Case Study (100%)
An individually negotiated case study of a particular sector of the film or TV industries, presented to a professional standard in a format suitable for an identified target audience. Depending on your target audience this may be: an essay, report, presentation, blog, podcast, short film or moving image with accompanying audio commentary, or an alternative negotiated with the module leader. Your submission must be representative of 3000 words or equivalent
[Learning Outcomes 1 & 2]

Formative Assessment:
Contribution to discussions, debates and critical reviews in class
Review of draft case study in individually selected format

The purpose of this module is to gain an understanding of the complex history of the film and TV industries and the ongoing social, political and technological developments that have shaped these industries into the contemporary sectors we recognise today.

The two industries, although significantly linked, operate in different ways creatively and within business. Through this module you will study the many changes these industries have undergone in the last two decades, including new technology, governing legislation, working practices, platforms for viewing and service providers. You will consider how these changes have enabled media companies to access increasing audiences in emerging ways and the subsequent need for diverse content. You will explore the way in which the digital revolution has facilitated a shift that enables audiences to control media, host media content, and interact and influence the work of media producers. You will examine the dramatic alterations in viewing habits and how viewing pattern changes are making way for new innovative services and subsequently new opportunities for programme makers and filmmakers to distribute and exhibit their creative products.

You will learn how to identify inter-dependencies between various industry sectors and their respective audiences, and how commerce and culture, business and creative ambition combine to produce cultural products that generate meaning and economic value.

The module will enable you to contextualise the industries as they stand today within a broad understanding of the development of mass media, as well as a sense in which your own creative work and career ambitions may fit into future developments. In this you will explore trends, ethics and impact of media products on audiences.

Focussing your attention on particular aspect of this wider study, you will examine in detail a specific sector within the film and TV industries that is of personal interest to you and your anticipated future progression intentions and produce a case study that reflects this exploration and demonstrates a critical understanding of the current industry environment and its impact locally, nationally and globally as appropriate.

You will develop understanding of the Film and TV Industries through the following strategies:
• Lectures in history, theory, key developments
• Screenings of moving image products
• Seminars discussing organisational structures, business opportunity and audiences
• Formative written exercises, workshops, debates and discussions giving an opportunity for tutor feedback
• Library based independent study and research
• Group tutorials
• Individual tutorials
• Guest Speakers

Video projector
Wide range of clips
Seminar room
Audio equipment
Post-production software

Bignell J. (2012) An Introduction to Television Studies: Routledge
Bordwell D. Thompson K (2009) Film History: An Introduction: McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Cook P. (2008) The Cinema Book: BFI Publishing
Hilmes M. Jacobs J (2003) The Television History Book (Television, Media & Cultural Studies): BFI Publishing
Medoff N. Kaye B. (2010) Electronic Media: Then, Now and Later: Focal Press
Ohanian TA. Phillips E (2000) Digital Filmmaking: The Changing Art and Craft of Making Motion Pictures: Focal press
Parkinson D. (2012) History of Film (World of Art): Thames & Hudson

1. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPLEX STRUCTURES OF AND INTER-RELATIONS BETWEEN THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE FILM AND TV INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING INDUSTRY EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIENCE BEHAVIOUR.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MAIN METHODS OF ENQUIRY WHEN EXPLORING THE FILM AND TV INDUSTRIES IN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY CONTEXTS. CARRY OUT DETAILED AND TARGETED EXAMINATIONS OF IDENTIFIED SECTOR TOPICS, CONVEYING EFFECTIVELY YOUR FINDINGS AND CRITICAL OPINIONS.
[Enquiry; Communication]