MET FILM SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2012
PROSPECTUS 2012
WWW.METFILMSCHOOL.CO.UK
DID YOU KNOW? In 2010 UK film production spend hit a record level of £1.1 billion. Film London
In 2010 the top 20 UK films grossed £232 million at the UK box office, up from £173 million in 2009. BFI Statistical Yearbook 2011
The UK share of the global theatrical cinema market for 2010 was 14% ($4.5 billion), up from 7% ($2 billion) in 2009. BFI Statistical Yearbook 2011
Of the top 200 global box office successes of 2001-2010, 34 films are based on stories and characters created by UK writers. Together they have earned almost $20 billion (£12.2 billion) at the worldwide box office. BFI Statistical Yearbook 2011
The total filmed entertainment market in the UK in 2010 is estimated to have been £3.8 billion, up 2.3% on 2009.
DEAR FILMMAKER, t Met Film School you learn filmmaking by making films. From day one we throw you in at the deep end, and help you develop in your chosen field through a carefully constructed programme of production experience and education in industry practice, vocabulary and conventions. We’re more than just a film school. It’s no accident that we are based in Ealing Studios, the oldest working film studios in the UK. Our award-winning production company, Met Film Production, and busy post production facility, Met Post, are integral to our offering, and we’re proud of our pitch forums, masterclasses, and the community of professionals who love to work with and teach our students as much as they do making films. Whichever programme you choose, whether it’s long or short, general or specialist, a first degree or a treat to yourself, we look forward to welcoming you to the school and helping you navigate your path through the wonderful and complex world of film.
BFI Statistical Yearbook 2011
Since Film London was launched in 2004 filming in the capital has risen by a massive 30% making it one of the world’s busiest filming cities. Film London
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Jonny Persey School Director and Film Producer
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THE HISTORY OF THE MET FILM SCHOOL et Film School was founded in 2003. Since then we’ve grown substantially and now have an extensive campus at Ealing Studios, plus two shooting stages. Here are a few key moments from our story…
2003
Met Film School opens offering an eight-week programme in filmmaking ‘From Story to Screen in Eight-Weeks’.
2005
Met Film acquires Remote Productions and launches Met Film Post. Christoph Röhl, one of the Met Film School founders, directs and releases his feature film Ein Teil von mir, co-written with fellow Met Film School tutor Philippe Longchamp.
2006
Producer Jonny Persey joins Met Film, bringing production company APT Films into the fold as Met Film Production.
2007
Met Film School introduces a BA qualification in Practical Filmmaking, a suite of one-year CertHE qualifications and a one-year DipHE programme.
2008
Met Film Production are awardwinners at SXSW festival for their documentary film Heavy Load.
2009
Met Film School student Daniel Demissie pitches his idea for a documentary – about a group of athletes in rural Ethiopia – to the Met Film Production team. The film, Town Of Runners, goes into production with Daniel as Co-Producer.
2010
Met Film Production release feature film The Infidel across UK cinemas, whilst the Met Film School student body increases to over 200 students. Met Film Production also wins an award at the Silverdocs festival for their documentary feature Men Who Swim, and the film is broadcast on the BBC under the title Sync or Swim. Sterke Verhalen (Tall Stories), a feature film written and directed by former Met Film School students Teddy
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Cherim and Kees van Nieukerk, is released in the Netherlands across 32 screens.
2011
Met Film School introduces an MA qualification validated by Bournemouth University, as well as launching a Six-Month Practical Filmmaking programme. In April 2011 both Met Film Production and Met Film School are represented at the Tribeca Film Festival. Met Film Production celebrates the screening of documentary feature film Donor Unknown and student film Paper, directed by Egill Kristbjornsson. Meanwhile, the feature film Leila, produced and crewed by Met Film School BA students, wins Best Actress at the London Independent Film Festival and takes Austin Film Festival by storm. Met Film Production options a screenplay by Met Alumni Greg Ardanowski, with a view to shooting in 2013.
