BA (Hons) Film Production

Course Overview

Does the world of film just keep you at the edge of your seat, wanting more? Are you in awe of what goes on behind the scenes of a movie-set?  

If you are looking for an opportunity to explore your creativity to the fullest, love learning innovative technology, walk into and immerse yourself in the world of film production. It opens your eyes to how you can change perspectives through the art of story-telling and film production.  

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Film Production, University of Sunderland is a 3+0 programme specifically designed for people like you, who love the world of arts.     

See the world with a new pair of eyes through the art of film-making. 

Learning Outcomes

• Explore digital filmmaking, documentary production, directing, cinematography, and scriptwriting, editing and many others

• Understand the theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills that will set you up for your own exciting and rewarding career

• Bring to life your creativity into reality

• Learn through blended learning, supported with technical instruction, and practical experience that reflect real-life creative industry projects   

COURSE MODULES

Year 1

Production Skills
This module introduces you to the key concepts and practical skills required to produce and edit a video advertising campaign ready for multiplatform distribution. You will explore and consider types of multiplatform content and post production techniques, digital workflow practices, digital video editing, video graphics/titles, camera/lighting techniques and location shooting.   

Sound Design and Production 1
You will be introduced to sound design and recording, using a professional portable recorder and microphone in a variety of acoustic environments, creating and transferring digital audio files in synchronisation with the recorded image. You will be exposed to the professional practice in audio production work by examining the roles of media professionals working in sound, the use of a variety of recording techniques and apply sound editing software in production work.   

Scriptwriting
In this module, you will work on the production of two independently written scripts for short film. The scripts should be self-contained and work within a specific genre. The scriptwriting workshops include a series of tutor-led presentations on the distinctive properties, conventions and techniques of scriptwriting for film. You will learn how to develop an idea through to treatment stage, and finally into scripts suitable for short films. Genre, narrative structure, plot lines and character development will be covered in the module. You will also be shown how to format a script.   

Introduction to Film Studies
This module is intended as a conceptual and methodological introduction to the subject area of Film Studies. It has two linked strands. Strand 1 (weekly lecture/1-hour seminar) locates film studies as an academic discipline and introduces key theoretical debates and approaches within film studies, historical and contemporary.  Strand 2 (2-hour workshop) is designed to develop practical skills in film reading and analysis.   

Short Film Production
This module exposes you to the technical practices and creative skills required to produce a short film.  You will work from an already completed script and plan, shoot and edit a short film production. You will also be expected to present the idea, genre, target audience and areas of research. Particular emphasis will be placed on visual storytelling and how meaning is created through images. The relationship between theory and practice will be explored in detail by analysing the dramatic form, and you will participate in classroom discussion on the aesthetics of filmmaking.   

Factual Film
You are required to devise, develop and deliver factual film production. Through practical workshops, supervised exercises, screenings and discussion, you will learn the practices and creative skills required to produce a short factual film for a business, event or person. Each student will work in a separate production role(s) and develop their skills within this area. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in areas including Directing, Producing, Camera, Sound and Editing.   

IACT Electives

Motion Graphics - This module introduces you to the approaches and techniques appropriate to the creation of moving graphics. Taught workshops will introduce you to the theory and practice of designing, planning, editing and creating time-based, or 'motion' graphics. You will learn how to import and synchronize moving graphics, sound, animated elements and visual effects to create work.  

Digital Image Creation - This module will give you experience in publication or editorial tasks including grid techniques, advance typography, image manipulation and designing multi-page documents. You will learn to become more practiced in constructing page layout and designing skills.

Year 2

Core Modules

Film Making for Film Festivals
This module offers the opportunity to understand and think about film festivals in the community and around the world, it provides a chance to learn by doing. You will create a short film geared towards the short film festival marketplace. you will build on the knowledge and skills from Level 1 and further develop your critical understanding of dramatic techniques and technical ability in a variety of production roles. You will further develop your creative practice within the context of a dramatic project for a film festival.   

Film Theory & Criticism
This module will expose students to close textual analysis applying various film theories and engage students with scholarly literature about film. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of the major areas of film theory and criticism and gain a heightened capacity for critical thinking and an ability to analyse film ‘texts'. Focus will be on recent and contemporary film theories such as feminism, psychoanalysis, postmodernism  

Video Documentary Production
This module gives students the opportunity to expand and develop the basic video production skills they have acquired at Level 1. Working in groups, you will devise, develop and deliver a short documentary production. Production work is single-camera based and on location. You have the opportunity to further develop production skills such as planning, organisation, production management, camera, lighting, sound, digital workflow and post-production techniques. Part of the assessment will be based on a chosen skill.   

Guerrilla Film Making
Guerrilla filmmaking is a form of independent filmmaking which is known for its minimal personnel, low budgets and efficient production schedule. Through practical workshops, supervised exercises, screenings and discussion students will develop their theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of Guerrilla filmmaking.   

Elective Modules (Choose any 2)*

Experimental Digital Film Practice 
In this module you will engage in experimental video practice and ways of working within contemporary digital art practice. You will participate in practical projects, research presentations and written work that will explore some key approaches to experimental film and digital film practice, video art and its practitioners. You will conceive plan, develop and edit a time-based work, and be encouraged to consider experimental approaches.   

Screenwriting 
This module introduces you to the concepts and techniques employed in writing drama, suitable for television or steaming service such as Netflix or Amazon. You will learn how to develop an idea through to treatment stage, and finally into a script. The concept/script should be defined in terms of genre such as horror, science fiction, sitcom, and thriller.   

The Moving Camera 
This module draws on your skills and knowledge developed in year 1. The Moving Camera develops students’ critical understanding of moving cameras, their images and the impact of those images. The module emphasises the relationship between theory and practice by exploring the moving camera through practice with Steadicam, Track and Dollies, Jib-arm, and other camera conveyances.    

