This module enhances key filmmaking and story-telling skills through practice and through a supervised group engagement with perennial problematics of film language. In supporting students through the process of filmmaking, the module encourages the development of technical confidence and independent critical thinking.

The module requires that you have passed Constructing Narratives and Scripts and Screens.

Knowledge and Understanding

• A fuller appreciation of the possibilities of narrative filmmaking
• An understanding of the production process and working with limitations and time limits
• Refining key filmmaking skills in regard to composition, pacing, use of actors, choice and use of locations

Skills

• Production and organisational skills
• Working with actors, training and eliciting performances
• Choreographing and blocking
• Telling a story using pictures and sound
• Editing and pacing
• Creative and considered use of sound

This module is delivered through individual supervision with some group work with other students who are also carrying out a narrative video project.

The student is guided through the process of (1) writing a proposal (developing ideas begun at level HE2 in Film Research (2) production (keeping a notebook focussing on composition, use of location, actors, performance, sound, costume, colour, light, story clarity) (3) post production (including screening various cuts) and (4) evaluation (description of the learning process).

This module is largely about developing independent learning through the experience of carrying through a significant project. Supervision focuses on ensuring that the student is aware of the tasks that need to be carried out and of the need to manage time and resources skilfully.  Through group work with other students doing a project, particularly at the postproduction stage, the student also develops an understanding of the relationship between critical evaluation and the refinement of practice.

Tony Barr (1997) Acting for the Camera New York : Harper Perennial

Andre"¢ Bazin (1971) What is cinema? : essays selected and translated [from the French] by Hugh Gray London : California University Press,.

Bruce Block (2008) The Visual Story: Creating the visual Structure of Film, TV and digital media Oxford : Focal

Bordwell, David (2004) Film art : an introduction London : McGraw-Hill

Michael Figgis (2007) Digital Filmmaking London : Faber and Faber

Steven D Katz (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from concept to screen Studio City, CA : Michael Wiese Productions in conjunction with Focal Press

David Mamet (1991) On Directing Film London Penguin

Robert McKee (1999) Story: substance, style, and the principles of screenwriting London: Methuen .

Alexander MacKendrick (2004) On Filmmaking New York Faber and Faber

Michael Rabiger (1989) Directing: film techniques and aesthetics Boston, Mass.; London : Focal.

Tarkovsky, Andrey (1996) Sculpting in Time : reflections on cinema Austin, TX : University of Texas Press , 1996.

Judith Weston (2003) The Film Director's Intuition Script Analysis and Rehearsal Techniques Studio City, Calif. : Michael Wiese.