EALING STUDIOS et Film School is the only film school in the UK that’s based within a working film studio. Ealing Studios is the oldest continually operating studio in the world and is a prestigious hub for filmmaking talent. Here are just a few films shot at Ealing Studios:
THE LADYKILLERS THE LAVENDER HILL MOB KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS STAR WARS: EPISODE TWO SHAUN OF THE DEAD BURKE AND HARE VALIANT ST. TRINIAN’S THE QUEEN PRINCE OF PERSIA BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON NOTTING HILL
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OUR STUDENT PRODUCTIONS FEATURE FILMS WILL 4,000 + BE MADE BY MET FILM
FILMMAKING IN LONDON ince Film London was launched in 2004 filming in the capital has risen by a massive 30%, making it one of the world’s busiest filming cities. According to the BFI Statistical Yearbook 2011, the UK share of the global cinema market for 2010 was 14% ($4.5 billion) - double that of 2009. There is also a year on year increase in UK film production spend, and with global boxoffice successes such as The King’s Speech showcasing the wealth of British acting and directing talent, London is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of the worldwide film industry. Studying in London means that you have access to a huge range of resources and can draw inspiration from a rich heritage of filmmaking. London houses organisations such as the British Film Institute, The Cinema Museum, The Kubrick Archives, The London Film Museum, and busy film studios such as Pinewood, Shepperton and, home of Met Film School, Ealing Studios. Match this with a vibrant arthouse cinema scene and a multitude of film clubs, and you have all you need to enhance your education in the craft of film.
SCHOOL STUDENTS OVER THE NEXT YEAR
STUDENTS HAVE ATTENDED OUR STUDENT MET FILM SCHOOLPRODUCTIONS TO DATE
Here are just some of the recent films shot in London:
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 SHERLOCK HOLMES AN EDUCATION THE KING’S SPEECH PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER THE IRON LADY MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
YOU WILL MEET A TALL, DARK STRANGER SKYFALL (BOND 23)
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Image: Lukasz Kondracki
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
SHORT FILMS WILL BE MADE AT MET FILM SCHOOL OVER THE NEXT YEAR
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PRAISE FOR THE INFIDEL “THE INFIDEL WILL BE THE SUMMER’S FUNNIEST FILM” The Evening Standard
“SHARP, WISE AND VERY FUNNY”
WE’RE PART OF THE INDUSTRY We’re not just a film school; we’re part of an enterprise that makes films, teaches people to make films and offers post production services to the industry. In 2011 our production company Met Film Production released award-winning documentary feature Donor Unknown (nominated in 2011 for a Grierson Award, alongside another Met Film Production release Men Who Swim). In 2010, in the USA and UK we released comedy film The Infidel, written by author and comedian David Baddiel. We currently have fiction and documentary projects in pre-production.
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Our Industry Partners:
Time Out London
PRAISE FOR MEN WHO SWIM PRAISE FOR DONOR UNKNOWN “NOTHING IN THE HOLLYWOOD IMAGINATION CAN COMPETE WITH THE PLOT OF DONOR UNKNOWN” The Sunday Times
“SURPRISING, AMUSING AND ODDLY MELANCHOLIC: A GENUINE HUMAN DRAMA”
“THE DELIGHTFUL STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL STORY OF A WELSHMAN WHO MOVED TO STOCKHOLM FOR LOVE…” Daily Mail
“LIKE SPINAL TAP IN SWIMMING TRUNKS” The Scotsman
“IF INGMAR BERGMAN HAD EVER MADE A FILM ABOUT SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING, THEN IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE LOOKED A BIT LIKE THIS” The Scotsman
Time Out London
“A NIGH-ON PERFECT DOCUMENTARY”
“…A SKILLFULLY CONSTRUCTED LOOK AT A VERY MODERN FAMILY”
“…HIGHLY ENJOYABLE”
Total Film
The Independent
The Sunday Times
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OUR TUTORS JONNY PERSEY
Producer of Wondrous Oblivion, Deep Water and Heavy Load
DAVID BALFOUR
Independent Producer
LISA NEELEY
Co-Director of screenplay development consultancy, The Script Connection
ALAN LEWIS
3D artist and compositor with over 12 years experience in the CG industry
CHRIS BOULD
Multiple BAFTA-winning Director/ Producer of My Friend Joe and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
JAMIE NUTTGENS
Co-Producer of Red Riding and Raindance Festival winner with the microbudget The Blue Tower
JIM O’BRIEN
BAFTA-winning Director of The Jewel In The Crown
KAROLINE MOSER
Editor of documentary strands Extraordinary People and Equinox Special
All of our tutors are industry professionals who will help you gain the experience, skills and contacts you need to launch your career.
