BA (Hons) Film Production (with Foundation Year)

In this module, we'll bring together the skills you've gained so far by creating a digital media short. In small teams, you'll brainstorm and develop ideas based on a given brief. From pitching to negotiation, and all the way through pre-production to delivery and screening, you'll be hands-on throughout the entire process.

You'll explore various narrative techniques, opening up a world of creative possibilities. We'll also take some time to reflect on producing content tailored to specific contexts and audiences. Progress your creativity and build skills for a real-world, dynamic setting.

Is there really “no business like show business”? This is your introduction to the study of filmmaking as a large-scale economic process and you’ll explore the factors which make the creative industries similar to or different from any other business.

You’ll examine the structural framework of the film industry and trace the ways in which systems of film funding, production, and distribution have evolved and continue to evolve both internationally and in the UK. You’ll discuss and analyse each stage of the filmmaking process from pre-production to distribution and marketing. You also meet professionals from the film industry who will contribute to the course.

You’ll get to grips with key issues and critical concepts in film studies. Through a series of lectures, seminars and close readings of selected films, you’ll acquire the analytical tools for understanding the visual language of film.

We’ll focus on aspects such as editing, cinematography, sound and film style which will be analysed in close readings of films. You’ll study both contemporary films as well as film classics from the past. You’ll develop a basic understanding of critical approaches and the debates that surround these films.

You will learn the basic principles of story design and you will be introduced to the craft of writing for the screen. An approach to the skills, techniques and conventions required to work with screenplays creatively and critically is complemented by the exploration of how original ideas are developed into story structures for feature and serial formats (drama and comedy).

You will investigate the anatomy of storytelling techniques through close analyses of the narrative form and content of select case studies. Your focus will be mostly on contemporary cinema/series and on genres.

On this module you will record dialogue and sound effects in studio and on location, and format and edit the recordings to be suitable for broadcast radio and TV, Film and Games, developing your professional skills which are used throughout the media industry. You will cover sound recording and post production (editing, mixing) for the moving image, it will include:

• dialogue
• sound effects
• Foley
• concepts for surround sound.

This distinct module will help you to develop key knowledge with music recording and production: you will gain a deep understanding of sound within other media.

This module is your introduction to basic technical skills and production methods in the field of digital media production. You’ll build your technical skills through a range of technical demonstrations. You’ll also take part in workshops, and carry out technical exercises and learn through analytical sessions.

As you study technical theories, workflows and procedures, you will create and produce a portfolio of individual technical exercises that cover:

• camerawork
• audio and video post-production skills.

In this module, you’ll dive into art and artists through the century. You’ll explore the Camden Town Group of painters. You’ll examine the abstract sculptures of Barbara Hepworth. And you’ll analyse the collages of Pop artists like Peter Blake. You’ll scrutinise paintings, sculptures and films. You’ll discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. And you’ll investigate the ways they promoted their work, like:

• exhibitions
• manifestos
• books
• little magazines.

You’ll participate in on-site visits, where you’ll examine works of art firsthand. You’ll also attend exciting lectures and seminars where you’ll explore your ideas and enrich your understanding of modern British art.

In these modules, you’ll gain the practical language skills to succeed in your French degree. As someone with a beginner’s knowledge of French, you’ll develop strong skills in French speaking and writing, translating and interpreting. You’ll be able to express yourself effectively in French, and gain a critical sensitivity to the intercultural differences between France and other countries.

In these modules, you’ll gain the practical language skills to succeed in your Spanish degree. As someone with a beginner’s knowledge of Spanish, you’ll develop strong skills in Spanish speaking and writing, translating and interpreting. You’ll be able to express yourself effectively in Spanish, and gain a critical sensitivity to the intercultural differences between Spain and other countries.

How is political opinion, authority and democracy shaped and influenced? In this module, you’ll explore foundational issues in political philosophy through exploring the main political ideologies. You’ll start your journey with Liberalism as the default position in the West since the English, American and French Revolutions. Your focus then shifts to the ideologies that arose in response to Liberalism, including:

• Conservatism
• Communism
• Fascism
• Communitarianism
• Anarchism
• and Feminism.

You’ll also consider questions linked to the theory of knowledge, such as can any ideology be rationally justified?

You'll start an exploration of how educators can support and encourage curiosity and exploration in children, through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

You'll focus on understanding and developing teaching methods that can enhance childrens' learning. Incorporating STEAM concepts into each of these areas. You will have the chance to

• investigate
• observe
• and create opportunities for hands-on experiments and problem-based learning.

You'll also join discussions on the challenges and difficulties that may arise when implementing STEAM in different educational settings.

Explore the study and understanding of Culture and Society by looking at relevant Customs, Icons and Symbols with a particular emphasis on communicative practice of reading and written language in contexts.

How has humanity changed the environment — and how has the environment changed us?

