Portfolio (100%)
An individual portfolio containing but not limited to:
• A 100 word outline of initial idea
• A 1000 word treatment
• Production planning documents
• A self-initiated original short drama film of 3 - 6 minutes
• Appendices
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5]

Summative Assessment:
Observation of engagement in the practical process
1:1 discussion of progress against intentions

This module aims to explore the unique and delicately balanced complexities involved in writing, developing and producing a short drama film. (In this module the notion of drama can accommodate comedy).

The module will begin by investigating the various approaches to developing ideas for films and the pitfalls to avoid. You will consider the contexts in which the films are placed, and concepts such as marketability and authentic self-expression with a view to how these need to be carefully balanced if your work is to be palatable and popular whilst staying true to your authentic voice. With this in mind, you will formulate an appropriate idea for a short 3 – 6 minute drama of your own, working through a range of professionally tested methods to ensure it is substantial enough to warrant all the effort and resources necessary to turn it into a film, and practical given your available resources. Through a series of supportive and challenging group and individual tutorials you will work to strengthen your idea, moving beyond your comfort zone to create what must be a very strong short film given such an overcrowded ‘marketplace’. Having established a polished and achievable idea you will produce and direct your screenplay.

Throughout the module you will be encouraged to discover the core context and appeal of your film so that you become entirely clear of your vision and can readily persuade others of its merits. You are required to build a suitable crew and cast, as well as persuade others to get involved, for example by contributing resources, locations or facilities in order to demonstrate professional expectations, networking opportunity and entrepreneurship.

You will be developing an individual piece of work so this is your opportunity to communicate your own vision and style as a filmmaker, creative, technician or any combination of these. Given the emphasis is on independent creativity, you are required to contribute to your project beyond the allotted time in order to produce a short drama that meets the requirements and expectations of industry. As you will probably be drawing on the skills and time of your peers to achieve your goal, you must be prepared to negotiate and trade your own skills to the benefit of your peer group. In the industry, teams constantly regroup for new commissions, and the reputation of individual members and their contribution is remembered well after a contract has ended. This may lead to your next job!

Throughout the module you must document your ideas and developments as these will be presented in a portfolio alongside your completed film for assessment. You portfolio should contain:
An outline of your initial ideas and assessment of their appropriateness to an audience, leading to the rationale behind your chosen idea. This will typically be 100 words.
A treatment outlining the genre, story and stylistic approach of your proposed film, approximately 1000 words.
A production planning folder to include your process, research, production documentation, casting requirements, health and safety and any other associated documents.

Strategies in this module are active and practically focussed and will require a mix of individual and collaborative learning, both in and out of timetabled sessions. Activities will allow you to apply your existing theoretical knowledge, and creative and technical skills through the production of a short drama, thus allowing you to make sense of your prior learning in a professional work related context. You will continue to learn from others by exploring existing work and by making connections with the tasks you have been set. These tasks will challenge you to combine and refine your abilities through practise, discovery and problem solving.

Learning will be facilitated through the following:
• Screenings
• Lectures and analysis of successful short films
• Research activities around ideas generation, writing, audiences, distribution and exhibition.
• Practical workshops alongside Advanced Technical skills in specialist areas notably working with actors.
• Location Recces
• Video production activities including independent work
• Presentation workshops
• Reflective practice
• 1:1 tutorials and progress review

Seminar room
Computer access / internet access
Screening facilities
HD camcorders
HD DSLR
Interchangeable lenses
Tripods
Microphones – radio and boom
Jib Arm
Track and dolly
Fig Rig / stabilisation system
Lighting Kit(s)
Post production edit and effects software

Cowgill L. (2005) Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters: Lone Eagle Publishing Co
Jones C. (2010) The Guerrilla Filmmakers Pocketbook: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Film Making: Continuum
Levy E. (1994) Making a Winning Short: How to Write, Direct, Edit and Produce a Short Film: Henry Holt and Company
Nash P. (2012) Short Films: Writing the Screenplay: Creative Essentials
Thurlow C. (2013) Making Short Films: The Complete Guide from Script to Screen: Bloomsbury Academic

1. DEVELOP ORIGINAL IDEAS AND UNDERSTAND HOW TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES CAN BE INTEGRATED AND APPLIED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLANNING, DIRECTING AND PRODUCING A SHORT DRAMA PRODUCTION.
[Learning]

2. EXPLORE AND EVALUATE INFORMATION SOURCES IN ORDER TO GENERATE ORIGINAL IDEAS AND BE ABLE TO WRITE CREATIVELY FOR A SHORT DRAMA PRODUCTION DRAWING ON FORMATS AND IDEAS GENERATED IN YOUR RESEARCH.
[Enquiry]

3. RECOGNISE PROBLEMS AND PRESENT SOLUTIONS WHEN DEVELOPING ORIGINAL IDEAS FOR SHORT DRAMA PRODUCTIONS AND THROUGHOUT THE STAGES OF PLANNING, DIRECTING AND PRODUCING. [Problem Solving]

4. APPLY CONTEXTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF INTERRELATED JOB ROLES AND ASSOCIATED SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLANNING, DIRECTING AND PRODUCING A SHORT DRAMA PRODUCTION.
[Application]

5. WORK SUCCESSFULLY WITHIN A TEAM, EFFECTIVELY EXPRESSING AND LISTENING TO IDEAS AND INTENTIONS, AND ENCOURAGING CONTRIBUTION FROM OTHERS.
[Working with Others]