BEN MORRIS
HELEN MCGREGOR
ROBIN VIDGEON, BSC
STEVE BROOKE SMITH
Award-winning short film Director and Director of Holby City, Casualty, The Bill and Doctors
Cinematographer for Hellraiser, The Fly II and August
CLAIRE MOORSOM
Founder of Seymour Films and story editor for TV and film projects including Hustle, Donkey Punch and The Giblet Boys
IAN KNOX
Award-winning Director of Martino Unstrung
PAUL WHEELER BSC
Former BBC Senior Drama Cameraman and Director of Photography of Inspector Morse, Oklahoma and King Lear
BREN SIMSON
Director of People and Power, Alive and Heartbeat
RACHEL WOOD
NFTS Script Advisory Board member, Script Factory Board member and BAFTA Short Film Jury member
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Published novelist and writer and Associate Screen Arts Tutor at the NFTS
Camera operator for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, camera assistant on Band of Brothers, Eyes Wide Shut and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
PHILIPPE LONGCHAMP
Professional script consultant for Miramax and New Line Cinema
SASHA SNOW
Documentary director and Director of Photography on productions for BBC, Tiger Aspect and Channel 4
RORY KILALEA
Writer and Director of award-winning play Colours
ORLANDO SEALE
Actor with appearances in The West Wing, Ghost Whisperer, The IT Crowd, Casualty and films Sleepy Hollow, French Film and Fred Claus
LESLEY MANNING
Award-winning Director of BBC Films’ Ghostwatch and My Sister Wife, BBC’s Blood Rights, Berkley Square and Drovers’ Gold
KANT PAN
Academy Award-nominated Editor of The Crying Game
CARLO DUSI
Producer of Met Film’s Little Ashes starring Robert Pattinson
DAVID FREEMAN
LAURA SMITH
Director of TV short series The Cut, Doctors and Hollyoaks
DAVID MARTIN
Editor of Sid and Nancy and Straight to Hell Returns
ANUREE DE SILVA
Editing tutor who worked on films such as Trainspotting and A Life Less Ordinary
ASHER TLALIM
Award-winning documentary filmmaker
BAFTA-winning Editor of The Full Monty, Mickey Blue Eyes and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
GILL WILKINSON
DAVID GAMBLE
JUSTIN TREFGARNE
Oscar-nominated, BAFTAwinning Editor of Shakespeare in Love, Veronica Guerin and Shopgirl
EMMA LINDLEY
Award-winning producer and director of BBC documentary Big Brother, ITV series My Parents Are Aliens and BBC series Brum
Director for television series’ including The Bill, Casualty and Grange Hill
Story Editor on Pride & Prejudice and Director of Junk
PHILIP SINDALL
Camera Operator on Nanny McPhee, Shakespeare in Love, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Mamma Mia!
FAYE
Camera department with credits including Sunshine, Below and Top Gear
ALEX ASHCROFT
Sound Recordist, whose credits include Silent Witness and Flawless
MATTHEW SHARE
Sound department on Lewis and Primeval
DAN ROBERTS
Editorial Department on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Proof, Mona Lisa Smile and Dirty Pretty Things
MARK BARRS
Camera department with credits including Jane Eyre, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Hogfather and Waking the Dead
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Toy Soldiers, Jose Yapur
ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY t Met Film School we offer a range of opportunities for our students to engage with professionals during their time with us – to give them the best transition possible into the film industry and beyond. Here are some examples of productions our students have worked on:
fter leaving Met Film School our students have gone on to achieve success in a variety of roles, whether freelance on independent productions, at established media companies, or even setting up their own companies. Our students have worked for:
MET FILM PRODUCTION BBC BBC WRITERS ACADEMY BBC DRAMA
ONE DAY
DR WHO
BBC MULTIPLATFORM
CLASH OF THE TITANS
TORCHWOOD
CLASH OF THE TITANS 2
MUMFORD AND SONS MUSIC VIDEO STRICTLY COME DANCING
PRINCE OF PERSIA
CASUALTY
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
HOLBY CITY
UNIVERSAL PICTURES TALKBACK THAMES FILMFOUR WARP FILMS
HEROES
PULSE FILMS
SURVIVORS
REMEDY PRODUCTIONS
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?
THE DARK KNIGHT
THE CUT
ST TRINIAN’S
ROBIN HOOD
EASTENDERS
MERLIN
HOLBY CITY
DOCTORS
FRESHLY SQUEEZED
POIROT
GONZO WITH ALEXA CHUNG
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TRIBUTE SHOOT
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Doremi, Rafael Medina Adalfio
WOLVERINE
BBC3
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
EINSTEIN FILMS 19 ENTERTAINMENT ELITE MODEL MANAGEMENT STEEL MILL PICTURES PRIME FOCUS MTV
Locked, BA Student Feaature film, photo by Jon Olav Stokke
HARRY POTTER
Paper, Egill Kristbjornsson
ORANGE BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS (BAFTAS)
Injuries, Jean-Philippe Blunt
NME AWARDS
The Umbrella, Aashni Shah
DOWNTON ABBEY
NOKIA RED BULL HMX MEDIA BLINKBOX
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MET FILM SCHOOL COMMUNITY OUR ETHOS You need to understand the film industry to work within it. Industry standards are high – it’s a business after all – and to succeed you must learn the practical, behavioural and creative skills expected to work as part of a team. That’s why, as well as employing tutors from the industry, we encourage you to participate in extra-curricular workshops, placements, events and forums to aid your development. We also actively support students looking to submit their work into festivals, and hold an annual showcase where industry professionals are invited to view selected student films. Your experience will challenge you mentally, physically and emotionally. But we promise that it will be stimulating, fun and immensely rewarding. Whichever programme you choose, you can be assured that it has been designed to meet the needs of today’s film and media industries. All courses are developed in consultation with industry partners and in line with Skillset’s vocational standards.
