| BA(Hons) Digital Filmmaking |
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Why choose Video and why at SMU Through the continual production of short film projects throughout the degree course, students have the opportunity to develop a personal voice in digital filmmaking. The course emphasises technical skills, critical awareness and creative vision, with students receiving training and guidance in current industry practice. The course is 80% practical, complemented by 20% theoretical study). Students receive significant staff contact time through one-to-one tutorials, seminars and workshops, and benefit from the University's large stock of the latest video production and post-production equipment. The University has a good reputation for preparing graduates for technical, production, post-production and creative careers across film and television production. Course structure & content The Faculty has excellent industrial links and there is a regular programme of visiting speakers and professionals. Live projects are an integral part of the course and these help you to engage with professional bodies before you graduate. All work is project based. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding in the form of practical project work. All assessment is based on 100% coursework. As well as formal lectures there is also a programme of individual tutorials throughout the three years. Year One, students learn key skills and develop individual approaches through projects. The first year projects are designed to make students think critically and creatively about fundamental principles of filmmaking - whilst at the same time developing skills learned in workshops - through the production of original works. Year Two, students are expected to further develop their own ideas and approaches in more ambitious pieces of work. Lectures and workshops build upon the core skills and concepts learned in the first year, and professional practices are encouraged. Individual tutorials and feedback support projects and learning across the year. Year Three, students create major projects to an advanced standard over an extended period. Projects are supported by individual tutorials, feedback sessions and advice throughout the year. Students are prepared for future careers through modules dedicated to marketing, self-promotion and the exhibiting and distribution of work. Across all three years, theory modules inform and augment student practical work. In the first year, students learn key methods of the academic analysis of filmmaking through a combination of lectures, seminars and written assignments. In the second year, more complex subjects and analytical approaches are taught, again, through lectures, seminars and assignments. In the third year, students write a dissertation, based upon self-directed research, that explores an aspect of filmmaking history, criticism or practice with relevant, detailed academic analysis. Facilities & Resources The department has excellent facilities and equipment for digital film and television production. A fully-equipped TV studio with production gallery, green screen facility gives students the opportunity to shoot drama, documentary interviews, video art and special effects. For location production, students can use a wide range of DV, HDV, DVC-PRO HD and XD-CAM camera kits, along with Kino, Arri, and Dedo lighting kits and sound recording equipment. Professional track & dolly and steadicam systems can also be used to create fluid camera movements. For post-production, the University has 24 Avid Media Composer seats, using both Apple Macintosh and PC, and is the first academic Avid Authorised Training Partner (AATP) in the UK. (Avid is an industry standard editing system, used by professionals within the film and television industries worldwide). In addition, many computers are equipped with Final Cut Studio, After Effects, Photoshop, Shake and Combustion. The department has large plasma screen TVs and digital projectors for screenings. Beyond this specialist equipment, you will also have access to an extensive range of facilities including an excellent library, open-access computer suits and optional workshops in other areas within the art school. Student experiences & Employment opportunities A graduate from the BA (Hons) Video degree programme will be ideally suited for employment as an independent filmmaker, editor, camera operator, sound recordist or other production professional in the film and television industries. Marcus Thomas: Since graduating Marcus worked as a runner for two years on various projects. Marcus worked for BBC Wales for five years, working his way up from being a production assistant to a Promotions Director and for the last three years as a Commercials Director for Wordley Productions Partners. "A fantastic environment for budding filmmakers and editors alike. I have found the facilities superb; the course has shown me how to take my creative ideas from sketches to fruition in a professional way. The staff are hugely supportive and the camaraderie on the course has helped channel my creative energies." UCAS Codes, Entry requirements, How to apply, Open days & Fees UCAS Code: W610 Study Options: 3years Full Time/6 years Part-Time Information on Entry Requirements, How to Apply and Open Days can be found on our main Faculty Page Information on Fees can be found here Contact Admissions tutor: Manolo Lozano |