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Sequence analyses.movSkills in Film Analysis
The clips and voiceover embedded on the left offer an example of how film analysis works.
As you can see, we explore technical decisions across camera work, staging (colour, costume, lighting, set design), sound design and editing, enabling you to unpick films in forensic detail and with impressive sophistication. The analysis of clips from 28 Days Later, Up and The Bourne Supremacy provide an indication of the kind of analysis you will be capable of after even just a month of your studies.
Try out your own film analysis at the 'Sample Lesson' page.
Filmmaking - No prior experience of camerawork or editing is required. Everything is taught on the course.
Ultimately, not only will you be able to think about and write about films with great clarity and precision, you'll also be able to shoot, edit and mix sound for your own individual film productions.Â
Screenwriting - No prior experience of screenplay writing is required. Everything is taught on the course.
Every film and television show you watch started off as words on the page. Skilled screenwriters bring the film to life through careful description, world building and the development of characters. Delving into the intricacies of film construction we will discover the reasons why filmmakers choose particular approaches to storytelling, analysing the way stories are structured to maximise their dramatic power. You'll learn to take apart these storytelling strategies and put together your own stories as you learn the craft of screenwriting.
Applying Theory to Film
One of the most exciting things about our role as Film teachers is that we have the pleasure of revealing how much more interesting film entertainments become when we dig a little deeper. By applying complex and fascinating theories such as 'Structuralism' and 'Formalism' we can come to a better understanding of how and why stories are structured in the way they are. 'Spectatorship theory' reveals the complex psychological processes at work as we connect with onscreen characters, have our responses shaped by filmmakers and find ourselves pushed towards certain ideas. By looking at 'Political theory' we begin to appreciate that, whether they know it or not, films shape our attitudes and values, having a huge impact on our beliefs. 'Feminist' and 'Masculinity Studies' readings of films help us to understand the ways in which our attitudes to gender are reinforced or challenged. 'Postmodernism', 'Marxism', 'Auteur theory', 'Semiotics'...the list goes on. These are theoretical frameworks that will help you to see just how endlessly interesting films and Film Studies can be.
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