FILM FESTIVALS At Met Film School we actively support selected student films at festivals, and all students on our accredited programmes are encouraged to promote their own work through the festival circuit. In 2011 Met Film’s presence at the Tribeca Film Festival included the Met Film production Donor Unknown and experimental short film Paper, directed by Met Film School student Egill Kristbjornsson.
MET FILM PITCH FORUM The Met Film Pitch Forum is a bi-monthly event that is run in conjunction with Met Film Production – our in-house production company. The pitch forum offers students and alumni the chance to submit their pitches for film projects – be they short, feature, documentary or drama – to our production team. As well as gaining valuable experience and feedback from the pitching process, there is a discretionary development fund available, designed to help move select projects forward.
Met Film School has received notification that the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education has scheduled us for a review for educational oversight during 2012.
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David Yates
MET MASTERCLASSES JOHN LANDIS
CLARE BINNS
Yates’ career includes renowned TV series State of Play, whilst his 2005 feature Girl in the Café was BAFTA and Emmy award-winning. Yates is also one of the most commercially successful British directors in recent years, having helmed films in the Harry Potter franchise including The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows parts one and two.
Director John Landis visited the school to talk about his career and latest movie Burke and Hare filmed at Ealing Studios. With a directorial career spanning four decades, Landis’ films have gone on to become some of the most popular movies of all time.
As Director of Programming at City Screen, Binns oversees the selection of films playing in many of London’s leading independent cinemas. With a tangible influence over the UK film landscape, Binns was able to offer students an insight into what makes a commercially viable film for the independent market.
KIRK JONES Writer and Director Kirk Jones visited Met Film School to talk about his career and experience shooting feature projects Waking Ned and Everybody’s Fine, starring Robert De Niro and Drew Barrymore. Jones’ debut feature film Waking Ned made an unprecedented impact on the global box office and he has since directed Nanny McPhee starring Emma Thompson.
DEAN CRAIG Dean Craig, writer of feature film Death At A Funeral, led a masterclass about his unique experience of making the same film for the UK and US markets. The US version reached number 4 in the June 2010 UK box office.
SANDY LIEBERSON As outgoing Chair of Film London and ex-president of production at 20th Century Fox, Lieberson is a prolific figure in the film industry. His visit to the school gave students the chance to hear the views of a major industry figure and gain an insight into the business of filmmaking.
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JOHN FLETCHER: MD OF DISTRIBUTION PATHÉ UK Pathé have been responsible for some of the UK’s most prolific and diverse theatrical releases, from the multi Academy Awardwinning Slumdog Millionaire, to Pedro Almodóvar’s 2011 release The Skin I Live In. As MD of distribution, John Fletcher offered Met Film School students an insight into what makes a good creative campaign and the decisions that go into presenting a feature film release.
ASIF KAPADIA BAFTA winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia is known for his visually striking films exploring characters living in timeless, extreme and unforgiving landscapes. Not only garnering acclaim for his fiction films such as The Warrior and Far North, Kapadia has recently had great success with feature documentary Senna and shared his experiences with our students.
JULIA SHORT: MD VERVE PICTURES Verve Pictures is an independent distributor, specialising in Independent or British films. With a catalogue of critically acclaimed films and a view firmly on the UK
Kirk Jones
DAVID YATES
John Landis
e organise a number of masterclasses throughout the year to inform our students and enhance their studies with industry insights. We’ve welcomed a variety of guests to Met Film School to talk to our students, here are just a few…
and independent market, their releases include Lars and the Real Girl, American: The Bill Hicks Story, and The Arbor. Verve MD Julia Short led a masterclass that focused on distribution in the UK and independent markets.
ASCHLIN DITTA To welcome the DVD release of the Met Film production French Film, writer Aschlin Ditta led a masterclass discussing his career and the differences working on feature and television projects. Ditta has written three series and two specials of The Catherine Tate Show and won Best Screenplay at the Monte Carlo Film Festival for his work on French Film.
