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Film Studies

Film Studies offers an in depth exploration of film in all its forms; from Hollywood blockbusters  (Titanic) to low budget indie movies (Donnie Darko); from old classics (Singing In the Rain) to modern masterpieces (Gladiator); from the obscure (Man With a Movie Camera) to the popular (SuperSize Me) and from films across the world such as Secrets and Lies (Britain), Amelie  (France), Chungking Express (Hong Kong) and City of God (Brazil). Along the way you will study fiction films (Moulin Rouge), documentaries (Touching the Void) and shorts (Vincent) and have the opportunity to plan, write, shoot and edit your own films.

AS Topics

FM 1 – (Coursework) Analysis of a film sequence of your own choice, creative project planning and/or making a short film sequence or film

FM 2 – (Examination) Producers and Audiences, Study of British cinema themes, Comparative study of two films relating to genre.

A2 Topics

FM 3 - (Coursework) Research project on a director of your own choice, creation of a short film.

Where does it lead?

As the oldest form of media study in Higher Education, many students go on to complete single or joint honours degrees in Film Studies. There are more practical options with specialist Film Schools that offer more vocational training in specific skills.  The course relies on good literacy skills and would support careers like journalism and advertising.

Why you should study Film Studies?

This is a rigorous and challenging course for those with an interest in film. It encompasses all aspects of film production, distribution and consumption. Using case study examples throughout, you will get a thorough grounding in how films are made and how they communicate to their audience. There are units on Hollywood and contemporary genres such as the ‘Rom-Com’ but the course will introduce you to a realm beyond the mainstream:  British, Independent and World cinemas. The practical unit gives you the opportunity to write and make your own movie using iMovie or the more professional Final Cut HD.

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

Independent spirit to forge your own cinematic identity, sound literacy skills for written work, openness to different types of cinema.

Assessment

Coursework. – 40% (AS) 50% (A2)
Examination structure and questions.  At AS, one examination of 2 1/2  hours with two topic questions. At A2 one examination of 2 hours with two topic questions.

Enrichment Activities

Trip to the University of Sussex
National Schools Film Week Activities

Preparing for Study

A Level Film Studies, Tanya Jones, Hodder and Stoughton, ISBN: 9780340885918
AS Film Studies, Sarah Casey Benyahia, Freddie Gaffney, John White, Routledge, ISBN-13: 978-0415393119
A2 Film Studies, Sarah Casey Benyahia, Freddie Gaffney, John White, Routledge, ISBN-13: 978-0415393119
An Introduction to Film Studies Jill Nelmes, Routledge, ISBN: 978-0415173100

Other Information

Important to have access to a DVD player and TV at home to watch all those movies!