, meanings and effects

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 7.

Camera and Sound: Students will be able to operate a digital recording equipment and practically interpret and apply knowledge of its component parts and lens characteristics. Students will be able to operate a tripod. Students will be able to define and practically apply the basics of operation, framing, lighting and sound acquisition.


Editing: Students will be able to apply simple non-linear editing practice within practical projects. Students will be able to describe and practically apply fundamentals of storing and organising digital material and the assembling of existing ‘rushes’ into a structured whole. Students will be able to describe and apply the concepts of continuity editing and visual story telling.

Planning and Pre-Production of a Short Film: Students will be able to define and apply the processes of developing a film idea within small groups.

Production and Post-Production of a Short Video: Students will be able to interpret their knowledge of the disparate skills introduced in this module and apply this knowledge in the actual shooting and editing of a short film. Students will be able to describe and apply fundamental knowledge of legal issues, location filming and production management to cooperate and work safely together. Students will be able to critically analyse the completed project.

Students will gain an applied knowledge and understanding of film production skills and the ability to:

produce work which demonstrates the effective manipulation of sound, image and/or the written word;

utilise effectively relevant technical concepts and theories;

utilise a range of research skills, produce work showing competence in operational aspects of film production technologies, systems, techniques and professional practices;

manage time, personnel and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills;

define and apply basic filmmaking theory and language in order to visualise, produce and edit a sequence of shots that will cut together smoothly to create a visual narrative.

SCREENSKILLS National Occupational Standards:
Camera November 2008: C1-C4, C8, C10, C12-C14, C20-C22, C28, C30, C31, L7, CTV2, CSS1-CSS5
Lighting for Film & Television June 2006: L7.
Directors April 2003: D1, D2, D4

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 7.

SCQF Level 7.

Students will be able to practically apply knowledge of pre-production: recce, scheduling, cast and crew commission, call-sheets, equipment and prop hire/purchase, location lists and logistical planning.

Students will be able to work individually and be able to collaborate within groups to produce scripting, storyboarding, shot lists, lighting plans, production design.

Students will be able to generate, design and develop creative project ideas.

Students will be able to produce scripting, storyboarding, shot lists, lighting plans, production design.

Students will be able to deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline;

Students will be able to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of writing or of aural, visual, audio-visual, sound or other electronic media;

Students will be able to be adaptable, creative and self-reflexive in producing work within various genres.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 7.

SCQF Level 7.
Students will be able to gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate arguments cogently, and express them effectively in written, oral or in other forms.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 7.

SCQF Level 7.
Students will be able to work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity;

Students will be able to organise and manage supervised, self-directed projects.

Students will be able to define and assign necessary production roles and responsibilities and work cooperatively within a production team.

Students will be able to communicate effectively in inter-personal settings, in writing and in a variety of media.

Students will be able to work productively in a group or team, showing abilities at different times to listen, contribute and lead effectively.

SCREENSKILLS National Occupational Standards 2020

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
Learning will take place in the form of lectures, workshops and tutorials combined with a strong emphasis on independent group work. Students are encouraged to define and pursue their own research pathway within a broad creative production context of film project development.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below: 		Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery6
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop30
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity6
Practice Based Learning92
Independent Study66
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Lumet, Sidney (1995) Making Movies. UK, Crowood Press.

Weston, Judith. (1996) Directing Actors – Creating Memorable Performances for Film and Television. Studio City; Michael Wiese Productions

Mackendrick, Alexander; Cronin, Paul (ed). (2006) On Film-making. London: Faber & Faber.

Lowenstein, S. (2000). My first movie: twenty celebrated directors talk about their first film. London: Faber and Faber.

Tirard, L. (2002). Moviemakers' master class: private lessons from the world's foremost directors. Macmillan.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardArts & Media
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelArts & Media
ModeratorSam Firth
External ExaminerAlex Neville
Accreditation Details
Version Number

2

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Working in small groups, students will undertake the production of a short film no longer than 3 minutes. They will be required to produce documents created in support of the production of the film.
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Portfolio of practical workcheck markcheck markcheck markcheck mark10036
Combined Total For All Components100% 36 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
Aligned with the overall commitment to equality and diversity stated in the Programme Specifications, this module supports equality of opportunity for students from all backgrounds and with different learning needs. Using Aula, learning materials will be presented electronically in formats that allow flexible access and manipulation of content. The module complies with University regulations and guidance on inclusive learning and teaching practice. Specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy can be accessed at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/equality/

Our partners are fully committed to the principles and practice of inclusiveness and our modules are designed to be accessible to all. Where this module is delivered overseas, local equivalent support for students and appropriate legislation applies.

Students need to be aware they will be working independently in groups in order to complete this module.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.

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