UNIVERSITY OF KENT

SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School Learning
and Teaching Committee: 26th Nov 2014

1. Title of the module

FI625 Microbudget Filmmaking: Fiction

2. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Arts

3. Start date of the module

January 2016

4. The number of students expected to take the module

30

5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None

6. The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
H

7. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 credits (15 ECTS)

8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)

Spring

9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules

Prerequisite for Film Single Honour students: Stage 1 core modules, FI308 or FI309

10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes

BA Single Honours in Film

11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module H-level students will be able to:

11.1 Draw upon and bring together ideas, both theoretical and practical, from different
sources of film knowledge and from previous UG film practice modules.
11.2 Produce work showing competence in the operational skills of moving images and sound
production.
11.3 Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of writing
and in moving images and sounds through individual and group work.
11.4 Produce work which demonstrates a systematic understanding of, and an ability to
critically evaluate, relevant theoretical debates students have studied within the
programme as a whole.

12. The intended generic learning outcomes

Students will develop the skills to:

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12.1 Formulate appropriate research questions and employ appropriate methods and
resources for exploring those questions.
12.2 Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, including time-
management, as well as self-direction and the ability to reflect on ones own practices.
12.3 Communicate effectively and appropriately orally and in writing and where undertaken
- in other media.
12.4 Work productively in a group or team, showing abilities at different times to listen,
contribute and lead effectively.
12.5 Manage time, personnel and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and
organisational skills.
12.6 Critically reflect upon their own work.

13. A synopsis of the curriculum

Students will engage with key aspects of microbudget filmmaking through technical exercises
and the presentation of their own films. A series of practical projects will be contextualised
through lectures drawing on a number of films, looking at examples from the history of the
extremely low budget genres such as horror, crime, independent and experimental films. The
exercises are an opportunity for students to develop their creative practice. The development of a
screenplay for the final film project will use theory and critical analysis to develop students
understanding of microbudget filmmaking practice.

14. Indicative Reading List

Carney, Ray (2001), Cassavetes on Cassavetes. London: Faber & Faber

Cox, Alex (2008), X Films. London: I B Tauris
Grove, Elliot (2013, revised edition), Raindance Producers Lab Lo-to-No Budget Filmmaking.
Oxford: Focal Press
Jones, C. and Jolliffe, G (2006, 3rd edition), The Guerrilla Filmmakers Handbook. London:
Continuum
Lumet, Sidney (1996), Making Movies. London: Vintage
Stone, Rob (2013), The Cinema of Richard Linklater: Walk, Dont Run. London: Wallflower Press

15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes

Contact hours: 2 hours of lectures/seminars and 3 hours of workshops/supervised practice

per week for 12 weeks = 60
Total independent study hours (20 hours per week for 12 weeks) = 240
Total number of learning hours = 300
These hours will relate directly to providing students with the ability to create coursework
(both practically & theoretically through the projects) confidently using the digital facilities
provided. In this learning process students will develop and enhance skills and techniques of
the practice of working with the moving image and sound. (11. 1-3 12. 1-4)
Lectures and workshop tutorials delineate and communicate core knowledge. Seminars and
workshops offer hands on training in technical and conceptual approaches. Workshop
seminars are tutor-led reflexive learning sessions that respond to presentations of ongoing
student work. (11. 1-4 12. 1-6)

Students learn to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work using moving images,
sound and editing. Students will gain a theoretical understanding of key issues of microbudget
filmmaking. They will be able to demonstrate, through their practical work, a considered response
to the issues inherent in making a microbudget film. All these learning outcomes will be informed

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by research into the theory and practice of microbudget filmmaking, feeding into the practical
projects on the course. (11. 1-4 12. 1-6)

16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes

1) Creative Portfolio (group assignment) 65%

To include: 10-15 min film, final 8-15pp screenplay, treatment/proposal, storyboards.
Individually differentiated marks, if necessary, will be graded through: a log-book identifying all
group project activities and who was present or absent; individually written peer reviews of
collaborators; individually written self-assessment of students role(s) on the creative project
(11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6).

2) Essay, 2,500 words (individual assignment) 35%

To include: critical analysis of final film
(11.1, 11.4, 12.1, 12.3, 12.5)

17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space

This module uses existing equipment and facilities, offering students the option of using the
Schools or where appropriate their own equipment. Cameras could be either Canons
(currently used by Stage 3) or Sonys (Stage 2). In anticipation of 30 students enrolling on this
module, plus the fact that Improvisation for Screen students will be filming at the same time, 4
new Sonys will need to be bought. The existing FCP editing facilities would be used.

A combination of rooms will be required: one lecture room, the Jarman Digital Editing Suites
and the Jarman Film Studio for practice exercises. Students have the option to film some
practice exercises on location.

Purchase of about 10 books and 15 DVDs for the course will be necessary.

18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the Universitys disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.

Operation of video cameras may prove difficult for students with mobility problems.

19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:

Canterbury