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Filmmaking - TFT00047I

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

Module summary

As the title implies, this module covers all of the key aspects and stages of filmmaking. And, best of all, you write and direct a film! You may also photograph, light, sound-record or edit it, if you wish - as well as work as a crewmember on the films made by other students. It really is a full-on immersion into the challenges and rewards of cinematic storytelling. Films made for this module invariably feature heavily in the student-run Luma film festival, and some go on to play in festivals in the UK and beyond. Students choose to tell stories in fiction, non-fiction (documentary) or experimental forms. But whatever type of film you make, you’ll learn much more about the skills, creativity and critical thinking required in an industry that’s constantly evolving. This is a challenging module. Developing, writing, filming and finishing a film is hard work. It’s a test of stamina and nerve, as well as of your creativity and craft. But, as past students will tell you (and your tutors too), there’s nothing quite like seeing your completed work projected on the cinema screen for the first time.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24
B Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To provide an inter-disciplinary course structure in which you explore all stages of the film creation process
  • To provide a comprehensive grounding in the application of picture and sound technologies and production methods in the film production process
  • To provide a basic foundation in market research as it relates to film presentation to determine target markets and gauge effectiveness in meeting specified goals

Module learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of crew members and their position within the overall film production framework
  • Demonstrate an ability to develop, refine and present film program concepts in both written and visual form
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyse story and script requirements to develop an effective production strategy
  • Demonstrate an ability to prepare for and manage film pre-production including script development, budgeting, scheduling and procurement of required elements for filming
  • Demonstrate an ability to apply standard production techniques to create visual and aural elements for a film project
  • Describe the postproduction process including all steps required to finish visual and sound elements
  • Demonstrate the ability to assemble, refine and finish all visual and aural assets into a complete film program
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the assessment process to gauge the effectiveness of a program in conveying the intended story or message to a specific target audience

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students receive regular feedback on informal development exercises (e.g., creating a concept outline, presenting a pitch of a story idea, creating a draft treatment, etc.) as part of timetabled seminar sessions.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 50

Module feedback

You will receive in-person feedback for the formative first draft screenplay/rich treatment exercise in time-tabled sessions with tutors. You will receive detailed written feedback on the production project, paperwork and presentation assessments, in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

  • Quinn, E & Counihan, J (2006) The Pitch Faber and Faber, ISBN: 0-571-227414
  • Katz, Steven, (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN 0-941188-10-8
  • Simon, D & Wiese, M (2006) Film and Video Budgets, 4th edition, Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN 1-932-907106
  • Singleton, R Film (1997) Scheduling, 2nd edition, Lone Eagle, ISBN 0-943-728398
  • Proferes, N Film (2008) Directing Fundamentals, 3rd edition, Focal Press, ISBN 0-240-809408
  • Frost, J (2009) Cinematography for Directors, Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN 978-1-932907-55-1
  • Weston, J (199) Directing Actors, Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN 0-941-188248
  • Murch, W (2001) In the Blink of an Eye Silman-James Press, 2nd edition, ISBN 1-879505-62-2
  • Wyatt, H and Amyes, (2003) T Audio Post Production for Television and Film: An introduction to technology and techniques, Focal Press, ISBN 0-240-51947-7
  • Yewdall, D.L., (2003) Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound Focal Press, ISBN 0-240-80525-9
  • Adcock, D et al. (2004) Marketing Principles Financial Times/ Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-582-849551


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.