This course is designed for the new generation of filmmakers who write, shoot, edit and distribute their films themselves on High Definition video. The relatively low cost of high-quality equipment means that it is now possible to shoot video to broadcast standard without the resources of a large production company, and there is a market for such independent material distributed through international festivals and the internet.
MA/MFA in Film Making offers a comprehensive introduction to the language and understanding of film, and the international context of filmmaking with hands-on skills development in all the areas of practice essential to the role of the independent filmmaker. Students also acquire skills in production management, the business of the producer, and operating within the collaborative context which characterises this industry. For students completing their study at MA level, the final project requires the application of the
First term
The first term includes the modules Introduction to Film (this covers the essential skills in research for filmmaking, as well as knowledge and understanding of film techniques and vocabulary through analysis of specific case-studies by the likes of Kurosawa, Eisenstein, Kieslowski and Ang Lee) and Skills for Film Making (which introduces hands-on skills in camera use, lighting, sound, and editing, as students learn in workshops, studio settings and through small-group collaborative film-making).
Second term
The second term includes the module Producing and Production Management which examines the role of the producer in initiating and/or managing projects, including legal, contractual, and tax issues, as well as finding and managing finance, pitching processes and negotiating collaborative agreements.
Students will learn about the range of methods of distribution open to independent filmmakers and be offered a comprehensive introduction (through seminars, case-studies and exercises) to the essentials of production management including personnel and crew issues, scheduling, budgeting, planning, site safety and risk assessment.
Third term
The third term includes the module Filmmaking Practice and Advanced Film Analysis which extends the work introduced in Skills for Filmmaking in the first term. Students work in small groups on a collaborative short film (five minutes), using student actors from outside the course and a single camera location, lighting techniques and sound elements. Students edit the final product to screening standard.
Fourth term
The fourth term is devoted to work on a written dissertation on some aspect of the field of independent filmmaking or a practical project. This practical project entails planning, shooting (in HD) and postproduction of a 15-20 minute film, using actors or other participants from outside the course and a range of locations. Students are involved in both live and post-production sound (including music), plus a 5,000 word portfolio on the film that includes a discussion of strategies for its distribution.
The second year
MFA students take a second year which includes a detailed study of the theory and practice of documentary filmmaking, with an option to pursue a documentary project outside the UK, and the creation of a substantial independent film from planning through to post-production.
MA/MFA Filmmaking requires a first degree in an appropriate field or relevant work experience. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a mature attitude to the profession as well as a good working knowledge of English, especially verbal understanding a
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk