FT2CSP-Creative Screen Practice

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites: FT1ITF Introduction to Filmmaking
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FT2EL Exploring Location FT2CCP Community and Collaborative Practice
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Dominic Lees
Email: d.lees@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

You will develop, shoot and edit a short film, documentary or television project in a creative team. Your film, documentary or television production will be rooted in research, and in the critical and theoretical concepts and traditions of industry practice you have encountered so far on the degree.ÌýÌý

You will explore key production roles and practices within the industry, and build your awareness and skill in processes of creative design and story development. You will focus in particular on the short film form informed by industry contexts, drawing on festivals, visiting speakers, and your own independent research.ÌýÌý

Aims:

The module aims: to develop students' collaborative production competencies by the realisation of a short practical project; to develop an understanding of the way in which creative processes relate to research, to critical analysis, and to industry practices; to extend skills of analysis and evaluation by relating critical and theoretical issues to filmic or televisual decision-making in practice; to enhance the students' professionalism and range of professional skills in the fields of film and television; to encourage students to identify and present skills which enhance their employability.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module learners will be expected to:

• demonstrate the critical, technical and organisational expertise required to organise a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama;


• demonstrate systematic and coherent collaborative decision-making in the production of a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama.


• relate practical decisions in film or television to theoretical, critical and cultural ideas developed in earlier or concurrent critical modules;


• set out the critical and practical intentions for a short film, a documentary or television studio drama informed by relevant theoretical concepts and contexts, and taking account of defined production constraints, in both pitch and written forms;


• document and reflect on processes of production;Ìý


• develop research skills when exploring production roles and collaborative practiceÌý


• perform one or more production crew roles on a film set or television studio in line with establishedÌý industry practices;Ìý


• evaluate and analyse the outcome of a practical project critically, taking account of audience reception, the relationship of initial intentions to the final production, and levels of critical and creative success.Ìý

Additional outcomes:

This module develops in students skills of collaboration and leadership, particularly managerial and organisational skills. Decision-making and its consequences are central to the course, as are independent and group research. The module extends skills and competencies which are central to the degree: team work; oral communication and group co-operation; library usage to assist in independent work; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources: critical analysis of visual and written material and coherent argument; presentation of written work using IT.Ìý

Outline content:

Students taking this module will explore industry production through research and through practice. They can choose to pursue practical work in either film or television. Students develop collaboratively, under supervision, a short film, a documentary or a television studio drama. There will be opportunities to document and evaluate the work, as well as reflect on the process of building skills and knowledge. Early parts of the module consist of a range of preparatory exercises and workshopsdesigned to develop particular skills relating to different elements of the chosen medium. Later parts of the module involve the development of practical projects based on taught elements and independent work.ÌýÌý