Film Studies AS Level

Film Studies AS Level
Develop your analytical skills and discover more about the unique features of the film industry. Why is Hollywood so successful? What are the problems facing the British film industry? You will need to demonstrate a critical interest in film and be able to express your ideas in discussion and on paper. Be prepared to take part in a wide range of activities such as watching and analysing film, discussing and presenting ideas, writing essays and evaluations, researching into current issues around the film industry and devising storyboards and film synopsis.

What does the course involve?
An aim of AS Film Studies is to deepen your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film, the major art form of modern times. You will study a wider range of films from a variety of production contexts and develop skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection as well as developing creativity and practical skills either in audio-visual or written form.

This qualification will help you progress to A level and a variety of degree courses or employment. Nearly a hundred Film Studies degree courses are offered by UK universities and it is accepted as an entry qualification for other courses in combination with other AS and A levels. You will also gain a range of analytical and critical skills and an awareness of business and marketing which relate to an increasingly wide range of employment.

What will I study?
AS Film Studies is divided in to two modules.

Exploring Film Form is assessed through coursework and accounts for 40% of your overall grade. You will complete a written analysis of how aspects of a chosen extract from a film produce meaning and responses. You will also create and evaluate a storyboard of an imaginary film.

British and American Film is assessed through a two hour 30 minutes exam and accounts for 60% of the overall grade. In this module, you will explore the world of film production, distribution and exhibition and find out how money and film marketing determine what we see on the screen. You will also consider the variety of ways in which films attract audiences, and the different kinds of film experience that are available in a digital age. Aspects of British cinema are examined such as the role of stars, genre and production companies. You will also undertake a comparative study of two American films either from a specific genre or dealing with a specific theme.

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course
• Coursework

What else do I need to know?
Trips and Equipment
You can expect input from film industry professionals visiting as guest speakers, as well as opportunities to visit film events and screenings.

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
Are there practical elements to the course?
This course looks at the film industry and how films make meaning. Coursework will involve creative activities such as storyboarding, producing a series of photographic images or creating a short film sequence.
Exam Board = WJEC

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.

Entry Requirements

You will need grade C in FIVE of the following (inc. short GCSEs) : English Language or Literature/Humanities (History,Geography,RS,Sociology,Psychology)/Business/Science (Core and Additional OR triple)/Maths/Foreign Language - If that does not include GCSE English Language, you must take this course at college and achieve a C to progress to A2.
You must achieve a grade C in any GCSE taken which is directly related to this AS level unless a higher grade is specified.