Storytelling and Video Production
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| INCM4112 | School of International Communications | 4 | 20 | Spring China |
- Code
- INCM4112
- School
- School of International Communications
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring China
Summary
This module will introduce learners to the professional production workflow and technical skills required for creating a film or video project. Students will develop basic skills in video production and technique by creating a group five-minute video. There will be a specific focus on training students with relevant knowledge and basic practical skills in filming, editing and sound recording.
At the start of the module, the basic principles of screenwriting will be taught and, in turn, students will complete a script for a five-minute video. Students will then be assigned to a group to create a five-minute video. During this stage, students should share their five-page film scripts before agreeing on which screenplay their group will produce. Once students have agreed on a screenplay for production, they will start pre-production together.
Within each group, students will need to specialise in one of the following production roles: director, cinematographer, editor or sound operator. Students will be formally assessed against their production role in relation to the development and creation of their group video project, along with script. Performing a production role also serves as an opportunity for students to apply theoretical approaches to their specialised position. This should be linked to their creative decision making, particularly for enhancing technical and aesthetic quality, as well as for generating meaning.
In a 3,000 essay, students critically reflect on their creative collaboration, the technical and aesthetic quality of their group film project, as well as applied theoretical approaches for generating meaning. In particular, students will need to critically reflect on their specific role in respect to the complex nature of creative collaboration for executing the director’s vision. This essay is a key component of the module because, whilst student videos should demonstrate basic skills in video production, it serves as a conduit for learners to contextualise outcomes specific to their specialist role, such as technical deficiencies.
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester. Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Note that the above describes directed learning activities and that students groups are expected to work independently outside of the workshops. The deadline for students submitting their films and reflective essays will be at the end of the spring term.
Assessment
- 100% Project 1: Equivalent 4,000 words + 2,000 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aims of this module are:•To provide students with an understanding of the professional production workflow and technical skills required to work as a filmmaker or a short video producer;•To train students at a basic level in these technical skills so they can use them for the creative production of a five-minute group film project;•To explore theoretical approaches against at least one specialised role within film production to develop student aesthetic awareness and technical skills;•To demonstrate technical proficiency and aesthetic awareness in a specific film production role assigned during the development of a five-minute group film project;•To reflect on the outcomes of a specific film production role, application of theoretical approaches, skills acquired, as well as the collaborative process during the creation of a five-minute film project.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
• Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge and critical understanding of the theories and practices governing film and video production (A2);
• Intellectual skills: understanding concepts and ideas and relate them to film and video production (B3).
• Practical skills: select, sift and synthesise information relevant to filmmaking from a wide arrange of sources (C1).
o Plan and deliver sustained pieces of filmmaking (C3)
• Transferable/key skills: use IT for filmmaking purposes, such as camera work and editing (D7).
Conveners
- Dr Levi Dean