This module introduces you to the independent skills needed to develop your enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability skills for the future - skills on which the professional practice of film production now depends. You will be introduced to resources both within and outside the University, which enable you to gather information from a range of sources and engage in a range of activities that will develop your confidence as an independent filmmaker. You will learn the conventions employed to explore some of the techniques - (and technologies) now used to communicate information in written, verbal and visual forms. The emphasis is very much on acquiring skills through practice to improve knowledge and expertise, which can thus prepare you for future employment, be it in film, TV, advertising and commercial enterprise, or experimental film.

In addition to illustrated talks, screenings, visits and informal discussion groups, you will participate in exercises designed to help you understand the methods, techniques and conventions by which you can research, evaluate and communicate your interest in photography/cinematography, editing, film festivals and work experience opportunities, helping to formulate your personal development planning.

You will learn how to use external research resources, as well as the Thompson Library. You will also acquire the IT skills you need for the gathering and presenting of information in a professional manner. You will carry out research-based, specialist projects, aimed at producing written and visual findings to present to staff and students. You will carry out a series of short exercises and craft skills on photography, editing, networking and film festivals, participating in group debates and applying visual and text based thoughts and ideas to your work.

24.1% Scheduled Learning and teaching activities
70.9% Guided Independent study
5% Placement

Contact/Scheduled learning and Teaching Activities
-Technical Instruction and workshop skills
-Risk Assessment, health and safety
-Academic Lectures
-Industry/Film Festival workshop attendance
-Industry shadowing/work experience in-house
-Small group sessions (seminars, tutorials, debates)
-Short exercises and assignments that help you to apply and evaluate your learning
-This module will be accompanied by a comprehensive study pack/and or website support.
-You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities

Guided Independent Study Activities:
-Independent practice
-Research
-Group/Crew meeting
-Personal development planning
-Film Production, project work and skill development
-Peer Advisor meetings
-Teamwork
-Blackboard
-Independent Study in support of your project work / on-line tutorials
-Independent research.

Specific Key text details relating to the requirements of this module will be distributed in the module handbook.

Filmbase Resource Centre, Dublin Business School

100% Course work that includes the following elements:

-DP Portfolio Digital Industry skills (CV, work shadowing/experience, film festivals)
-Photographic exercises on-line digital format
-Presentation to peers/staff
-3 day group film production
-A4 evaluation of learning experience on module.

[Learning Outcomes 1-6]