Film

The IBDP Film course allows students to explore film as a powerful communication medium and 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. The course is both academic and practical in nature.

Course Content

12th Grade Collaborative Project Report excerpt, "Do-Nothing Devil"

Grade 12 Collaborative Project Report excerpt, "Siblings"

Reading film

SL and HL students will examine film as an art form, studying a broad range of film texts from a variety of cultural contexts, and will analyze how film elements combine to create meaning.

Contextualising film

SL and HL students will explore the evolution of film across time, space and culture. Students will examine various areas of film focus in order to recognise the similarities and differences that exist between films from contrasting cultural contexts.

Exploring film production roles

SL and HL students will explore various film production roles through engagement with all phases of the filmmaking process in order to fulfill their own filmmaker intentions. Students will acquire, develop and apply skills through filmmaking exercises, experiments and completed films.

Collaboratively producing film (HL only)

HL students will focus on the collaborative aspects of filmmaking and experience working in core production teams in order to fulfill shared artistic intentions. They will work in chosen film production roles and contribute to all phases of the filmmaking process in order to collaboratively create original completed films.

Course Outline

Grade 11

Unit 1: Film Basics

The Film Basics unit will explore the concept of cinematography as painting with light. Learners will understand how light is controlled by the camera to expose a frame through the use and understanding of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. They will also understand how white balance and the focal length of a lens affect the look of the frame. All of these concepts will be tied together with an exploration of mise-en-scene and how to stage a frame. For those of you who are new to film, this first half term will build the skills, knowledge, and terminology you will need for DP Film.

Unit 2: Storytelling

Unit 2 will explore the concept of Storytelling and Story Structure in film. Learners will understand that while storytelling is an art form, there are basic elements to storytelling in films that should be followed. They will explore how filmmakers use loglines, themes, motifs, metaphors, juxtaposition, and satire to create compelling stories. Through analysis, discussion, and creative exercises, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling in film.

Film Portfolio IA (HL/SL)

Learners at SL and HL undertake a variety of filmmaking exercises in a range of film production roles in order to fulfill defined filmmaker intentions. They acquire and develop practical skills and techniques through participation in film exercises, experiments, and the creation of at least one completed film. Students reflect on how learning has further contributed to their understanding of film production roles and the extent to which their filmmaker intentions were fulfilled.

Annotated screenplay for 11G film, "Yesterday"

Grade 11 student camera and lighting blocking diagram, "Yesterday"

Grade 12

Analyzing Film

We will explore the relationship between Film, Culture, and Filmmaker's Intentions. The "Analyzing Film" unit deepens the learners' understanding of Film Analysis through the study of the interconnectedness of Film Movements, Film Genres, Film Theory, and Cultural Context. Through a blend of critical analysis, film screenings, discussions, and film projects, learners will uncover the layers of meaning, cultural influences, and theories that shape cinematic narratives.

Textual Analysis EA (HL/SL)

The Textual Analysis is a written analysis of a prescribed film text, based on a chosen extract (lasting no more than five minutes) from that film. Students consider the cultural context of the film and a variety of film elements in their analysis, which is written using appropriate film vocabulary.

Comparative Study EA (HL/SL)

The Comparative Study is a 10-minute Video Analysis essay in which learners 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.

The purpose of the Comparative Study (CS) is to develop a learner's understanding of Film as an art form and to enhance a learner's critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.

Collaborative Project EA (HL ONLY)

For the purposes of this assessment task, students are required to work collaboratively as part of core production teams of two to four students from within the school community. Students can choose to work collaboratively with other DP film students from the same class (including SL students), with students from the school who are not part of the DP film course (including film students in the year below or students who are not taking DP film) or a mix of both. The core production team is fully responsible for defining the scope of the original film and for ensuring that all creative and logistical aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production are carried out successfully.