This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the research skills needed to locate and retrieve film and broadcast related materials for critical reflection, analysis, and evaluation. You will be introduced to different media resources to enable you to gather information and present your research findings through different formats. The module examines how to apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to case studies of production, consumption and interpretation of various film and broadcasting products, genres, and practices. The module also critically examines the genre classification of film and broadcast texts and their central relationship to contemporary media trends. The theoretical issues surrounding genre and the viewing/listening pleasures will also be addressed through specific reference to case studies. We will also be identifying the interconnectedness of film and broadcasting texts and contexts, and of the shifting communication, cultural and aesthetic practices.

ASSESSMENT ONE: PROJECT PITCH
A 10-minute verbal Project Pitch proposal.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-5 30%.

ASSESSMENT TWO: ANALYTICAL REPORT
A 2500-word Analytical Report covering research sources and and project planning.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-6 70%.

Mixed mode delivery is promoted across the module to offer an interactive approach bringing ideas around your own viewing and listening experiences and to select and assess sources to come to your own learning conclusions. Workshops will be based around different case studies. Independent Study should be used to complete research tasks, viewing of extracts and complete programmes, preparation activities and wider reading.

1. EVALUATE RELEVANT INFORMATION FROM RESEARCH RESOURCES AND APPLY APPROPRIATE ANALYTICAL AND RESEARCH METHODS TO DIFFERENT FILM AND MEDIA PRACTICES, GENRES AND TEXTS. Analysis

2. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE KEY MEDIA RESEARCH PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT TO GENERATATING CONTENT AND SELECTING INFORMATION. Knowledge and Understanding

3. COMMUNICATE CRITICAL APPROACHES IN THE RESEARCH INFORMATION AND IDEAS USING A RANGE OF DIFFERENT SOURCES. Communication

4. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF HOW MEANING IS CONSTRUCTED ACROSS FILM/BROADCAST TEXTS AND AND IDENTIFY THE CONVENTIONS ADOPTED THROUGH CONTRASTING HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES. Learning

5. DEMONSTRATE AN EFFECTIVE CRITICAL AWARENESS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL FILM/BROADCAST GENRE FORMAT CONSTRUCTION OF TEXTS AND HOW THIS APPLIES TO THEIR PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT. Enquiry

6. PREPARE AND PRESENT A PROSPECTIVE PRODUCTION PROJECT AND TO UNDERSTAND THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN PITCHING AN ACCURATE CONTENT IDEA TO A PRODUCER AND DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS OF THE PRE-PRODUCTION RESEARCH. Application

Blackboard, Library, and online resources (including Box of Broadcasts), Blu-Ray/DVD/Audio/IT playback facilities.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Batty, C. & Kerrigan, S. eds. (2018) Screen Production Research, London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Benshoff, H. (2015) Film and Television Analysis, London: Routledge.

Bertrand, I. & Hughes, P. (2017) Media Research Methods, London: Red Globe.

Chater, K. (2017) Research for Media Production, London: Routledge.

Emm, A. (2014) Researching for the Media, 2nd edition, London: Routledge.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the research skills involved in producing content for film, television, and radio. You will be building on your understanding of the pre-production, production, and post-production elements from the previous levels, with reference to the importance of research and the evaluation of source materials. The learning experience will involve you extensively in researching the film, television, and radio industries in preparation for your Major Project.