This module will introduce you to the necessary foundation skills required for the creative and technical construction of media artefacts. Throughout this module you will be introduced to a variety of different techniques, processes and skills and learn how to use relevant equipment and software.


To underpin this foundation knowledge, you will develop their understanding of the codes and conventions of different media artefacts and learn how to create and apply these in your own work.


You will use appropriate techniques in response to diverse problems, exercises and short briefs. This may include the following:

The fundamentals of video camera technology and its operation. Including shutter, focal length, aperture, depth of field along with the creative aspects including rule of thirds, composition and styles of camera work.

Editing and Postproduction

Conventions and narrative

Writing for Audience


You will develop close reading skills in the analysis of a range of media artefacts and then produce a portfolio of self-generated artefacts that will demonstrate creative and technical capabilities.


You will also reflect on their work and make suitable suggestions on the strengths and any areas of development.

The assessed components to this module are:


Close reading investigations [LO 2,3]

Explore a range of media artefacts through close reading of their codes and conventions. You should choose examples relating to your own study pathway including, film, TV, radio, theatre and creative writing. Your analysis should identify the codes and conventions that have been used and make links to how these contribute to meaning in the artefacts. This will most likely be presented in a written report of 1000 words, but you may choose to present your findings in an alternative format such as a visual essay or podcast.


Practical Media Techniques Portfolio with justification of creative decisions [LO 1, 2]

Create a portfolio consisting of a range of self-generated creative artefacts that demonstrate understanding of relevant codes and conventions. These are not intended to be fully realised but should demonstrate technical and creative experimentation. Accompanying your self-generated artefacts will be a written justification of the procedures and techniques used. You should also identify the strengths of your artefacts in relation to their technical execution along with how well they achieve the codes and conventions of their medium. The report should also identify areas for improvement and the skills required to improve the artefacts further.



All individually marked

Mixed mode workshops

Seminars

Workshops

Tutorials

Electronic learning environments


Throughout this module you will be expected to take a hands-on approach in the acquisition of new skills and techniques. You will be shown how to handle and use software and equipment but will be expected to practice and experiment in your own time to develop your skills and understanding. The more time you put into learning these skills the better your practical and creative work will be.

Alongside your face-to-face teaching, you will also have access to video and written resources that will facilitate in the development of these key skills.

1. DEVELOP SKILLS OF CLOSE READING IN THE ANALYSIS OF MEDIA ARTEFACTS

Analysis


2. SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE SHORT CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL EXERCISES IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES

Knowledge & Understanding


3. SELF-EVALUATE AND REFLECT ON YOUR PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING PRACTICAL MEDIA TECHNIQUES

Reflection

Classrooms

Computer access / internet access

Screening facilities

Digital Camera Equipment

Tripods

Microphones

Post production edit and effects software

Library

Austin, T. and Doust, R. (2007)¿New media design (in the portfolio series) (portfolio). London: Laurence King Publishing.

Counts, E.L. (2003)¿Multimedia design and production: For students and teachers. Boston: Pearson Hall.

Ivers, K.S. and Barron, A.E. (2010)¿ Multimedia projects in education: Designing, producing, and assessing. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited/ABC-CLIO.

www.celtx.com - pre-production software for movie and video planning

www.filmsourcing.com/blog/production-documents - film pre-production documents and templates

This module will serve as the foundation of the skills required for this creative degree and will be the starting point of your journey as creative practitioners. You will begin by looking closely at professional works in a variety of creative areas. Through analysis, you will learn to identify the techniques and practices used to engage and move audiences.

Building on this foundational knowledge, you will then begin to use your own creative voice through the development of technical skills within a range of mediums. You will explore the techniques used in film, TV, Radio/podcasting and the written form through a series of experimentation and refinement.


During this module you will participate in a range of technical workshops, seminars and lectures that will develop your understanding of different media practices, technical skills and the meaning making process. On your journey throughout this module, you will develop your confidence in industry standard equipment, software and practices.


At each step of your development, you will reflect on your creative and technical decision making to understand your own creative voice.