Module: FTV4002-20 Introduction to Studio Production I

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sophie Francis

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.francis@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will provide you with an introductory theory/practice approach to studio television production in an ever-evolving TV Industry with associated Digital Media platforms.

Your skill and knowledge about television multi-cam production will be developed through guided research considering television fact/fiction genre; codes and conventions/ representation, and a range of practical exercises, specific technical training, creative thinking, and collaborative projects.

Programme and Production planning will also be explored, at a fundamental level, to empower you to assume the responsibilities needed to work as team players and planners of practical television exercises.

These studio roles and responsibilities will take place in an industry standard TV Studio complex. Basic craft skills in lighting, sound, cameras, vision mixing and talkback communications will be taught as part of the studio experience. These craft areas require both technical competence as well as aesthetic and creative awareness and will be taught alongside roles in Production and Studio Management.

In addition to practice based learning the module aims to develop a personal, reflective approach to the acquisition of industry relevant skills by way of:

Understanding employability options within the TV and Digital Media world.

Online portfolio development.

Critical reading and note taking.

Communicating effectively in the workplace.

Development of a personal approach to creative visual research (workbook or blog, for example).

2.Outline syllabus:

The workshops and seminars will cover:

Research into developments and trends in television production, convergence and trans media

Health and safety in a multi-camera television production

Technical apparatus of the television studio

Studio technical operational roles and techniques including vision mixing

Television studio craft skills; camera, sound, lighting

Studio communications to reflect industry practice and conventions

Developing ideas for a television programme, preparing documentation to support ideas and production; interview skills/multi-camera drama

Producing an interview in a multi-cam studio environment

Working as a studio television crew, produce a range of segments for a television programme adhering to television studio practice and procedure

Technical information to manage data (video) for play back/inserts

Sessions will comprise of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and practice-based (studio, edit suite or computer lab) workshops.

Seminars, industry guests and specialists, screenings and a variety of immersive production challenges will complement the usual sessions.

The remaining time will be spent in independent study, preparing for the sessions and exploring and reflecting on the techniques and concepts introduced in taught sessions.

Access to Studio and Post Production space on Campus will be provided and timetabled.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Lectures, seminars, workshops, teamwork, demos, studio productions

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Online Illustrated Production Journal (4000 words)

• % Weighting: 100%