You will learn the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of non-fiction filmmaking to inform the development and creation of an original non-fiction film. Addressing the commercial viability of the production, you will create a proof of concept (presentation/video) to evaluate the appropriateness of the devised production methods within the context of the film theme. Through pre-production, production, and post-production, you will learn key aspects of scriptwriting, pitching, directing, cinematography, and editing. You will develop a range of professional skills required to enter the industry, including entrepreneurship, leadership skills, awareness of ethical, legal, and compliance issues. You will have the opportunity to crew for peers to further develop your craft in your aspired career role and widen your portfolio.

Your completed film will be supported by relevant industry paperwork and pitch materials that highlight the preparation, organisation and research required to align your non-fiction filmmaking practice to industry expectations.

ASSESSMENT ONE: PROOF OF CONCEPT

The Proof of Concept (presentation/video) will propose the non-fiction film, aligning the principles of non-fiction filmmaking to the style and commerciality of the production.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1, 2 & 5 40%.

ASSESSMENT TWO: NON-FICTION FILMMAKING PORTFOLIO

A Non-Fiction Filmmaking Portfolio will include the completed non-fiction film, supported by production paperwork and pitch materials.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-5 60%.

The learning strategies used within the module include experiential learning, where you will learn through the process of idea generation, pre-production, production, and post-production. There is opportunity for learning to be personalised, as students are encouraged to draw from their influences and create work aligned to their future career aspirations whilst producing the film. The non-fiction film can span any topic, providing ethical considerations are reviewed.

Workshops will 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 provides hands on experience with professional camera, audio and lighting equipment and specialist post production facilities.

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 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 and critical understanding of the well-established concepts and principles of non-fiction filmmaking with consideration for legal and ethical issues.
Knowledge and Understanding.

2. Apply the concepts and principles of non-fiction filmmaking to the development, production and post production of a commercially viable non-fiction film.
Application.

3. Demonstrate professional production skills through camera, lighting, audio, and post-production techniques appropriate to the context of the non-fiction film.
Reflection.

4. Create appropriate contingency plans in preparation for issues that may arise during production and apply suitable solutions.
Problem Solving.

5. Use audio/visual production techniques to communicate non-fiction information and arguments to audiences and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
Communication.

Portable video and audio recording equipment
Specialist post-production suite - Editing, sound mixing, colour grading
Film studio, set flats, green screen, and lighting
E-library books and journals
Microsoft Teams digital learning environment.
LinkedIn Learning
Academic Study Skills Tutors

Anderson, K. & Lucas, M. (2016). Documentary voice and vision: a creative approach to non-fiction media production. New York: Focal Press.

Bernard, S.C. (2016). Documentary Storytelling: Creative Nonfiction on Screen. 4th ed. London: Focal.

De Jong, W. (2012) Creative documentary: theory and practice. Harlow: Routledge.

Rabiger, M. (2015). Directing the Documentary. 6th ed. New York: Focal Press.

Rea, P.W. (2015) Producing and directing the short film and video. 5th ed. Edited by D.K. Irving. New York: Routledge.

Non-Fiction Filmmaking covers:
Analysis of non-fiction film
Principles and practices of non-fiction filmmaking
Idea development, research and proof or concept
Pre-production, compliance and problem solving
Cinematography and audio production
Direction for non-fiction
Post-production