AS/A Level Film Studies

AS/A LEVEL FILM STUDIES

WHAT IS FILM STUDIES?
This fascinating academic course gives you the opportunity to study one of the most popular mediums in society today. Film Studies allows you to develop a deeper, critical understanding of cinema - from analysis of film texts, through to the impact of cinema on audiences and film as a business.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY FILM STUDIES?
If you are particularly interested in film as a medium and would like to learn the language of film, develop your understanding of how film operates as a business, study the history of cinema, explore filmmaking in Hollywood, British Cinema and then later in the course World cinema. If you want the experience of writing screenplays, storyboarding and later making your own film, or writing your own film journalism, then Film Studies is the course for you.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
To aid your study it would be useful to read publications, such as, Sight & Sound and Empire magazine on a regular basis and you must obviously have a keen interest in films. Film Studies will develop your analytical skills and research skills. You do need to be confident about writing essays.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
The AS is made up of two modules, the first AS module is coursework production where you will be introduced to the codes and conventions of cinema so that you can learn to read a film in specific detail observing the reasons behind camera work, editing, sound and other factors. You will then use this knowledge to produce a portfolio of written and practical work where you demonstrate how meaning is made to audiences of film (essay and storyboard / screenplay creations)

The second module investigates British and American cinema exploring themes in cinema, business related information, audience response to cinema. You will learn about Hollywood as an institution and be able to compare the UK film industry to Hollywood. You will also learn to appreciate British cinema by conducting an in-depth study into a particular group of related British films. This module is assessed in an exam and requires you to produce essay answers.

Should you decide to progress to the second year of the course, the A2 coursework sees you making your own short film, as well as conducting your own critical research project into a selection of films that you are particularly interested in.

The A2 course also explores world cinema, national cinema and historical periods and political examples of filmmaking you will learn to appreciate and analyse themes and messages within different examples of cinema and consider the impact of different kinds of cinema such as documentary, popular film, experimental cinema. You will consider the role and experience of the spectator of cinema and broaden your awareness and appreciation of cinema as well as fully utilise analytical and evaluative skills.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Both the first and second year of the course is assessed by 40% coursework and 60% examinations.

COURSE COMMITMENT
You are expected to attend all lessons and you must meet deadlines set for completing work.

COURSE COSTS
As part of the Film Studies course all students will be required to attend selected cinema and film related visits. The estimated cost should be no more than 20.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
Past students have gone on to University to study a range of courses examples include; Film, TV production, to European Cinema, Scriptwriting, English, Creative Writing, Media Production, Media Studies, Animation