AS/A2 Film Studies

AS/A2 Film Studies

Why study Film Studies?
Cinema is arguably the most significant new form of artistic expression to be developed over the last hundred years. Film Studies will enable you to develop your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of cinema and film. The course will appeal to those who enjoy cinema going experiences and will offer some challenging representations of the world through the camera lens. Film Studies looks at the ways in which films communicate messages and the interaction that takes place between producers, texts and audiences. The AS course covers the familiar territory of British and Hollywood films (e.g. the James Bond genre), the A2 specification explores the wider cinematic world, opening new perspectives within this exciting medium.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?
AS Film Studies taps into students existing knowledge of cinema, drawing upon common and diverse experiences as a basis for initial discussion.

The course at AS Level comprises 40% Coursework Assessment and 60% Written Examination.

Areas of study will include:

• Analysis of film texts: a consideration of the ways in which the following elements create meaning for the spectator narrative, genre and technical codes such as camera work and sound.


• Creative Work: a synopsis for an original film and a photographic storyboard or step outline for one sequence or an entire short film, supported by a written evaluation.


• The Cinema Audience: how do you respond to the unique experience of cinema going? Why are stars important? These questions and more will be explored.


• The Cinema Business: a study of finance, production, distribution and exhibition within the British and American film industries.


• British Film: the study of films from the horror or comedy genre which demonstrate the different ways in which British films can create distinctive appeal. We might consider Hammer Horror in comparison to more recent output by film makers like Danny Boyle. American Film: a comparative study of American films focusing either on genre or themes.

The course focuses strongly on your personal response to film and will enable you to develop a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of your position as an audience member, spectator and consumer of film.

A2 Level Film Studies comprises 50% Coursework Assessment and 50% Written Examination.

The A2 course draws on the cinema literacy developed through the AS course and includes:
An independent research-based study of an area of particular interest to you.
Creative Work: film making. You will conceptualise, plan and create a short film.
Studies in World Cinema: Surrealism in film.
Spectatorship: Popular Film and Emotional Response which will focus on how a range of specific films can generate powerful emotional responses in the viewer.
Close study of a single film from a list which includes Ramsays Morvern Callar, Tarkovskys Solaris and Finchers Fight Club.

Does it link well with other subjects?
Film Studies links particularly well with other arts/creative subjects such as Media Studies, English Literature, Art and Design and Theatre Studies. The breadth of the course means that it complements many other subjects including History, Business Studies and Psychology.

Where will it lead me?
The breadth, depth and diversity of A Level Film Studies will complement a range of Higher Education courses and may be of value to those seeking employment within the television and film industries, publishing, advertising or other areas of media.