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

Aligned with industry practice, you will create a comprehensive collection of production documents. You will use these documents to communicate the creative, ethical, legal, logistical, and technical aspects of your project to staff and peers.

During location fieldwork, you will apply theory to practice and engage with members of the public to capture the required film footage and audio for your non-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 be encouraged to critique your work during the post-production of your film, analysing your application of screen grammar and considering the audience in your edit decision making. Positioning your film in context, you will create a distribution strategy and marketing materials for your film.

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

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

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 non-fiction filmmaking by making a non-fiction film. You can hyper personalise your learning by combining your own frames of reference for non-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 style and subject matter for the non-fiction film.

Workshops introduce fundamental theories that underpin the development of your non-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.
Location field work is an integral part of your learning process. Applying your creative, technical, and theoretical skills to an authentic shooting scenario, your film will be captured during a residential field trip.
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.
Assignments are not group marked; you will receive individual marks and summative feedback at the end of the module.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of non-fiction filmmaking practice.
Knowledge and understanding

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

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

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

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

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

7. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a non-fiction film production crew. Working with Others

Portable video and audio recording equipment
Specialist Media Labs – Post-Production Editing, Sound Mixing, Colour Grading
Library Books and Journals
LinkedIn Learning
Academic Study Skills Tutors

Bernard, Sc., 2022. Documentary Storytelling. 5th ed. New York: Focal Press
Bowen, C., 2018. Grammar of the Shot. 4th ed. New York: Routledge.
Bowen, C and Thompson, R., 2018. Grammar of the Edit. 4th ed. New York: Routledge.
Gordon, R., 2022. The Documentary Distribution Toolkit. 1st ed. New York: Routledge.
Rabiger, M. and Hermann, C., 2020. Directing the Documentary. 7th ed. London: Routledge.
Stark, T., 2021. The Insiders’ Guide to Factual Filmmaking. 1st ed. New York: Routledge.

You will learn about non-fiction film production by making a short non-fiction film. You will develop, shoot and edit a short non-fiction film that will be screened to a public audience in our 220-seat cinema. Working in a small crew the film will be developed and shot during a residential field trip away from the University. You will develop a distribution strategy for the finished film and enter your work into film festivals.