You'll explore six centuries of environmental change through the history of sustainability, conservation and resource use, from the Columbian Exchange of the late fifteenth century to the Great Acceleration of the mid-twentieth. You'll examine how environmental change has been experienced and contested at local, national and global levels, and examine the political, economic, social and cultural forces shaping the consumption of energy, food and natural resources — while also considering what history can teach us about future policy solutions.

You'll also work with diverse historical sources, from demographic and institutional records to maps and plans, and develop practical digital history skills through designing your own digital map of environmental change.

On this module, you'll build your sense of a criminology community through collaborating and planning a criminology newsletter. This will help you take ownership of your criminology studies.

You'll build on the skills and knowledge you gained on Creating Criminology 1, where you will have interacted with guest speakers from careers and with recent alumni. You'll get to use alumni as interviewees for your Criminology newsletter. You'll also engage with discussions for your future after university, and where you can make a positive impact with your Criminology degree.

You will investigate contemporary practices in songwriting and composition for film and media.

You will be introduced to core practices in songwriting; fundamentals of film composition and the creation of film soundtracks; and explore key concepts in the creation and development of sound and music for media including computer games.

You will get to to participate as makers and theorists, building your foundational knowledge to support future projects in songwriting and media composition. You will get to listen and view media texts critically and then use these analyses to instigate your own creations.

You will take a historical journey through the dynamic world of cinema, where we'll explore how various factors like industry, policies, technology, and artistic expression have influenced this medium. Throughout this module, we'll look at the impact of significant revolutions in the film industry. We'll dive into the evolution of camera technology, the introduction of sound and colour, changes in screen ratios, special effects, and even the influence of laws and financial support. Your focus will be on the American film industry, with comparisons to European examples, spanning from the post-war era to contemporary cinema.

By the end of this module, you'll possess valuable analytical tools to decode the complex relationship between technology, creative practices, ideology, the audience experience, reception, and the intellectual climate. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of cinematic evolution with us.

Explore stylistic choices in film as a way to add substance to expressive and analytic elements. Firstly, you’ll take a historical approach to film style, through analysis of the significance of practices of filmmaking. Secondly, you’ll be encouraged to apply ideas on style and general choices to your specific projects.

You’ll be encouraged to look both into auteurist versions of style (why do David Lynch or Godard do the things they do?) and others focused on movements or sets of ideas (“neorealism”, “dogma”, etc.). “Classical” style is defined in the early lectures as a general basic template. By challenging certain aspects of classicism (editing, composition, logic, narration) styles can become distinctive and distinctly expressive. You’ll explore and contextualise the work of influential cinematographers of the past and present and be introduced to key areas of technical and artistic advancements – through practice and the practical application of taught concepts.

On this module you will build on your knowledge gained on Screenwriting Craft and Practice. You will carry out a detailed exploration of the anatomy of storytelling techniques for short/feature films and serial formats is complemented by close analyses of screenplays and their realisation on screen.

You will develop your own story ideas from original conception through the various stages typical of the related industrial practices, culminating in a script for a short film. You will focus on contemporary popular cinema and on genres. You will also learn from a professional scriptwriter who will contribute to the module.

You'll enhance your creative, practical, and collaborative skills in film production. Building on what you've learned in Screenwriting Craft and Practice, on this module you’ll take your abilities to the next level.

Through a mix of seminars, tutorials, and hands-on exercises, you’ll have a platform to excel in short film script development and production management. Get ready to create and shoot your own original works, gaining valuable experience along the way. This module is all about putting your skills into action and honing your filmmaking craft. Bringing your vision to life.

Learn how to plan and design visual and special effects for film, TV, immersive technologies and live event production. You’ll study the development of effects from early practical effects through to the latest virtual cinematography techniques.

You’ll experiment with traditional practical effects, motion capture and CGI to create and develop visual and special effects. Developing your knowledge of which approach and materials are the most appropriate to deliver the desired outcome. Also you’ll build your collaboration skills by working with fellow students to ensure the safe, accurate and effective execution of the desired effect.

You’ll get to grips with the principles, workflow, techniques, theory and practice of digital live broadcasts, live events and broadcasts. You’ll experience the entire workflow for a broadcast production from story development through to planning and realisation.

Starting with the creation through to the delivery of original products, you’ll carry out analysis of the implementation of the delivery process. You’ll work individually and in teams that will help you develop and prepare for employment. The final part of your module will be the production of a live broadcast.

You’ll look at issues and meet creative challenges that are involved in working with clients, and also respond to real-life briefs. The briefs will combine a mixture of technical and creative problems to be addressed, and you’ll work in production teams. Together, you’ll develop solutions and approaches for the client using methodologies and approaches specific to your path of study.

As a BA student, you’ll develop skills of concept artwork, art direction and scriptwriting, drawing on learning from previous modules. As a BSc student, you’ll work in collaboration and you’ll evidence your workflows and prototypes developed specifically to realise the brief and agreed production outcomes using the technical skills and knowledge that you’ve all built in previous modules.

