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The Art and Science of Film and Television Production: Part 1 - TFT00040C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

From the ground up you will be learning skills for professional film and television production and postproduction practice. The emphasis is on making things, learning the tools and techniques to be able to turn your ideas into productions that will help you create compelling stories that have a high ‘production value’. The module provides a balance between technical considerations and their scientific underpinning, and aesthetic considerations. The ethos of the module is one in which these two aspects cannot be divided as they are interdependent.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to:

  • provide an inter-disciplinary course structure in which you will explore the aesthetic, technical and practical application of audio and image production systems in the creation of film and television projects.
  • provide a controlled environment in which students can learn professional practices in production planning, risk assessment, safe handling of equipment and basic system maintenance.
  • provide a realistic forum in which you can develop professional audio, moving image and lighting production skills to fulfil creative objectives. To provide a basic foundation in human perception of sound and image as they relate to recorded moving images and sound.
  • introduce you to sustainable practices in the screen industries.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module you are expected to be able to:

  • Understand the importance of 'directorial vision' - as ‘sounds’ and ‘images’ are the necessary components that help to convey the main theme/mood/ message/ the director aims to create for the story/programme/show.
  • Understand the importance of 'image' and 'sound' being separate elements, yet able to create a whole new meaning when combined in the film or show.
  • Describe and demonstrate the correct usage of audio, moving image and lighting production equipment with a clear understanding of safety procedures.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process of planning production sessions for both studio and location work, including performing full risk assessments.
  • Demonstrate an ability to use audio, moving image and lighting equipment to fulfil creative objectives.
  • Describe and explain sound and picture production methodologies used in television and film projects and how those techniques might be applied in different contexts (e.g. narrative, light entertainment, documentary, etc.).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between picture and sound production.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sustainable productions and carbon footprints, as well as the albert sustainability scheme.
  • Describe electrical concepts and physical concepts (including acoustics and optics) as they relate to audio systems, lighting systems and moving image camera systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how sound and moving picture system design affects basic human perception.
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyse and calculate specific technical requirements of sound and picture systems (such as power loads, bandwidth requirements, sampling rates, storage requirements, etc.).

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Practical 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students will be receiving formative feedback in the practical sessions.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Bordwell, David and Kristin Thompson (2016) Film Art: An Introduction, McGraw-Hill Education

Brown, Blain (2012) Cinematography Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors, Focal Press

Owinski, Bobby (2014) The Recording Engineer’s Handbook, Course Technology Learning Centre

Rabiger, Michael (2004) Directing the Documentary, Focal Press

Viers, Rick (2012) The Location Sound Bible, Michael Wiese Productions

Proferes N. (2008) Film directing fundamentals : see your film before shooting, 3rd Edition. Focal Press

Katz S. (1991) Film directing shot by shot : visualizing from concept to screen, Michael Wiese Productions

Gil B. (2003) First time director : how to make your breakthrough movie, Michael Wiese

Frost J. (2020) Cinematography for Directors: A Guide for Creative Collaboration, 2nd Ed. Michael Wiese


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.