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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE CERTIFICATE he professional practice certificate is a unique award developed by Met Film School to recognise outstanding students by communicating their professionalism to prospective employers. Students on our six-month, one and two-year programmes who demonstrate exemplary communication and teamwork, management, planning and organisation skills, initiative and film sense are awarded the Met Film School Professional Practice Certificate and access to our Industry Placement Scheme. The Met Film School Industry Placement Scheme seeks to provide students with placements and jobs within the film, television and media industries. The scheme’s participating companies span all sectors of the industry and offer a wide range of placement opportunities. A placement can often provide valuable experience and contacts and be a first step into a successful career within the creative industries.
ADVISORY BOARD ur Advisory Board consists of accomplished industry professionals, including BAFTA members, major distributors, and award-winning filmmakers.
“FILM WRITING AND DIRECTING CANNOT BE TAUGHT, ONLY LEARNT” Alexander Mackendrick, one of Ealing Studios’ best-known directors.
STEPHEN FREARS “AT MET FILM SCHOOL YOU’LL SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME MAKING FILMS WITH THE SUPPORT OF PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKERS. I DON’T KNOW ANY OTHER WAY TO LEARN” Met Film School Patron and Director of High Fidelity, Dangerous Liaisons, Dirty Pretty Things and The Queen
Academy Award-winning Producer of Antonia’s Line and No Man’s Land
FRANCIS SERIAU Founder of the Tech Music School group
SARAH GAVRON
BARNABY THOMPSON
Head of Ealing Studios, Director of St. Trinian’s and Producer of An Ideal Husband
JILL TANDY
ROGER LAUGHTON
MICHAEL GUBBINS
Founder of Arts Alliance
SUSAN BENN
DICK ROSS
HEATHER RABBATTS
Managing Director of Pathé UK
Head of Commercial Affairs at NBC Universal International Television Production
THOMAS HØEGH
Founder and Artistic Director of Performing Arts Labs
CAMERON MCCRACKEN
Director of feature film Brick Lane
Former Chair of South West Screen and Deputy Chair of the British Film Institute
Chair of Shed Media, the group behind UK TV series Supernanny, Who Do You Think You Are? and the Academy Award-winning Man on Wire
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JUDY COUNIHAN
Former Deputy Director at the NFTS and former Chair of graduate film at NYU and Columbia University
CHRISTOPH RÖHL
Former editor of Screen International
NIK POWELL
Director of NFTS and Producer of The Crying Game
DAVID KOSSE
President of Universal Pictures International
One of the founders of Met Film School and award-winning Director
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OUR FACILITIES egardless of their study programme we encourage students to be resourceful and pragmatic when it comes to production planning, as these are skills that will be transferable to all types of productions. To introduce the ideas present in the budgeting and planning process our students are allocated production credits to use against our in-house resources. This system ensures fair and appropriate access to our kit and facilities. Met Film School kit room is equipped with a range of sound, camera and lighting kits for students on their films, as well as exercises throughout the courses. Students on our longer programmes will act as crew on each other’s films, supported by external professionals where appropriate. By taking on a range of on-set roles, students gain the well-rounded production experience needed to aid their development as independent filmmakers.
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CAMPUS
CAMERAS
The main Met Film School campus is located on-site at Ealing Studios. Lessons take place in our teaching rooms or, if they include shooting exercises, around campus. Aside from scheduled teaching sessions, students have access to the school to continue working on their projects independently. Students are given their own portable hard-drive to store their rushes and they can use one of our 100+ Apple workstations to edit whenever the school is open.
We have a wide range of camera facilities, which are available for students to hire for shoots using their production credits. The JVC HM700E is a great starter camera with full, industry standard functions laid out exactly as you would find on the full range of high end HD camcorders. The Sony EX3 is an industry standard workhorse, capable of stunning pictures. Students on our one and two year courses will also receive training on the latest large sensor cameras, such as the Red One and Sony F3, and students on our specialist courses are able to liaise with our dedicated production team if they need additional kit hired in.
SHOOTING LOCATIONS The Met Film School has its own sound stage located within the Ealing Studios lot which is used for various practical workshops and teaching sessions; a multicamera studio and gallery; and a separate studio with multiple varied shooting spaces for filmmaking, camera workshops and production. In addition to the sound stage, students at the Met Film School will experience a range of shooting environments. As well as our Ealing Studios campus, students also have access to our smaller studio located near our main site - the space offers a number of shooting possibilities and is used for teaching and practical exercises.
LIGHTING AND SOUND Our kit room offers all the facilities students require to set up the basics for their shoot. This includes three-point lighting systems, sound kits and grips. Our kit room also holds boom poles, zeppelins, radio mics, hard drive sound recorders, mixers, dedo lights, flo lights, 1k and 2k fresnel lights and a range of simple dollies. A complement of lighting grip equipment (c-stands, magic arms, flags and polyboard) is also available to help students learn the craft of lighting. Additional HMIs and other extended lighting kit can be brought in for relevant courses.