This creative module will help you build on your skills gained on Curating Soundtracks and it will enable you to investigate the process of composition for

• television
• film
• advertising media
• mobile apps
• and computer games.

by composing for a variety of instrumental, electronic and vocal resources. Composition for visual media forms an important role in today’s music industry. You will be able to work to a written brief, develop creative strategies and learn to use recording, editing and composition software along with the music studio as a song writing, compositional and notational tool.

You will cover recording, editing, and mixing of sound effects in the recording studio with further applications in on-location sound effects recording.

You will build on your knowledge from the introductory module in Sound for Picture, to further develop your workflow skills, and develop your ability to listen critically to your own recordings and other professional sound effects recordings. and to plan and evaluate the use of sound effects within visual media production.

Making a variety of recordings you will enhance your understanding of microphone technique and begin to work with more involved stereo sound formats for larger soundscape effects recording. Recordings are made of a variety of different sound effects types which can be used in your portfolio for assessment.

Investigate the contemporary practices in songwriting and composition for film and media.

You will be introduced to the core practices in songwriting; fundamentals of film composition and the creation of film soundtracks; and to key concepts in the creation and development of sound and music for media including computer games.

Participating as makers and theorists. The key concepts that the you will engage with will act as foundational knowledge to support your future making projects in songwriting and media composition. You will listen and view media texts critically and then use these analyses to instigate your own practices.

The aim of this module is to develop your professional profile and professional confidence of through experiential learning opportunities and engagement with external organisations by undergoing work placements, internships and industry experiences. It aims to enable you to manage their own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to their disciplinary ambitions, situating your practice in a professional context. It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where you can operate as a freelancer and develop ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.

Develop your strategies and skills, preparing for a career in the vibrant realm of the 'creative industries'. What does that include? Think media journalism, film festivals, education, media distribution and publicity, heritage industries, and even academic and research-based positions.

This isn't just about learning; it's about preparing you for the dynamic landscapes of various creative fields. Whether you envision yourself in journalism, organising film festivals, shaping education, or delving into research, we’re here to offer you support to achieve your aim.

This module is your gateway to the world of film theories and analysis methods. We're giving you an overview of various film theories and the analysis methods tied to them. With a hands-on approach it’ll help you test the validity and relevance of different theoretical frameworks.

You’ll sharpen your sensitivity to the heuristic value (that's the practical usefulness) and the limits of film theory. This isn't just about studying theories; it's about applying them, understanding their strengths, and acknowledging their limitations.

Building on your groundwork laid in Making Film 6: Short Film Development, you're now diving into the action – the Production and Post-Production phases of your project.

We've got regular supervisory sessions lined up, ensuring you receive valuable feedback to fine-tune your project as it progresses. Together, we'll structure your project through these crucial phases, and not just that – we're gearing up to create a solid plan for distributing and marketing your finished masterpiece. Let's turn your vision into reality.

You'll be exploring the development and pre-production of a short film. What does that involve? Well, you'll be planning, researching, writing, and managing the production. Why? Because this is the groundwork for the exciting follow-on module – Short Film Project, where your creation comes to life on film.

But don't worry, you won't be navigating this alone. You’ve got a dedicated module leader and a consulting member of staff to guide you through the process. It's not just about making a film; it's about crafting your vision from the very beginning. Prepare to embark on this filmmaking journey.

Gear up for a double module designed to elevate your technical skills and pave the way for your Final Production Portfolio in Semester 2. This module is your ticket to exploring an advanced range of equipment and technologies. We're not just stopping there – let's dive into experimental practices and emergent forms in digital media, fine-tuning the specialised skills you need for your Final Production Portfolio.

Take a deep dive into the technical aspects of digital media production, covering advanced methodologies in film and TV production, visual and special effects, motion capture, and the pivotal roles of the Special Effects Supervisor, Technical Director, Digital Image Technician (DIT), and Digital Intermediary (DI). Get ready to progress your digital media production game.

Kickstart your journey towards the final production portfolio in semester 2! Here's what you’ll do on this module:

You, with guidance from your tutors, will dive into detailed planning for your upcoming production portfolio. This is your time to initiate, research, and negotiate ideas for your project work. Think of it as laying the groundwork for what's to come. Once the plans are set, you'll form production teams, gearing up for the exciting transition into production when the Final Production Portfolio module kicks off. Get ready to turn your ideas into reality.

You're about to enter into an intense, self-directed production period. What does that mean for you? It's time to bring to life those projects you meticulously pre-produced in preparation for your Final Production Portfolio.

You'll be completing, delivering, and screening portfolios of your work. It's not just about showcasing your technical prowess; it's about demonstrating the professionalism, innovative thinking, and mature team-working skills you've mastered throughout your studies. This is your chance to shine, and we're here to help you make it happen.

Throughout your course, you've honed your critical, contextual, and self-evaluative abilities. This module offers a supportive and structured environment to craft an extended critical study. It’s your opportunity to delve deep into a subject that sparks your intellectual curiosity. You'll sharpen your analytical prowess, broaden your contextual understanding, and enhance your ability to evaluate your own work. You’ll act as a researcher, a critical thinker, and a creator of meaningful insights.