Entry Requirements

GCSE Media or Film Studies at grade 4 or BTEC Level 2 in Creative Digital Media Production at Merit. In exceptional circumstances, students who have not previously studied these subjects may be admitted IF they show a particular aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. 

Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel

Why Study the Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production (Digital Film and Video Production)?

What is it like to work in the world of Media? Who are the key players? What does a producer actually do? How do you create a green screen effect? If some of these questions interest you, then this is the course for you.

During this course of study we will give you the opportunities to develop hands-on practical skills with software and hardware that is often used in real media industries. You will also learn about the practices and processes of media industries by investigating current media companies. The work on the BTEC qualifications in this specification are Level 3 qualifications, designed to provide highly specialist, work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors. This option is designed to provide a technical introduction to digital film and video production. Learners develop skills in areas such as storyboarding, single and multi-camera techniques, sound recording and film editing. Learners will have the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of Media production processes and develop a range of professional Media career skills. This qualification is for post-16 learners who are looking to progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, employment or to further education and training. This course is equivalent to one A level

What Topics Will I Study?

Learners will undertake 5 units in total. The 4 internally assessed units include: Film Fiction, Storyboarding, Single Camera Techniques and Film Editing. The single externally assessed unit is a synoptic project that requires students to bring together their learning from the course in completing work to a client brief relating to a specific media sector and its associated digital skills.

How Will I Be Assessed?

The 4 internally assessed units each contribute to a combined outcome and we will work on these throughout Year 12 and into Y13. Learners will work on separate set assignment briefs to complete a range of tasks. 

For example with Single Camera Techniques, learners will first research the use of single camera productions, undertake close analysis of specific examples, before planning for and then filming their own single camera sequence. 

The 1 externally assessed unit is a response to a set project brief that will not be released until the Spring of Y13.  Learners will use their knowledge and skills to meet the brief and their work will be sent to Pearson BTEC for external marking and grading.

An Example of the Type of Work Involved

Researching and analysing music videos/short film, planning your own video before filming and sound recording then editing using post-production techniques to create your own personal product. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Some students will go directly into work in entry level positions in media industries and others will continue on to further specialised study.
Some students will go directly into work in entry level positions in media industries and others will continue on to further specialised study. On completion of this course students will be suited to progress to study for a specialised degree in Film / Media studies, a combined degree with media as the major or subsidiary component, further training or industry employment.
Students are given the opportunities to develop their own personal show reel of work that will help differentiate themselves from the masses of other students. Recent graduates of this course have gone on to degree courses in Film, Marketing, Journalism, and Digital Effects/Animation Recent graduates of this course have gone on to degree courses in marketing, journalism, and digital effects/animation. 

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying this Course

As we rebound from Covid 19, we will restore our programme of vocational experiences to give learners the opportunity to see how creative media is used in a vocational business setting with visits from industry professionals and trips to media industry locations. There will be opportunities to meet key practitioners from the media industries (film-makers, broadcasters, presenters etc.) and visit contemporary media institutions e.g. Sky TV, BBC, Curzon Cinemas, Pinewood Film Studios, Ravensbourne University have all recently been part of our students’ previous experiences.