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DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT “AN INTENSIVE, CHALLENGING AND HUGELY ENJOYABLE YEAR” Justin Carroll, Student
“I WAS HIGHLY IMPRESSED BY MET FILM SCHOOL AND SPECIFICALLY THE CONTENT OF THE BA PROGRAMME THEY WERE OFFERING. IT WAS CLEAR THAT MUCH THOUGHT AND PLANNING HAD GONE INTO THE PREPARATION OF THE COURSE AND THE TUTORS WERE ALL EXPERIENCED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS” Vanessa Gibbes, Student
“OUR TUTORS’ KNOWLEDGE EXCEEDED THE NEEDS OF THE COURSE. THEY WERE FANTASTIC PEOPLE AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING SO WELL” Jozephine Czyrko, Student
“IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT FILMS AND FILMMAKING, GO TO MET FILM SCHOOL” Calvin Johnson, Student
Multi-camera TV studio shoot
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Lisa Neeley, Tutor
“I LEARNT MORE HERE IN FOUR WEEKS THAN I DID IN THE WHOLE OF MY UNIVERSITY COURSE” Ciara Constable, Student
“THIS COURSE PUT ME ON THE STARTING BLOCK OF PROFESSIONAL FILMMAKING – I FEEL THAT I CAN NOW ACHIEVE MY GOAL TO BE A WRITER/ DIRECTOR” Christiaan Faberij de Jonge, Student
“MET FILM SCHOOL WAS THE ONLY SCHOOL I FOUND THAT LET YOU WRITE, DIRECT AND EDIT YOUR OWN FILMS AND RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO THEM. I LOVED MY TIME THERE” Claire Dunne, Student
“IT’S AN INTENSELY SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT; DYNAMIC AND CREATIVE” Iain Hendry, Student
“WHAT I LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT MET FILM SCHOOL IS SEEING STUDENTS ACQUIRE THE RELEVANT PRACTICAL SKILLS AND INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE THAT HELPS THEM CHART THEIR OWN CAREER PATHS”
“ALL THE PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES HELPED BUILD MY TECHNICAL ABILITIES. I’M LEAVING WITH MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE IN MY SKILLS AS A FILMMAKER” Julia Newton, Student
“IT’S THRILLING TO BE INVOLVED WITH AN ORGANISATION THAT STRIVES TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE AND CARE FOR ITS STUDENTS, AND IS CONSTANTLY DEVELOPING IDEAS TO ENHANCE THIS” Karoline Moser, Tutor
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Still from A Farmer’s Land by Jon Olav Stokke – Met Film School graduate
MASTERS PROGRAMME
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The MA in Filmmaking programme, validated by Bournemouth University, consists of a series of units led by experienced filmmaking practitioners. The programme enables you to complete a portfolio of up to six short projects, plus a Masters research or production project accompanied by an exhibition. The course is divided into eight units; Drama Production, Production For The Small Screen, Feature Film Production, Documentary Practice, Thinking Beyond: Experimental Film Conception & Creation, Working With Genre, and the final Masters research or production project followed by the compulsory exhibition. Within each eight-week unit you will develop an individual learning agreement with your tutor that sets out the project objectives you will pursue in a largely self-directed learning environment, which is combined with two weekend workshops. Where relevant, you will have access to teaching support in disciplines such as editing or directing, whilst you lead the necessary independent research to develop the project. You will also be expected to engage with the postgraduate online forum, which allows you to draw upon and share the expertise and opinions of your tutors and peers.
Our MA programme enables you to develop a theoretical framework based on broader conceptual issues that will inform your research and filmmaking practice. Your projects will contribute to your showreel, demonstrating your individual voice as an advanced- level filmmaker. Students who successfully complete the first six units of the programme will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Filmmaking. All students must successfully complete the first six units to continue on to the Masters research or production project and exhibition phase of the programme. Those who complete all eight units successfully will be awarded the MA in Filmmaking. Please note that the option exists to undertake individual units on a standalone basis
without production support. Please call our Enrolments Team for further information. Tel: +44(0)20 8280 9119
DRAMA PRODUCTION This unit will equip you with a precise understanding of advanced filmmaking practices and narrative skills. You will develop a critical understanding of the conceptual and organisational skills necessary for drama production, and gain an innovative understanding of the visual language of cinema.
PRODUCTION FOR THE SMALL SCREEN During this unit you will gain in-depth knowledge of small screen production techniques in order to develop an innovative idea from concept to completion. The process
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will further your understanding of pitching and presenting a concept, as well as awareness of industry and market requirements for small screen production.
