Film Studies

What is Film Studies about?
This course aims to extend students’ understanding of all aspects of Film. Whether you are interested in Hollywood blockbusters or World Cinema, this course will offer new cinematic experiences.

What will you study?
At AS level, you will be introduced to the key ideas and terminology of Film Studies, through your coursework, which will comprise a written analysis of a sequence from a film of your choice, along with a creative project which involves making a 2 minute film in a small group, accompanied by a piece of analysis of the work written up on a blog. The exam in the summer involves three elements: a study of the film industry and its audience, particularly through the analysis of source material such as posters and websites, a study of how national or regional identity is represented in contemporary British films and a comparison of two American films from different historical periods.

Film Studies is a subject that by its nature requires candidates to consider individual, moral, ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues. The specification provides a framework for exploration of such issues and includes specific content through which individual courses may address these issues.

Film Studies AS/A2 (OCR H140/ H540) Examination Board ‘OCR’.

In particular, the specification explores the relationship between the film and the
individual by exploring how films create meanings and produce both intellectual and emotional responses. Additionally, the aesthetic and sensory qualities of film are emphasised as integral to a study of the interaction between films and spectators. Analysis is enabled by the application of critical approaches appropriate to this level, as well as through creative project work.
The OCR specification itself is based on recent consultation with industry experts, and throughout our own course at Coombe, students will have opportunities to work alongside media professionals to create further challenge and extend their learning.

What does studying AS Media Studies involve?

Students taking Film Studies at Coombe will be offered the opportunity to work in a range of media formats, individually and in groups. You will be expected to make full use of Coombe’s own VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), by presenting much of your work through the creation of your own e-portfolios and blogs. We also aim to provide you with the opportunity of exhibiting your all of your hard work with a high profile awards evening at the completion of the AS course. This is an opportunity that will bring to life the work you have done in the classroom.

At AS level, you will be introduced to the key ideas and terminology of Film Studies, through your coursework, which will comprise a written analysis of a sequence from a film of your choice, along with a creative project which involves making a 2 minute film in a small group, accompanied by a piece of analysis of the work written up on a blog. The exam in the summer involves three elements: a study of the film industry and its audience, particularly through the analysis of source material such as posters and websites, a study of how national or regional identity is represented in contemporary British films and a comparison of two American films from different historical periods.

Modules and assessment information.

FM1: EXPLORING FILM FORM
Focus of the unit
This unit focuses on the micro features of film and the construction of meaning and emotion. Understanding will be fostered through:
• studying micro features of film: mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing and sound
• identifying how these construct meanings and contribute to the sensory impact of film
• reflecting on individual response to micro features of film as a means of exploring the relationship between film and spectator
• creating a sequence to demonstrate how micro features produce meanings
and responses.
Throughout this unit, the emphasis will be on the interaction of film and spectator.

Content
(a) The micro features of film
This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.
• Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and makeup,
figure expression and movement and off-screen space.
• Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and interaction between performers (with reference to issues of staging/choreography where relevant).
• Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and composition and special effects.
• Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space, especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also be considered.
• Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used in relation to visuals.

Assessment
You will complete two main items; (a) a written task and (b) a practical task:

(a) An analysis of a film extract - 1500 words (30 marks)
Candidates are required to explore how one or more of mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing, and sound construct meaning and provoke response in a film extract.
• You should attempt to support your work with illustrative visual material.
• Recommended length of extract: approximately 3-5 minutes
(depending on the complexity of the extract).

(b) Creative Project: aims & context, film sequence or short film and
reflective analysis (50 marks)
For this you are required to create a film sequence or a complete short filmthat demonstrates how the micro features of film construct meaning. This comprises three elements:
accompanying Reflective Analysis cannot be adequately assessed. The film sequence may either be an extract from longer film or a complete short film, with the emphasis on visual communication rather than on dialogue. It may take one of the following forms:

• an extended step outline of 1000 words (representing 5-8 scenes)

• a photographed (digital or photo-chemical) storyboard of between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated) plus up to 5 found shots (shots which would be difficult t photograph or where locations need to be established). The 5 found shots must be acknowledged.
• a film sequence or short film of approximately 2 minutes and containing between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated).

