BA (HONS)

Practical Filmmaking

The BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking is designed to teach aspiring filmmakers the essential skills, across a range of disciplines, to prepare them for a career in the screen industries. 

Experienced filmmakers and educators have developed the curriculum to foster student talent, embed the discipline required and provide the knowledge necessary to be a successful, modern, industry professional.

Programme Overview

A focus on the fundamental skills needed for the pre-production, production and post production of a film, and the theory and practice that underpins the skill sets of professional filmmakers and writers.

Programme Facts

DURATION: 
2-years

MODE: 
Full-time

START:
September 2024

LOCATION:
Central Film School 

FUNDING:
Eligible for Tuition Fee Loan

UCAS CODE:
0G78

INSTITUTION CODE:
C34

AWARDING BODY:

Student Story

Sunsun

Our tutors know the industry, so they can share what to do and what not to do, tips and tricks on how to get along in the film industry. That is really going to help me.

Sunsun,

Practical Filmmaking

Course Outline

This course is designed to teach students the skills needed for the pre-production, production, and post-production of a film, and the theory and practice that underpins the skill sets of professional filmmakers.​

Year 1
Modules

Visual Storytelling
In this module you will engage with moving image as a specifically visual medium; drawing on traditions of art, photography and theatre. This module will foreground the importance of narrative sequence, with emphasis on framing, staging, and syntagmatic storytelling.

Screen Studies
This module focuses on the study of films from multiple perspectives, including thematic, narrative structure, genre, ideology, and the relationship between style and technology. A number of critical responses to cinema – including genre study, auteur theory, and feminist critiques, will also be applied to featured titles both fiction and documentary.

Working with Actors
By approaching performance from both the point of view of writers, and filmmakers, will enhance the understanding of how to develop good quality work from both sides of the camera.

Practical Filmmaking 1
You will engage in the art of filmmaking by working in various key production roles with your peers.
The module will develop your understanding of, and competence, in the following roles:
1. Directing
2. Production Management
3. Editing/Continuity
4. Cinematography
5. Production Design
6. Camera operating
7. First Assistant Director
8. Production Design
9. Sound

Directing Actors
The module will cover a variety of approaches from the director’s perspective, informed by the principle processes of script analysis, script breakdown, staging, mise-en-scene and communication, by way of collaborations with experienced screen actors.

Documentary Film Production
Working in production crews, students will research, write and produce a short documentary film. All of the work produced is united by the fact that subject matter derives from research and exploration into one or more aspects of the ‘real’ and ‘actuality’ and people with lived experience.

Year 2
Modules

Practical Film Production – S16mm
The module will focus on advancing your technical competencies and subject knowledge – deepening them through the discipline that is required when working with the Super 16mm film format and associated workflows.

 

Writing, Pitching & Developing Short Film
This module is intended to develop your knowledge of the skills required to not only write a short film, but also to devise original ideas for films. To pitch ideas in a knowledgeable and engaging way and also to collaborate in a relationship that further develops ideas from films.

 

Graduation Film Development
This module will focus on the development of graduation short films. The aim is to take students through the industry development processes and give an overview of key specialism roles necessary in the production of the graduation shoots. You will pitch competitively for a graduation film specialism.

 

Graduation Film Specialisms
The elective specialism modules prepare you to confidently undertake the duties, responsibilities and workflows of the roles that you will be assessed on during the Graduation Film process.

Skills for the Screen

Editing and Continuity

Production Design

Directing

Sound Recording / Design

Producing

Cinematography

Entry Requirements

Do you have a question about this course?

We’re here to help every step of the way. If you would like to enquire about this course or book a call with a member of our Admissions Team please fill out the form below.

Fees

Understanding the costs and financing options open to you as you plan your studies will help you to make a wise investment in your future career.

Home

Year 1: £11,100

Year 2: £11,100

(£22,200 / DEGREE) 

International

Year 1: £22,500

Year 2: £22,500

(£45,000/ DEGREE) 

actors costs, shooting kit and Production budgets for module exercises.

of up to £11,100. EU students may also apply for funding from their country of domicile where applicable. The maximum annual tuition fee loan from Student Finance Wales is £9,250. For more information, please visit Student Finance Wales.

Including scholarships for International Students.

You will also need a Production hard drive for your work and travel expenses.

Our Tutors

As a core tutor at the Central Film School specialising in cinematography, I can share the experience I have gained on projects with the BBC and Channel Four, along with insights gained from a long relationship with Ridley Scott Associates

Martin Bray

Careers

Depending on the specialisations followed during their studies, students may progress as Directors, Producers, Cinematographers, Editors, and Sound Designers. Students may also choose to study at postgraduate level in a specialised subject. 

Our Graduates have progressed onto careers with large production companies and as freelance filmmakers. 

Are you ready to Tell Your Story?