MA Film

Content

MA Film is a practical course in the production of film drama; from development and finance to distribution and exhibition.

It is designed for students who want a hands-on, industry-orientated course in the creative, technical and practical aspects of digital film production.

Taught through a combination of tutorials, lectures, technical workshops, mentoring, masterclasses and work placements, the course allows you to focus on one key specialism and develop it at postgraduate level while encouraging you to engage creatively with related disciplines and wider filmic processes.

Within the Collaborative Unit, you have a choice of pathways where you can collaborate with external partners as well as with other courses within UAL. These pathways could be realised through work placements, cross-disciplinary collaboration, initiatives towards the Major Project or a combination of activities.

The theoretical programme underscores all of the practical elements of the course and offers a shared process for students to explore both their own and each other’s work.

The course aims to produce graduates who are self-reliant, highly motivated and able to successfully navigate this increasingly competitive industry.

Applicants must demonstrate developed skills and an understanding of their chosen specialism at application, with major and minor roles allocated accordingly.

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24 September 2018

Course units Autumn, Term One

Unit summary:

• Statement of Intent (20 credits)
• Major Project (60 credits)

Term One begins with the Statement of Intent, which is designed to prepare you for both the Dissertation and the Major Project. This will help you to position your work within the wider filmic environment.

This unit combines guest lectures and student-led seminars on your specific discipline or field of practice. You'll be encouraged to develop a strong dialogue within your groups and contribute shared and individual creative visions ahead of the Major Project.

Once the term is underway, you will begin the Major Project and undertake a Head of Department role, with a chosen specialism, on a fiction film of a prescribed length (max 30 minutes).

The Major Project provides an opportunity to sharpen your skills in one of six chosen specialisms (identified at application) on an ambitious production that spans the four terms of the course.

The specialism roles are:

• Producer
• Production Designer
• Director
• Director of Photography
• Editor/VFX
• Sound Mixer/ Designer

As a Head of Department, you will further develop team leadership skills, and balance individual and shared creative visions.

Unit summary:

• Major Project (continued)
• Dissertation (40 credits)
• Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

In Term Two, the Collaborative Unit offers students the opportunity to engage in a specific collaboration with a related course at UAL or external partner, or in the form of a work placement.

UAL collaborations could provide opportunities to:

• Work with LCC courses MA Documentary Film or MA Television in technical roles on documentary or television formats.
  OR
• Develop a funding and promotional strategy for the Major Project.

External collaborations could include:

• Site-specific experimental work, developed in conjunction with a gallery or public body.
• An agreed commission or campaign film for a charitable or commercial organisation.
• A work placement in the relevant discipline.

Unit summary:

• Major Project (pre-production proper and production)
• Secondary Roles (40 credits)
• Dissertation (40 credits)

In Term Three, you will also undertake two Secondary Roles on course productions. These roles will enable you to explore associated aspects of your specialism, enhance your skillset and learn what it takes to effectively support a Head of Department.

The Secondary Roles are:

• Production Manager
• Locations Manager
• Casting Director
• Assistant Director
• Set Dresser/Props
• Camera Assistant
• Gaffer
• Script Supervisor
• Sound Recordist/Boom Operator

Unit summary:

• Major Project (post)
• Dissertation (40 credits)

The Dissertation is a significant piece of research-based academic writing, designed to help students locate their work within the wider filmic environment.

Running throughout Terms Two and Three, with a submission in Term Four, the 10,000 word Dissertation encourages you to reflect on your current practice/s, identify trends in the professional sphere and explore the production process.

‌MA Film Programme Specification 2017/18 (PDF - 111KB)

Staff Course Leader

Ray Kilby