Filmmaking P301 BA

Program Overview

Students gain practical experience through film production, industry collaborations, and access to professional equipment. The program prepares graduates for careers in film production, including producing, directing, camera work, and post-production.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of film-related careers. The program covers all aspects of filmmaking, from conception to financing, shooting, delivery, and exploitation. Students will gain hands-on experience through the production of their own original films, working with professional equipment, and collaborating with industry professionals.

Outline:

The BA Filmmaking program is a three-year program that is structured as follows:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Film Production (FM17620) - 20 credits
• Introduction to Post-Production and Editing (FM10820) - 20 credits
• Making Short Films 1 (FM11420) - 20 credits
• Making Short Films 2 (FM11240) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Studying Film (FM10120) - 20 credits
• Studying Media (FM10620) - 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Film Craft 1 (FM22820) - 20 credits
• Film Craft 2 (FM22920) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Art Cinema (FM24420) - 20 credits
• Creative Documentary (FM26520) - 20 credits
• Directing and Producing (FM22440) - 40 credits
• LGBT Screens (FM20120) - 20 credits
• Stardom and Celebrity (FM21520) - 20 credits
• Writing for Film and Television (FM21620) - 20 credits

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Fiction Film Production (FM34240) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Advanced Cinematography and Production Design (FM37520) - 20 credits
• Advanced Editing (FM30920) - 20 credits
• Advanced Sound (FM30820) - 20 credits
• Contemporary Film and the Break-Up of Britain (FM30020) - 20 credits
• Cult Cinema: Texts, Histories and Audiences (FM38220) - 20 credits
• Experimental Cinema (FM34520) - 20 credits
• Gender and the Media (FM38320) - 20 credits
• Media Law (FM36720) - 20 credits
• Sales and Distribution (FM39820) - 20 credits
• Scriptwriting 1 (FM37020) - 20 credits
• Scriptwriting 2 (FM37120) - 20 credits

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Group devised productions
• Individual film and video projects
• Practical analyses
• Production diaries and creative scriptwriting
• Formal essays and examinations
• Reflective journals, blogs, Wikisseminar presentations
• Storyboards
• Screenplays
• Pitches

Teaching:

The program is taught through a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Screenings
• Technical demonstrations
• Group-based project work
The teaching staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA Filmmaking program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the film industry, including:

• Producing
• Directing
• Assistant directing
• Camera work
• Post-production
• Working with the technical crew
The program is supported by an industry panel, people who have extensive experience in their field.

Other:

The program has close links with Aberystwyth Arts Centre, which hosts a range of events such as Abertoir Horror Festival, Wales One World Film Festival, and Cult Film Night. The department is currently building a viewing, dubbing and grading theatre which will allow students to complete and screen their films in a professional environment. Students have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable students to chart their personal, academic and professional development throughout their time at university.