Subject Area: Film Studies

This course provides some practical experience in video-making and gives you an understanding of the basic concepts that underlie a video production, from script to final cut. Video Production allows you to put into practice some of the theories and conceptual materials that you have covered in your preceding studies. You will have the opportunity to create a range of short video works with an emphasis on conceptual innovation. You are encouraged to look for practical solutions to theoretical problems concerning film/video that you may have encountered during your film and media courses. You will be introduced to the basic technical skills of operating a camera, lighting, scripting, pre-production planning, editing and presentation. The course aims to increase your practical knowledge and awareness of film language, style, process, and technique by way of craft-based functional workshop exercises, independent assembly and a substantial group-generated production process. The course encourages collaborative working practices to a professional standard.

In the first six weeks, your production skills will be developed and challenged through a range of technical exercises and a series of obstructions. You will be also required to develop the script and pre-production of your project. In the second part of the course, working as a group you will produce two short films. These films will then be curated and programmed for a special screening at the end of semester. The screening of a range of short fiction and factual films will introduce you to the art of the short film. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate these films, your own work and the work of others and to test theoretical positions with creative solutions and practical exercises.