Film and Television Fiction BA Hons
School of Creative Arts
Institution Code H36
UCAS Code
WW68
Course Code CCFMTV
Start date
September
More about the course
This degree is designed to help students become confident, professional drama and script-based filmmakers. In the first year, students are introduced to all three pathways. In the second and third years, they specialise in fiction filmmaking and work towards a final degree project that acts as their calling card to industry.
Year 1
An introduction to film-making delivering an over-view of the genres and production formats film-makers encounter in their careers. Students work on three projects - one documentary, one fiction piece and one studio project. They each have the chance to direct and edit their own film.
Year 2
Students begin to specialise in fiction production, exploring complex issues like scriptwriting, casting, directing and editing. They develop their personal creativity by making longer, more complex films, and build strong teamwork skills.
Year 3
Students concentrate on one project which demonstrates their creative ambitions. They are responsible for all aspects of their film - from conception and scripting to casting, crewing, shooting, editing and a final presentation.
During the three years, students' film-making is supported by:
- An introduction to pre-production, including the development of ideas, scripts, treatments and projects pitches.
- Professional development helping students to project manage their productions and negotiate the industry.
- The development of technical skills in HD cameras, sound and lighting.
- The latest post-production techniques using FCP to create fantastic visuals and soundscapes.
- An in-depth series of lectures and seminars that analyse camera, lighting, sound and editing styles.
Work placement
Placements are a valuable means of establishing industrial contacts and gaining an insight into the commercial reality of a chosen discipline. We have a long history of students working with industry supplementing the taught university curriculum with real life on the job experience.
This has seen students working right across the creative industries sector: in graphic, product and interior design consultancies, working as artist in residence in galleries, producing props and sets for the film & TV industry, shadowing teachers in education, working with commercial photographers through to students working right across the Music industry.
We expect students interested in obtaining a work placement; to be proactive, to self-initiate this interest and to communicate and work with programme staff in their identification of companies and organisations that are able to provide the appropriate range of experiences and opportunities.
We value the opportunity and benefits of the placement experience highly and as such, we encourage all students to consider obtaining a placement as part of their course. However, we recognise that this may not be a viable option for a number of reasons. In addition, we are not able to guarantee that all students will undertake a work placement as part of their studies.
Careers
The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy and the course is committed to preparing students for the workplace. The Faculty has strong industry and professional links which ensures that graduates are prepared for the media marketplace.
Career opportunities for successful graduates might include freelance or more permanent posts in programme making or related activities in independent film and TV companies. Students may also work in-house for major broadcasters, advertising agencies or in the growing independent film sector. Alternatively, work could be found within the new media outlets being created by evolving distribution activity.
Teaching methods
This programme coaches drama film-makers intensively. Typically, students:
• Direct their own films using HD cameras and work in high-speed tapeless environments.
• Learn industry standard budgeting, scheduling and project management skills.
• Explore film-making for drama - e.g., lighting for single cameras, the use of standard and more complex filming equipment like tracks, dollies, and steadicams and advanced FCP post-production techniques including colour correction and sound dubbing.
• Understand the industry in relation to co-productions, sales and distribution. Hence also explore UK media law, contracts, copyright and music rights.
• Learn about emergent technologies of IPTV, podcasting and digital cinema
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.