Unit Overview
The purpose of this unit is to assess students’ ability to independently research, investigate and analyse a film based topic and present the findings; secondly, to assess the students’ application of knowledge and understanding to the planning and construction of a creative realisation; and finally, to assess candidate’s application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating their own work.
1. Research
- Independent Research Project: 40 marks
- Planning: evidence of planning for a filmed sequence within the field of Film Studies: 10 marks
2. Creative Realisation
- A creative realisation of the work planned: 30 marks
- A critical evaluation of the work produced: 20 marks
Independent Research Project (40 marks)
For the Independent Research Project the student has to analyse primary materials – from Auteur, Cultural Studies, Representation of Ethnicity and Institution – this work should be presented as a sustained piece of work between 2500-3000 words. Once the students have decided on the films and topic of their choice they need to produce an:
- Introduction: explaining the focus of the student’s research
- Description of key texts, primary and secondary (films and studies based on the films)
- Aims of the research
- Discussion of ideas - texts and secondary research in light of the student’s aims
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Filmography. The research around the work of three films by the same director will engage the student in the concept of authorship and, may by extension encourage them to engage with aspects of cultural study and institution.
Creative Realisation – Planning (10 marks)
Having completed the Independent Research Project the student will then be required to produce:
- A synopsis
- A written script for the non-filmed sequence
- A treatment
- A recce report
- Evidence of casting considerations
- Layouts for the 20 key frame stills
- A risk assessment.
Creative Realisation (30 marks)
Non-Filmed Sequence – a screenplay (see below) or extracts totaling no more than 5 minutes plus, 20 key frame stills that demonstrate careful consideration of mise-en-scene again influenced by research and planning e.g. ‘A Documentary on Steven Spielberg’.
A screenplay for a short film should typically emphasise action and interaction over dialogue. The screenplay should be presented using Courier New font and students may wish to access free Celtx scriptwriting software online which should be compatible with most computer systems. The script should not include descriptions of camera framing or movement. This information should be used to detail the storyboarded images.
The synopsis document should be presented as a prose document written in the present tense. The synopsis summarises the content / subject of the creative realisation as a narrative and also indicates the proposed creative treatment of that subject. Some of these details will be extended and refined by the student in their storyboarding of their project.
- Here is a sample of how to format your synopsis document
- Here is a link to how to format your screenplay
- Link to sample storyboard
- Here is a storyboard template that can be printed up and used
Critical Evaluation (20 marks)
Upon completion of the Creative Realisation work, the student is then required to write a critical evaluation that explains how the Independent Research Project led to the final outcome. The critical evaluation is an analysis of creative and practical choices made by the student to realise their concept creatively. Word count: 1000 – 1250 words