MCH3010 : Observational Filmmaking
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ian McDonald
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 30 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of this module is to develop the students' understanding and skills to allow them to make a single-authored documentary based on the aesthetics and practice of observational filmmaking. This module will build on the knowledge and skills attained in Stage 2 modules MCH2082 Making a Short Documentary and MCH2002 Filmmaking: Ideas to Screen. Moreover, it is in this module that the students will move away from group production to individual independent filmmaking. This advanced project-led practice-based module gives the students the opportunity to develop their observational cinematographic and editing skills and make an observational documentary film. Students will also produce a written critical reflection on the process of making the film. Here, students will critically reflect on the form and content of both their own work and the work of others in the field.
This modules aims to:
1. Critique a range of the technical, ethical, aesthetic and representational dynamics in observational filmmaking.
2. Apply advanced principles of observational cinematography and editing, using a range of footage (captured and archival) and synchronous and asynchronous sound, to produce an observational film.
3. Develop students ability to critically reflect on their observational filmmaking skills.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include:
- different approaches to observational filmmaking – a historical and comparative overview.
- Advanced principles and practices of observational cinematography and editing.
- Critical Theory and critical and creative reflective practice.
- Principles and practices of reflective practice.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | On-campus. Can be converted to 11 online synchronous if public health guidelines dictate. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 49:00 | 49:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Students working on their own in order to improve film technique and develop film skills |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 18:00 | 18:00 | Research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff as a core part of the module |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 57:00 | 57:00 | Work undertaken individually in support of the development of practical work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | On-campus. Can be converted to 11 online synchronous if public health guidelines dictate. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures that set out key theories and concepts and workshops based on working through the implication of key readings for practice. Practice-based sessions on writing will enable students to achieve the critical reflection on skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | A | 80 | 10-minute film submitted via a secure online link |
| Report | 1 | A | 20 | Critical self-reflexive 1000-word written report |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment will enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of varied approaches to observational cinema through a practice-led film project. It is an opportunity for students to present an integrated understanding of the relationship between observational film theory and film practices. Given the emphasis on practice, the production of the film forms the major part of the assessment, while the critical report provides the students an opportunity to place their journey on the film project within a historical and comparative context.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH3010's Timetable