Film Production Technology

Audio-Visual Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

This module introduces you to a range of equipment used on a film set. You'll develop the skills and understanding required for camera operation, audio acquisition and lighting techniques for film. You'll examine the scientific principles behind the practical skills that inform the filmmaker's ability to achieve a cinematic quality product when using lighting, audio and camera technologies.

The Evolution of Film Technology (20 Credit Points)

Throughout this module you'll study the historical development of film technology and assess the impact technological change has had on the industry. You'll be given the opportunity to investigate a range of film examples, past and present, in order to assess the impact technology has had and continues to have on changes in film production, distribution and access.

Film Project Management (20 Credit Points)

This module will develop your ability to work in small groups to project manage the technical requirements of a film shoot. You'll be taught how to break down a script in terms of its technical requirements whilst also learning about the different stages of project management in preparation for location filming including location scouting, risk assessment, kit specifications, crewing, budgeting and scheduling. You'll be expected to show a detailed understanding of the health and safety regulations that govern the film industry and in particular location filming.

Applied Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

During this module you'll be expected to work collaboratively as a part of a production team on a film set. As part of the production team it is expected that you'll demonstrate proficiency working with a particular piece of hardware in a particular discipline. Through self-reflection and evaluation you'll also need to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the camera, lighting and audio technologies applied to your production.

Post-Production Technology for Film (40 Credit Points)

Throughout this module you'll learn how to use post-production software for both visual and audio. You'll develop an understanding of the technologies involved and its impact on the creative process. You'll gain experience within the workflow of the technologies and understand the interrelationships between software, developing skills that will enable you to implement post-production theory in a practical way with a varied pool of resources.

Advanced Film Technologies (20 Credit Points)

This module introduces you to the technical specifications and requirements of a range of complex film grip equipment. You'll learn to operate the equipment whilst also investigating the scientific principles surrounding camera and lighting technologies when shooting for visual effects content.  You'll then be required to plan and shoot a technically complex sequence using appropriate specialist equipment.

Short Film Development (20 Credit Points)

This module will require you to independently study the short film genre. You'll be expected to research appropriate markets to inform the development and production of your own short film to be entered into a relevant and well justified short film competition. Working under the guidance of an industry partner you'll undertake the pre-production of your own short film, ensuring that the correct health and safety regulations are fully considered. You'll be expected to make appropriate judgments in the planning of your production and demonstrate the ability to problem solve.

Short Film Production (20 Credit Points)

During this module you're expected to independently produce a short film aimed at a film festival or short film competition. You'll be expected to demonstrate the ability to work in appropriate film production environments working to the necessary health and safety regulations. You'll independently undertake production management of the workflow, processes and professional practice in the successful delivery of your own short film.

Advanced Post-Production Technology for Film (40 Credit Points)

Within this module you'll develop more advanced skills in the areas of post-production for film. This will involve visual effects, colour correction and picture grading for film post-production; and dubbing, mixing, ADR and Foley for audio post-production. You'll also learn how to deliver content for distribution for cinema using the correct technical procedures. Using the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in this module you'll work with an industry partner or client to post-produce a product to be shown in the cinema.

Industry Practice (20 Credit Points)

During this module you'll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy. This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

Digital Film Production (40 Credit Points)

The aim of this module is for you to develop an innovative and ambitious digital film project of your own design demonstrating flexibility and creativity whilst working both independently and in collaboration with others. You'll develop critical and technological skills that allow you to develop and realise your professional digital film production. Alongside developing professional production skills, you'll also extend your theoretical knowledge in order to develop your understanding of creative film practice.

Exhibition (20 Credit Points)

This module will provide you with a broad framework for planning your own film exhibition event. Working in collaboration with your peers you'll undertake planning and project management to host your own film festival. You'll explore factors including how to organise a film festival, build partnerships and identify a suitable programme of films for exhibition. Working with your peers you'll investigate the operational issues and technical considerations required for your festival and you'll research how to raise appropriate finance and work with budgets and cash flow. The module will also explore the press and marketing of films festivals and you'll plan and execute appropriate marketing strategies for your own film exhibition.

Interactive Film (20 Credit Points)

You'll explore interactive filmmaking technology and techniques, allowing you to build on your film production skills whilst investigating audience interaction beyond the screen, through technology advances.

The types of technology you'll cover could include:

• Using apps to allow the audience to direct the story
• Streaming websites
• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Reality
• 360 Reality Audio
• Exhibition of interactive films

The module will build on technical skills you have already developed over the previous two years, allowing you to build more complex narrative and deliverables.

Building on the technical skills you have developed thus far, you will learn how to work with relevant materials and equipment, and gain grounding in the essential artistic, scientific and technological principles underpinning the planning process and production of interactive film.

Technology Investigation (40 Credit Points)

This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake sustained investigation into a specific area of creative technology that builds on your previous knowledge, experience and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5. This module will allow you to explore critically a specific issue or area of personal interest within your chosen field allowing you to explore individual lines of enquiry connected to your career goals. You'll achieve this by undertaking a self-initiated practical research project supported by tutor supervision.

As part of this investigation you'll also enhance your abilities to communicate your findings with an audience and consolidate your skills in project management and self directed work, both of which are vital for a career within the creative media industries.

The module serves to acquaint you with the key skills and practices required to undertake and complete independent project research and to create practical creative media technology products as a response.

Upon successful completion, you'll have the option to progress to Confetti's MA Creative Technologies or MSc Creative Technologies, apply for internships or job roles within industry.

Typical job roles in industry might include:

• Camera operator
• Camera assistant
• Gaffer
• DIT
• Edit assistant
• Offline-editor
• Online-editor
• Colour grader