Film

Group 6 subject

The Film course allows students to explore film as a powerful communication medium and an art form. The course aims to develop students’ skills so that they become adept in both interpreting and making film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts and exercises in filmmaking, the course explores film history, theory and language. To achieve an international understanding within the world of film, students are taught to consider film texts, theories and ideas from different individuals, nations and cultures. Throughout, students also learn and exercise the fundamentals of film production.

At the core lies a concern with clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement and imaginative synthesis that is achieved through practical engagement in the art and craft of film.

Course content

• Part 1 – textual analysis

• Part 2 – film theory and history

• Part 3 – creative process — techniques and organisation of production

From the very start, these three parts are taught concurrently so that students learn through both academic study and practical, creative filmmaking.

Grade 11

• The concept and origins of film

• The Silent Era, Soviet cinema and the development of film language

• Propaganda and Semiotics

• German Expressionism, Surrealism and Film Noir

• French New Wave, Italian Neorealism

• Hollywood: the studio system, ‘Golden Age’ and ‘New Hollywood’

• World Cinema including Spain, Hong Kong, Japan, Africa, New Zealand and France

• Postmodernism in Film

• Major Film Theories including representation, psychological, marxist and feminist theories, and genre

• New theoretical frameworks, such as representation and race in film

• Philosophy in film

• Film techniques and processes

• Acquisition of film-making skills and implementation into productions

• How to analyse film and write about it

• How to interpret style and meaning in film

• Creating multimedia essays

Grade 12

Internal and external assessment focus based on independent study:

• Textual analysis – a 1,750 word analysis of an extract from a prescribed film, based on a chosen extract (lasting no more than 5 minutes) from that film. Students consider the cultural context of the film and a variety of film elements.

• Comparative study – a recorded multimedia comparative study. Students carry out research into a chosen area of film focus, identifying and comparing two films from within that area and presenting their discoveries as a recorded multimedia comparative study lasting a maximum of 10 minutes.

• Film portfolio – students at SL and HL undertake a variety of film-making exercises in three film production roles. They acquire and develop practical skills and techniques through participation in film exercises, experiments and the creation of at least one complete film. They submit a written portfolio (max 9 pages, 3-page max per production role), and a film reel (9 minutes max; 3 minutes per production role, including one complete 3-minute film).

• Collaborative film project (HL only) – students at HL work collaboratively to make one additional complete film of 7 minutes max length. Students submit the film, and a 2,000 word project report.

Skills developed

• creative expression

• media literacy, analysis and interpretation

• interpersonal awareness

• organisation and planning

• problem-solving

• research

• technical skills

• visual and critical awareness

• working to deadlines

• reflection and evaluation

Assessment

• textual analysis – 30% (HL and SL)

• comparative study – 30% (HL and SL)

• film portfolio – 40% (HL and SL)

• collaborative film project (HL) – 35% (HL)

University courses and careers

Film degrees are offered in leading universities around the world and lead to a wide range of careers in:

• communications

• professional writing and screenwriting

• filmmaking and television journalism

• production management

• advertising and marketing

• field research

• sound and special effects

• post production