(iii) Reflective analysis approximately 750 words or equivalent (10 marks)
The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences. Candidates working in a group
should focus on the construction and impact of their chosen micro aspect.
The analysis can be presented:
• as a continuous piece of writing, with or without illustrative material
• in a digital form such as a suitably edited blog or another web based format, eg. a blog, or
• as a focused DVD commentary.

FM2: BRITISH AND AMERICAN FILM
Focus of the Unit
This unit focuses on two key aspects of Film Studies:
• producers and audiences and the relationship between them
• the role of macro features of film (narrative and genre) in constructing meanings.
These will be studied in the context of two national cinemas – those of the UK and the USA. Critical understanding will be fostered through:
• the interrelationship between producers and audiences, with a particular focus on aspects of the film industry and audience behaviour
• narrative and genre characteristics of UK and US films
• personal response to films, mediated by the study of films and their contexts.

There are three sections to this module.

Section A: Producers and Audiences

For this unit, candidates will study the UK and US film industry, the audiences for films produced by these industries and their interrelationship.

Section B: British Film Topics

These topics require the study of at least two films with a focus on how macro elements of film, particularly narrative, construct meanings and raise issues.

Section C: US Film – Comparative Study

You will study two films from a specific genre or dealing with a specific theme. Since this is a comparative study, the two films selected will enable sufficient comparison and contrast to be made. One way of ensuring this is to select films made at different historical moments

Assessment:

This will be externally set and marked. You will answer one question from each section worth 40 marks each.

What’s the difference between Film and Media Studies ?
The main difference is that Film Studies focuses on analysis of film texts and the cinema industry, rather than the broad range of media.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?

Film Studies is primarily for those students who are p[passionate about film watching and film making. It certainly isn’t film club. The films studied will range from popular contemporary, to classic black and white films from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, which will certainly challenge your viewing perspective. So anyone expecting a nice time watching films, really should not opt to do this subject. However if you want to be challenged by films that in many cases you may know nothing about, if you want to explore film production in depth, if you want to explore how film form and genre are key elements to the whole production process. If you are a voracious consumer of film texts, with a desire to be creative, intrigued by the psychological, sociological and cultural nature of film, then this is the subject for you.

What skills will be developed and where could studying the subject lead?

Due to the informative, practical and analytical nature of the subject you will develop a wide range of highly sought after skills. You will develop the ability to write clearly, succinctly in a detailed and informative manner. Your ability to read and analyse texts critically will develop, alongside your ability to articulate your thoughts and opinions orally. Through working in groups on practical projects and presentations your team building skills will develop as will your ICT skills. The theoretical approaches that underpin all aspects of Film Studies will encourage you to become a critical thinker and independent learner with the ability to manage difficult and at times abstract concepts. You will engage in political, sociological, economic and moral debates, whilst forming your own opinions in relation to academic theory surrounding the impact of film texts and the role of film as social documentary. You will also develop a sophisticated range of practical skills that include; film and video cinematography, film and video editing, blogging, digital photography, i-movie and Final cut Express. Studying Film will open up a wide range of opportunities for you. The best Film Studies students become highly informed, articulate individuals with excellent communication and practical skills. These skills are sought after amongst a wide range of university courses and potential employers. Past Film Studies students from Coombe have gone on to study a wide range of subjects such Law at Goldsmiths’, Italian at Cambridge, Journalism at Sussex, Fashion at St Martin’s and English at Warwick as well as Film Studies itself. In terms of employment, many of our students are now working within a range of jobs, including the music industry, marketing, advertising and television. Film Studies will open your mind to complexities of film production and consumption and provide you with a wealth of knowledge.

What other subjects does it combine well with?

Film Studies is a popular subject at ‘AS’ level. Students who opt for Film find it complements a wide range of other subjects; Art, Business, Drama, English, Geography, History, Languages, Maths, Science, Technology, are amongst the subjects Film Studies students also study. Many year 13 students pick up the subject because it is an appealing choice to pick up as an extra AS subject.
Other useful information.

Due to the nature of the practical work required for FM1, those students who wish to make their own short film, or shoot a sequence from a longer film will benefit from having access to their own digital video cameras and tripods in order for them to be able to shoot footage for their films and videos out of school hours, on their own terms and without the constraints of the departmental borrowing system. Students without cameras and tripods will be allowed access to departmental resources on a restricted basis.

This could be your opportunity for becoming the next generation of film makers.