A level Film Studies

Film Studies is designed to introduce you to a wide variety of films in order to broaden your knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This course offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language.

Entry Requirements: GCSE grade 5 across subjects including English and Maths.

Specification: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/en/qualifications/film-studies-as-a-level/#tab_overview

Below are additional resources and a transition task to help prepare you for A Level Film at Cowes Sixth Form

A Level Film Studies Research task:

Task 1:

Watch the Mark Kermode The secrets of cinema Super heroes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000gg30/mark-kermodes-secrets-of-cinema-series-2-1-superheroes

Task 2:

Analyse a short sequence from a superhero film focussing on film language. You can choose any superhero film.

Read the charts about the key elements of film form. Think about how meaning is created (shot types/sound/lighting/mise-en-scene/editing) using this information and the recommended texts.

•Choose a 3-5 minute sequence and apply the key elements of film form to it.

• Write a short piece about how meaning is created for the spectator in the sequence you have chosen. Consider the response the director is trying to evoke from the audience

Film Studies

Introduction: Analysis of Film

The Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) is a very useful web-based resource that you will find helpful in every aspect of your Film Studies course.

Search under INSERT FILM to find out the following. Use the LEFT HAND toolbar to search under the appropriate headings:

1. What is the overall user rating for this film?2

2. How well did the film do at the box office in its opening weekend in the US?

3. How have fans responded to the film? (Provide a quote that you agree with).

4. How have external reviewers (also known as critics) responded to the film? Pick key quotes from 2 of the reviews on the site.

5. What genres does the film fall under?

6. What is the tagline for the film?

7. Who is the film directed by and what other films have they directed?

8. What are the main stars of the film currently working on?

9. What other films have these actors starred in? Which ones have you heard of?

10. Look under ‘Fun Stuff’. What goofs took place during the filming? (Pick 1 or 2)

Please visit the official site for the movie: INSERT LINKhttp://www.sonypictures.com/movies/pineappleexpress/

Use any spare time to find information relating to films/directors/stars of your own interest on IMDB.

Task 3:

Choose a film by your favourite director. Produce an information booklet or a digital presentation which you will present to the class in September. It should contain the following elements:

·A detailed review of the film (which you have written yourself)

·Think about the pleasures contained within the film for you as a spectator.

·Include information like memorable scenes and powerful moments.

·Research the star –are they always linked to this genre? What is their star quality? Why were they chosen for the role?

·Industry information –how was the film received by the critics when it was released? What was the initial budget for the film? How much did the film take at the box office?

·Was this a major studio production or a small independent film? What differences do you think this makes to the end product?

·Please be prepared to present the research to your peers and ensure you can support your ideas with evidence.

Task 4:

Watch a European film (non-English speaking) Make brief notes on the pleasures and challenges of viewing a text where the language or context is unfamiliar. For example: Solaris(1972), Chocolat (2016), Cinema Paradiso(1988)or free choice.

Task 5:

Curate a Cinema Programme

Design a programme for your own cinema. You could theme it around

a genre or theme (sci-fi films, black and white films, films from the

same director or a particular country etc). Use the worksheets below.