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION This unit will cover conceptual and professional practices relating to feature film production. You will have the option of filming a pilot, trailer, or extract, accompanied by a professional marketing package. Additionally, you will critically evaluate key issues of the feature film industry, such as commissioning, budgeting, finance, production management, marketing and distribution.
DOCUMENTARY PRACTICE In this unit you will engage with
THINKING BEYOND: EXPERIMENTAL FILM CONCEPT AND CREATION During this unit you will apply an informed knowledge of film and other moving image media to produce and design a moving-image artwork and exhibition. You will demonstrate your understanding of applied theories, processes and practices associated with experimental film in order to create new perspectives on the work and its subject.
WORKING WITH GENRE Through this unit you will develop an advanced understanding of genre and its impact on both filmmaking and audience. You will create a professional and critically informed project within a selected genre – applying your knowledge to innovate across generic conventions. You will display conceptual and practical engagement with genre across all decision-making processes, including production, marketing and distribution.
MASTERS RESEARCH PROJECT This is a project that can be individual or collaborative; it can take the form of a practicebased research artefact or a written paper. You will research, plan and execute a significant piece of work or written investigation that fits within a theoretical, aesthetic, professional or industrial context. The practice-based research option consists of a written investigation into an aspect of practice, supported by media artefacts. The research paper option will consist of primary and secondary research supported by scholarship and will result in a paper, or book chapter of publishable standard designed for publication in a journal or book of your choice.
MASTERS PRODUCTION PROJECT The Masters Production Project is offered as an alternative to the research project. It allows you to put into practice the critical, conceptual, technical and professional skills and understanding required for the production and evaluation of an industry-standard production. You must demonstrate advanced critical understanding of appropriate media and audiences. You will also be expected to experiment with form, convention and technique to produce a distinctive piece of work. Additionally you will evaluate your own work in the context of academic and professional debate.
EXHIBITION You will exhibit your work to a select audience of peers and professional stakeholders, which will further your understanding of industry practice and marketplace considerations. The exhibition will enable you to reflect upon the learning journey you have undertaken and the effectiveness of the exhibition will be evaluated.
KEY FACTS
Bournemouth University is a partner in the Bournemouth Skillset Media Academy
Study level Postgraduate Duration 17 months full-time, or as individual short courses Price ÂŁ15,000 Start dates 13 April 22 June 31 August 9 November 1 Feb 2013 5 April 2013 Production Experience Up to six short films plus a Masters research or production project Validating Body
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MASTERS PROGRAMME
MA IN FILMMAKING
the conceptual and professional skills necessary for the creation of a documentary film, for which you demonstrate an awareness of target audience, distribution outlets, and the ability to identify suitable story material. You will perform multiple roles simultaneously, such as director, producer, camera operator and sound recordist to an advanced industry standard.
A still from Locked, a BA student feature film
DEGREE PROGRAMMES
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MET FILM SCHOOL DEGREE
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TYPICAL UNIVERSITY FILM DEGREE
JUST TWO YEARS, ALLOWING YOU TO START YOUR CAREER SOONER
THREE TO FOUR YEARS
EMPHASIS ON INTENSIVE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
MANY DEGREES ARE PREDOMINANTLY THEORY-BASED
TAUGHT BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
TAUGHT BY ACADEMICS
LATEST PROFESSIONAL FACILITIES
LIMITED ACCESS TO FACILITIES
EMPHASIS ON SMALL CLASS SIZES
USUALLY TAUGHT IN LARGE CLASS SIZES
CONSTANT CONTACT WITH FILMMAKERS
LIMITED PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS
EALING FILM STUDIOS
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE CERTIFICATE
NO PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
FILMMAKING STUDENTS WRITE, DIRECT AND EDIT THEIR OWN WORK
STUDENTS USUALLY WORK IN GROUPS
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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
THE DIFFERENCE IN VALUE
KEY FACTS Study level Undergraduate
Duration Two years full-time Price: ÂŁ19,900 per year Start dates 5 March 2012 1 October 2012
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking is designed for those who are looking for an intensive, two-year degree programme. You will gain a comprehensive range of production skills that focus on creative development, writing, directing, producing and editing. In addition, you will develop an understanding of film history, movements, style and associated critical analysis skills, as well as a thorough appreciation of contemporary industry practice. The BA programme offers specialist modules in practical filmmaking, digital cinematography or visual effects and animation, and on completion you will be awarded with a degree qualification that reflects your chosen pathway. However all students, regardless of their study route, take part in modules that cover the fundamentals of filmmaking and complete an individual graduation project.
