This course is designed to deepen students' understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film, the major art form of the twentieth century, and one developing new modes of expression and exhibition in the twenty-first century.
It will build on the cineliteracy learners have developed informally since childhood. They will study film in a wide variety of contexts and engage in a range of different types of film. They will have a chance to expand their skills of written analysis while also getting the chance to develop creative and practical skills.
The units available for AS are: Module 1 Exploring Film Form
This unit focuses on the construction of meaning in film. It covers everything from cinematography to editing, emotional response to intellectual discussion and from performance to spectator. Assessment will be a 1500 word essay and a practical piece of storyboarding or filmmaking.
Module 2 British and American Film
This unit examines the UK and US film industries. It looks at the film audience, the interrelationship between audiences and producers (including marketing and exhibition), British film and the Horror and Comedy genres, Film Stars, production companies, culture, politics and identity (exam).
In the second year (A2): Module 3 Film Research and Creative Projects
This will consist of a small-scale research project. Learners will study one film (and two support films) in detail. Factors analysed will include:
There is also a creative project in the form of a short film or an original screenplay extract.
Module 4 Varieties of Film Experience Issues and Debates
This is the study of world cinema encompassing such interesting topics as urban stories, empowering women and experimental film (exam).
5 GCSEs grades 4 or above, to include English at grade 5 or above.
With a qualification in Film Studies you could go into higher education and/or work in the film industry, the media, performing arts, advertising, public relations etc.