Digital Video Effects 1 
This module will expose you to the disciplines used in creating and compositing motion graphics & video. The module will deliver a complete understanding of motion graphics, animation and some compositing concepts, techniques and vocabulary. You will be required to produce an info graphic and a series of TV adverts.   

Post Production 
The module will build on the post-production knowledge and skills that you have acquired in year 1.  You will develop their technical understanding of Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools, and how this software is used to craft a video project.  You will also develop your critical understanding of editing and audio mixing from a dramatic/artistic perspective and be able to critically assess the strengths and weakness of a project.

*Subject to availability

Year 3

Core Modules

Advanced Digital Fictional Film
This module expands on what you will have demonstrated successfully in previous year 1 and 2 pre-requisite modules. You will be commissioned or provided with “Live Industry Briefs” to produce two short films over the duration of the module. Both films will be 4 minutes in length approximately. The student groups will be expected, in groups, to establish your own small production companies and to develop an online presence.   

High End Video Project
This module expands on what you will have demonstrated successfully in previous year 1 and 2 pre-requisite modules. You will work in groups of two and must seek a client and be commissioned or provided with “Live Briefs” to produce a high end corporate video or Product Branding project. The student groups will work with the client and create a video to promote a business/product, an individual, an event, a band etc.  The video will demonstrate your creativity, technical ability in creating highly composed compositions, effective audio levels/mixing/score, and professional editing/grade in the final product.   

Practical Final Project
In this module, you will produce a major piece of digital film media work in the genre of their choice. You will demonstrate your technical ability/skills in creating highly composed compositions, effective audio, and professional editing/grade while applying creative and analytical decision making skills through conducting research, idea conceptualisation, and critical thinking in the development of the digital film project.   

IACT Electives

Creativity and Entrepreneurship
This module provides students with basic processing outlook and the various art of entrepreneur skills to becoming an entrepreneur, capable of taking up challenging responsibilities in the respective fields. At the end of the module, students will have to propose a simple business plan.

In-Company Practical Training
This module helps you to develop strategies which will extend and apply your learning beyond the educational institution. You will realise that the In-Company Training is not simply work experience but rather a strategy of applied learning. It is structured to provide an opportunity for you to critically reflect on the relationship between your academic studies and the film production and communication practices.

Elective Modules (Choose 1)*

Video Production 2 
Video Production 2 offers further specialisation in the documentary genre and production management skills and understanding gained at level 2. You will work in small groups to produce a 10 – 15 min documentary and MUST take one of the following production roles: DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, SOUND, EDITOR and CAMERA and (or) LIGHTING.   

Film and Feeling: Music, Performance Genre 
This module will explore the role played by music, performance and genre in the evocation of emotion in cinema. It will provide you with the opportunity to examine a rich variety of films drawn from international cinema, TV drama and the music video.   

Film Studies Special Topic 
The module covers further in-depth study of Film Studies, the key theories and debates relating to a particular Film topic It seeks to develop the awareness of the range of contemporary and historical forms of film making practice in the selected film country from the mainstream blockbuster social comedy to experimental political film and of the relationship between these films and the society and culture from which they emerge. The screened films are only a starting point and you are encouraged to explore related or unrelated aspects of the selected film.   

Film, Horror and The Body 
Horror film has been called a ‘body genre’. It offers to excite its viewer with emotions and sensations (fright, shock, revulsion) that have a bodily dimension.  It is also populated by fantastic bodies that transform, mutate, merge, open up, disintegrate, are monstrous, violated, decaying, dead.  This module will trace and examine a range of horror films’ constructions of ‘the body’, asking what kinds of cultural fascinations, anxieties, pleasures and power dynamics might be being played out over the bodies of horror.     

Science Fiction and Fantasy TV 
The syllabus moderance are on radio, film and more specifically television. The module will explore several key theoretical approaches to the study of the genre, including fan cultures, representation and dystopian/utopian futures. There will be a chronological overview of the genres, from the 1950s to the present day, exploring British and American science fiction and fantasy television. Topics include: women and science fiction, the hero, science fiction audiences, fan cultures, and apocalyptic visions of the future.

*Subject to availability

MPU MODULES

Penghayatan Etika & Peradaban / Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2 (International Students)

Penghayatan Etika & Peradaban aims to provide a true understanding of the concept of ethical appreciation, especially in complying with the National Principles (Rukun Negara), government policies, unity efforts and national development. In this module, students will also be enlightened on Malaysian history before and after its independence, and efforts undertaken in building the nation's civilisation. Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2 helps you communicate effectively in a formal/informal setting, building your confidence as you hone your interaction skills in the national language. 

Bahasa Kebangsaan A / Academic Writing

Bahasa Kebangsaan A helps a student to grasp the national language to effectively communicate, and express thoughts clearly and creatively through verbal and written communication. Academic Writing introduces the basics of English through writing, critical thinking skills and brainstorming. Students will be exposed to means and methods of using English to write and communicate effectively.

Falsafah & Isu Semasa

This module covers the relation between philosophy, the National education Philosophy and the National Principles of Malaysia (Rukun Negara).

Perlembagaan dan Masyarakat Malaysia

This course sheds understanding on Malaysian constitution and society, from concepts, theories, and background of the constitution, which includes the concept of Federalism, the doctrine of power separation, the fundamental right to freedom, monarchial institutions, and the position of Islam and Bahasa Melayu. 

Serving Our Society (S.O.S)

Serving our Society (S.O.S) is a student-run society that supports both local and international community work. It discusses the concept of community engagement projects, preparation of proposal papers and effective project features, and provides an understanding and appreciation in implementing community engagement projects.