WELCOME TO UNIT 26: FILM STUDIES AND UNIT 2: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

UNIT 26: FILM STUDIES

All approaches to studying film are theoretical to a greater or lesser extent. Even casual discussion about movies often reveals a recognition of, and a cultural investment in, the auteur as the source of the film’s meaning. A theoretical approach to film simply recognises that we need to consciously apply specific ways of responding to film texts in order to make our interpretation clear, not only to others but to ourselves as well. Done properly this is not merely an exercise in regurgitating theory: the effective application of theory and the use of specific analytical tools to produce different understandings of the same texts improves our understanding, enlivens our appreciation, and, for film practitioners, informs and enhances their production activity.

Through following this unit you will develop an understanding of a number of theoretical approaches to film and apply them to specific films. You will come to understand that films do not exist in a vacuum, nor do they simply appear like flowers in the spring. Rather, they are created by a range of determinants and influences which include, amongst others, the culture and politics of the country where they are produced, the finance that enables their production, the technology of film production, distribution and exhibition, and the nature and structure of the industry which produces them.

In addition, you will explore the often complex relationship between audiences and films and will be able to understand why and how audiences watch and make sense of films in particular ways.

There are opportunities in the unit to develop and apply research techniques through the completion of a piece of practical audience research. The unit will also help to put production work done in other units into context.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit you should:

  

1. Be able to apply different analytical approaches to films

2. Understand the relationship between films and their production contexts

3. Understand the relationship between producers and audiences

4. Understand the relationship between audiences and films.

UNIT 2: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Effective communication skills are required in all businesses and industries around the world but are especially important when working in the creative media sector where whatever your job, you'll need to communicate with lots of different people for different purposes. You are required to communicate with your colleagues and co-workers, you need to communicate your ideas and concepts to clients and you need to be able to communicate effectively with your audience, who will receive and consume your products.


This unit has been designed too target these essential skills and to help you to develop them in a vocational context. Here you will be required to undertake sound written and oral communication and to use your skills and knowledge to undertake effective research into your production work, extracting targeted and relevant information through the use of annotation.


Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit you should:

1. Be able to extract information from written sources
2. Be able to create a media report in a media production context
3. Be able to pitch a media production proposal using appropriate technology