Module: FTV4005-20 Short Film Production: Documentary
Level: 4
Credit Value: 20
Module Tutor: Mike Johnston
Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Johnston@bathspa.ac.uk
1. Brief description and aims of module:
The module builds on FTV4000-20 and further develops your skills in the use of lighting, camera, audio and editing techniques. However, the emphasis in this module is on documentary storytelling (in contrast to FTV4002-20’s focus on fiction). Skills will be further developed in terms of narrative construction and filming and editing of sequences. The module will cover the differences and similarities between fiction and non-fiction narrative construction. You will develop an understanding of documentary storytelling and ways of creating a narrative thread through contextual study and practical work. Editorial judgement and its application in all phases of production is key. The role and practice of good team working and dynamics will be highlighted. This module is a required step towards the specialist modules at Level Five.
2.Outline syllabus:
The workshops and seminars will cover:
further experience with camera, sound and editing
basic 3 point lighting for camera
‘shooting for the edit’ (sequential shooting)
best practices for media organisation
generating a story idea for a short documentary
researching a short documentary
creative storytelling in the documentary genre
develop, refine and produce a short documentary
effective use of recce and risk assessment procedures
constructively review and evaluate their work
3.Teaching and learning activities:
The module will use a mixture of lectures, seminars, screenings and technical workshops. From these workshops, each student will develop mastery of production skills through a number of practical film-making challenges and editorial discussion and development, culminating in the final group project: a short documentary.
Assessment Type: CW
Description: A short documentary film and a production folder produced as a team.
% Weighting: 50%
Assessment Type: CW
Description: An individual portfolio
% Weighting: 50%