MI5020 - Film & TV Production 2 - Drama

The student-centred learning of a module such as this dictates a cycle moving from reflective critical analysis of the work of contemporary industry professionals, through to the completion of individual skill exercises, and a production project, back to reflective self-assessment, viewing the work produced with the benefit of a heightened critical awareness of professional practice.



The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, directed learning, independent practical work, tutorial and formal assessment - all structured around the production schedule of the practical project within the module.

Lectures are delivered in the early part of the semester in order to lay the foundations of critical awareness and the beginnings of creative practice before students move into their productions. As the module develops, lectures progressively give way to practical skills exercises which you carry out independently. The results of these exercises are discussed in tutorials.

Students begin to develop a script, hold casting sessions and engage in the practice of making a film. Once work is complete, you will reflect on the process in an individual critical evaluation, and personal learning portfolio.

Outside of the taught sessions, you will be expected to engage with module-relevant reading in preparation for the sessions. An electronic reading list is supplied via the e-Learning Portal, which will guide you towards appropriate resources, although you are encouraged to explore the wider library catalogue to engage with additional sources too. During your independent working time, it is also expected that you will apply the ideas raised in the reading and the taught content to film examples of your own choosing (reflecting your individual interests), and to your own practice.

The eLearning Portal is a significant source of support material throughout the module. This contains important documents pertaining to each stage of the production process, e.g. ‘How to…’ guides on completing scripts, casting call-outs, auditions et al. The PowerPoint slides from each session will also be made available soon after each session. The module features a range of teaching and learning strategies that encompass seminars and tutorials. You will be supported by the module lead; they will introduce the module at the start of the semester and offer advice and guidance throughout. Your learning is mapped out via documentation on Blackboard Ultra, the Northumbria University online electronic learning portal; this is accessible online on and off campus. The e-Learning Portal will include guidance notes and key dates to help you organise and plan your time. It will also include teaching materials, announcements and updates, and detailed information on assessment. You will have a university email that we contact you through.

We support your learning by providing on-going feedback (Formative and Summative) through the range of teaching and learning approaches offered. We ask you to submit your work electronically, and we will supply feedback via Turnitin. You will be able to compare your feedback across modules so that you can assess your development as you progress through the programme.

Formative assessment is offered throughout the module, and summative assignments will receive written feedback within 20 working days of assignment submission. Every tutor has set weekly feedback and tutorial drop in hours, wherein you can seek advice on your academic progress.

Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support. Guidance tutorials also provide opportunities for students to discuss, in confidence, their academic progress on the programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the pre-production, production and post-production process on a drama project, from initial concept through development to safe completion.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. Demonstrate the development and refinement of individual creative, craft and editorial skills

3. Develop and pitch ideas with enhanced presentation skills and understanding of the commissioning/funding process
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. Display that you value collaborative working practices by (for example) making an effective contribution to a team project.

The summative assessment is broken down into two portfolios, each of which is worth 50% of the overall module grade.

The first portfolio - the Film Production Portfolio - consists of a script and film, along with a peer assessment. Students are required to present a pitch to the lecturer at the early stages of the module. The script and film is weighted at 40%, the pitch at 5% and the peer assessment at 5%.

The second portfolio – the Personal Portfolio - should demonstrate the role you took in this production and evidence research, creative engagement along with a demonstratable critical and analytical approach to your work. As part of the portfolio you will include an evaluation which discusses your approach, research and methodology behind your role in a critical and analytical way, with references and a bibliography. Also included should be a learning diary outlining your work on the entire production.
Formative feedback will be provided through tutorials and students are expected to attend each of these sessions. Feedback will explicitly draw attention to the ways in which students can improve their work and working practices.

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This module focuses on current film and TV industry practices in content production for fiction with a wider creative and critical awareness. It encourages independent and innovative thinking alongside an increased ability to organise for drama production in ways relevant to current practices.

This module explores fictional forms including feature film practices in the contemporary film & television industries. The module develops key entry-level skills for the fiction film industry, delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and independent viewing. It also specifically develops skills in developing and pitching ideas. It will enhance your presentation skills and your understanding of the commissioning/funding process. These skills will be vital to your future career development, and these skills are transferable to a wide array of vocations within the film and television industries and beyond.