MCH3011 : Entering the Filmscape: Working as a Film Professional
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Ms Lucy Jolly
- Other Staff: Dr Ian McDonald
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module will build on Introduction to the Film Industry at Level 4 and give students an awareness and appreciation of the professional and personal skills required to work in different aspects of the film industry (be it exhibition, curation, distribution, sales & marketing, film journalism) as well as the challenges of setting up as an independent film company. Students will develop an understanding of the shape and structure of the film industry and be introduced to a range of possible career routes. Students will also be given an opportunity to gain experience of working in the independent film sector through field trips to film festivals and a local independent cinema.
This modules aims to:
1. Provide an overview of the diverse nature of the film industry in the UK.
2. Examine the range of career and employment possibilities in the UK film industry.
3. Outline the diverse nature of the independent film sector, including film festivals and film production.
4. Develop an appreciation of the generic and particular skills and aptitude (including ethical responsibilities) required to make it as a freelancer or an independent filmmaker.
5. Give an insight into the experience of working in the film industry students.
Outline Of Syllabus
Weekly themes, such as:
- Carving out a career in film
- Postgraduate study to build your career
- Carving out a career as a creative in the independent film sector
- Working in the wider film economy – such as film festivals, film distribution or film criticism
- Setting up as an independent – from website to production company
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | On-campus presentations. Can be switched to online if public health guidelines dictate. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 54:00 | 54:00 | Portfolio of work/case studies |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 38:00 | 38:00 | Further project work; relevant volunteering opportunities & live brief opportunities; CV guidance; 1 to 1s with Careers Service & with module leader |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Project work and readings |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 3 | 12:00 | 36:00 | Field trips - film festivals and independent cinema programming |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures that set out the main ideas and themes and fieldtrips to film festivals and/or an independent cinema spread over two semesters. Students will be given a structure within which they will be able to explore the area of the film industry that interests them in more depth. The combination of lectures and fieldwork will give a structure and context for learning, that will enable students to have both the breadth and depth of understanding of working in the film industry.
If necessary due to public health requirements and restrictions the field trips will take place online, with students attending virtual film festivals and zoom sessions with programmers etc.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | A | 100 | 4000-word portfolio consisting of CV and case studies reflecting research into working in the film industry. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The rationale for the assessments is to enable the students to demonstrate an understanding of working in the film industry and to illustrate this through the production of a scholarly 4000-word portfolio. Example content of this portfolio includes: their own online CV, entrance strategies for career plans, case studies of a particular film festival or independent cinema, or relevant volunteering opportunity. Alternatively students may agree with module leader to research in depth a specific aspect of the film industry in a scholarly essay accompanied by their CV.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH3011's Timetable