Module Descriptors
HISTORY OF FILM TECHNOLOGY
FILM40172
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Bradburn
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • CLASS-TEST weighted at 30%
  • REPORT weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
12 x 1 hour lecture (1:n)1 - theory lectures
12 x 1 hour seminar (1:25)1 - structured research and analysis tutorials
Module Indicative Content
This module aims to provide an understanding of the development of film production technology over the past 100 years, and how this technological progress has impacted on the entire form and process of mainstream film production. The main areas covered will be:-
1. Camera, lens and emulsion technology.
2. Sound - from the introduction of sound recording to THX
3. Post production, special effects and CGI.
4. Digital cinema and the future.
5. TV and video development.
6. Introduction of early communication systems including AM+FM modulation, the ad frequency signal representation and the relevant mathematical theories of these.
7. Technological considerations of genre, narrative and mise-en-scene.
8. Study the concepts and practice of filmmaking that provides the experience and interpretation of movies.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A 1 hour in class test (30%) will assess the technical elements to this module and this will assess Learning Outcome 1.
A 2000 word report (70%) on film theory and analysis will assess Learning Outcome 2.
Module Resources
Word processing facilities.
Internet access
Blackboard VLE
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Texts
Mitchel Michaal (2004), Visual Effects for Film and Television, Focal Press, ISBN: 0-240-51675-3
Tomlinson Holman (2001), Sound for Film and Television, Focal Press, ISBN: 0-240-80453-8
George D. Cvjetnicanin et al. (2000), Film Into Video - A Guide to Merging the Technologies, Focal Press, ISBN: 0-240-80411-2
D Booth, (2003), Foundation Maths, Addison Wesley, ISBN: 020164192
G Bancroft and R Fletcher, (2001), Improve your Math! A Refresher Course, Addison Wesley, ISBN: 0201331306
Perkins, (1993), Film as Film: Understanding and Judging Movies, Da Capo Press, ISBN-13: 978-0306805417
Bordwell and Thompson, (2009), Film History: An Introduction, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 3rd Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0071267946
Braudy and Cohen, (2009), Film Theory and Criticism, OUP USA; 7th Edition, ISBN-13: 978-0195365627