The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the fiction filmmaking process. Deconstructing and analysing contemporary and historical fiction films, you will develop an awareness of film language, screen grammar and fundamental theories that are applied to fiction filmmaking.

Aligned with industry practice, you will create a comprehensive collection of production documents, such as treatments, scripts, storyboards, casting breakdowns, shooting schedules, and budgets. You will use these documents to communicate the creative, ethical, legal, logistical, and technical aspects of your project to staff and peers.

During location and studio production work, you will apply theory to practice and collaborate with actors to capture the required film footage and audio for your fiction film. Working as a crew you will engage in creative decision-making and problem-solving, developing your teamwork and practical filmmaking skillets.

You will critique your work during the post-production of your film, analysing your application of narrative screen grammar and considering the audience in your edit decision making. Positioning your fiction film in context, you will create a distribution strategy and marketing materials for your film.

Presenting your final fiction film to staff and peers, you will reflect on your production process and your personal learning journey.

1. Short Fiction Film - Assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4 – weighted at 50%
2. Production File – Assessing Learning Outcomes 3, 5, 6 and 7 – weighted at 40%
3. Reflective Discussion – Assessing Learning Outcome 1, 5 and 6 – weighted at 10%

Learning strategies used in this module are grounded in a student-centred approach and utilises project-based learning and authentic assessment. This means you are learning about fiction filmmaking by making a fiction film. You can hyper personalise your learning by combining your own frames of reference for fiction filmmaking practice with the theories and examples introduced withing the learning resources. While there is a requirement to meet a set brief your crew will have the freedom to select its own genre/style and subject matter for the fiction film.

• Workshops introduce fundamental theories that underpin the development of your fiction filmmaking practice.
• Filmmaking craft workshops provide a collaborative learning experience and enable you to link theory to practice.
• Technical Instruction workshops introduce you to important health and safety considerations and develop your competency with the portable production equipment and specialist post-production facilities required to fulfil your assessment.
• Studio & Location fieldwork is an integral part of your learning process. Applying your creative, technical, and theoretical skills to an authentic shooting scenario on location and in the studio.
• Student crews (groups) are supported/supervised by a Production Supervisor (Lecturer) that models the industry role of an Executive Producer. This means you will receive regular formative feedback on your film production, production paperwork and employability skills, which you can use to improve your practice and work before submitting it for assessment.
• Production Supervisors will continually monitor and assess your employability skills, such as, communication, working with others, organisation, participation, engagement, resilience, and adaptability.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles of fiction filmmaking practice.
Knowledge and understanding

2. Apply appropriate filmmaking skills to enable the production of a fiction film.
Application

3. Deconstruct key principles of fiction filmmaking and interpret fundamental concepts that inform fiction filmmaking practices.
Analysis

4. Use appropriate approaches to solving problems within fiction filmmaking practice.
Problem-Solving

5. Engage in discussions, debates and presentations regarding the practices and processes of a fiction filmmaking.
Communication

6. Identify strengths and weaknesses within the completed fiction film, and critically reflect on the processes and practices used in its creation.
Reflection


7. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to organise and lead a fiction filmmaking cast and crew. Participate effectively as part of a fiction film production crew.
Working with Others

• Portable video and audio recording equipment
• Specialist Media Labs – Post-Production Editing, Sound Mixing, Colour Grading
• Shoot studio, set flats and lighting
• Library Books and Journals
• Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
• LinkedIn Learning
• Academic Study Skills Tutors

Cohn, L M. (2021) Directing Actors: A Practical Aesthetics Approach. 1st ed. London: Routledge
Brown, B. (2021) Cinematography - Theory and practice for cinematographers and directors. 4th ed. London: Routledge.
Frierson, M. (2018) Film and Video Editing Theory - How Editing Creates Meaning. 1st ed. London: Routledge.
Glebas, F. (2009) Directing the Story - Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques. 1st ed. London: Routledge.
Johnson, C H. (2020). Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect. 5th ed. London: Routledge.
Mercado, G. (2020) The Power of Lenses and the Expressive Cinematic Image. 1st ed. London: Routledge.
Mercado, G. (2022) Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Rabiger, M. and Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2020) Directing - Film Techniques and Aesthetics. 6th ed. London: Routledge.
Winters, P. (2017) Sound Design for Low & No Budget Films. 1st ed. London: Routledge.

The modules provide you with an opportunity to learn about fiction filmmaking by making a short fiction film. You will develop your theoretical, practical and technical understanding of fiction filmmaking practice. Building on your previous filmmaking experience you will engage in the development, pre-production, production and post-production aspects of fiction filmmaking. You will develop confidence through working with actors and build production skills through crewing for each other on location and in the studio environment.