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Directing for Film & Television 1 - TFT00057M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the director's method for single-camera film and television production. You work through all phases of production from script analysis and visualisation, through to rehearsing and working with actors on set, to managing production crews.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To provide a theoretical and practical framework with which you can explore the creative and technical aspects of contemporary filmmaking as they relate to directing
  • To develop a critical understanding of, and an ability to respond to, performance - both among actors in drama and contributors in documentary.
  • To develop collaborative skills and relationships in preparation, production and postproduction.
  • To develop and encourage professional production values through technical expertise and reflective learning.
  • To emphasise the importance of creative and technical collaboration for the effective management of the production process in terms of use of time, working with other crew members and problem solving.

Module learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple creative, technical and managerial roles of the director
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the script and means by which it can be analysed to fulfil the director's interpretation of story
  • Support your creative output with comprehensive and reasoned technical documentation
  • Demonstrate an ability to project-manage, organising all required elements in a systematic way and managing time effectively to complete the project to schedule
  • Demonstrate an ability to reflect critically on the directing process, including discussion of aesthetic and technical aspects of film production.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative feedback will be given directly through the practical teaching and exercises delivered through teaching throughout the assessment, inc. "boot camp" shooting work, script analysis and working with actors.

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

Aristotle. (1996). Poetics. ISBN 9780140446364.

Dancyger, K. (2006). The Director's Idea' Focal Press. ISBN 0-240-80681-6.

Katz, S. (1991). Film Directing Shot by Shot. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 0-941188-10-8.

Katz, S. (1992). Film Directing Cinematic Motion. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 0-941188-14-0.

Pepperman, R. (2005). Setting Up Your Scenes. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 1-932907-08-4.

Proferes, N. (2005). Film Directing Fundamentals. Focal Press. ISBN 0-240-80562-3.

Weston, J. (1999). Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film and Television. Michael Weise Productions. ISBN 978-0941188241.

Wilkinson, C. (2005). The Working Director. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 1-932907-02-5.



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.