Production Experience Six short films (Individual and collaborative projects) Filmed exercises UCAS Code W600 Institution code W05
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE Students studying on the two-year degree programme will complete at least six short films, both individually and collaboratively, across a range of genres. In addition, you will take part in filmed exercises that reflect the key criteria of the module you are studying. These exercises will demonstrate your acquired understanding of varying visual formats and your ability to take on a range of production roles. The BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking degree allows you to tailor your studies to include specialist training in digital cinematography or visual effects and animation. Those who don’t choose to specialise will continue on the practical filmmaking route and all students will leave with a showreel that demonstrates their acquired filmmaking skills and experience.
PRACTICAL FILMMAKING The specialist options in practical filmmaking allow you to gain experience in a range of filmmaking areas. You will explore how to work with actors, develop and produce short films across key genres, and contribute to productions intended for both the big and small screen. In addition to developing your production skills, the practical filmmaking route allows you to hone
your screenwriting skills and participate in the production of a digital feature film. During the course you will gain a comprehensive overview of all areas of the production process, and couple your practical experience with a theoretical and critical understanding of film in its varying formats.
DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY The use of camera and light is a diverse creative and technical
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discipline. Therefore, the digital cinematography specialisations focus on the art of visual storytelling whilst developing your understanding of relevant cinematography tools. During your programme you will share some of the modules studied by your practical filmmaking peers and acquire a fundamental knowledge of film production. The specialist digital cinematography modules allow you to build on this
Advisory Partner
understanding, teaching you how to creatively light, frame and compose shots using industry-relevant approaches and equipment. Over the course of study you will develop your own style and approach as a cinematographer and apply this knowledge to a range of genres and productions.
VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION Our modules in visual effects and animation give you the chance to gain specialist skills, whilst sharing some of the modules common to the practical filmmaking and digital cinematography routes. You will gain a
comprehensive understanding of film production and the key tools needed to tell a story on screen. Applying this knowledge to specialist areas, you will understand how to develop animated characters and the principles of acting and directing within a visual effects environment. You will also come to understand how to combine your filmmaking knowledge with your specialist skills to enhance a production through the use of digital set extension, greenscreen production, visual effects, post production and more.
Validating Body
These courses have been validated for international student visa applications.
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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
BA (HONS) PRACTICAL FILMMAKING
Still from Toy Soldiers, by Jose Yapur – Met Film School graduate
ONE-YEAR COURSES
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36 PRACTICAL FILMMAKING DIPLOMA 37 ONE-YEAR PRACTICAL FILMMAKING 39 ONE-YEAR DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Practical Filmmaking Diploma includes all of the areas covered by the One-Year Practical Filmmaking course and gives you the chance to make your own graduation project. Furthermore, you will benefit from additional training across extra modules including analysing film, broadcast and new media, small screen production plus an additional option of your choice. By the end of your programme you will be technically proficient in all aspects of production and post-production for film and related media. This includes writing, directing, producing, camera, sound lighting and editing. In addition, you will be practiced in the creative development and pitching process and the application of post production skills.
KEY FACTS Study level Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Duration 17 months full-time Price £25,000 Start dates 5 March 2012 1 October 2012 Production Experience Four short films (Individual and collaborative projects) Filmed exercises UCAS Code 316W Institution code W05
ONE-YEAR PRACTICAL FILMMAKING Our one-year programmes are intensive, highly practical courses for individuals looking to gain the latest, most relevant skills. The courses are taught by industry professionals ensuring that only the most up-to-date practices are passed on to students. You will acquire a deep understanding of visual storytelling and will leave with a showreel that demonstrates your skills to future employers. You will undertake three major productions, including a documentary, and develop your skills in: writing for the screen, directing, camera, lighting, sound, and editing. At the end of the programme you could move seamlessly into the second year of our degree in which you can choose to specialise in either filmmaking or digital cinematography.
Advisory Partner
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
During the Practical Filmmaking Diploma programme you will have been involved in the creation of four films both individually and collaboratively. Modules available on this programme that include practical work are: đŏ Digital Fiction Production đŏ Short Film Production đŏ Small Screen Production OR Short Film, Big Screen đ Documentary: Theory & Practice đŏŏFilm Lab đŏ Graduation Project đŏ Plus numerous filmed exercises
Our one-year courses offer you the chance to gain experience across a diverse range of production roles and film genres. You will fulfill the roles of writer, director and editor - working on projects either individually or collaboratively. You will have been involved in the production of three films plus a number of filmed exercises, equipping you with an impressive showreel. Modules available on this programme that include practical work are: đŏDigital Fiction Production đ Short Film Production đŏSmall Screen Production OR Short Film, Big Screen đŏDocumentary: Theory & Practice đŏFilm Lab đŏPlus numerous filmed exercises
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These courses have been validated for international student visa applications.
Study level Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Duration One year full-time Price £19,900 Start dates 5 March 2012 1 October 2012
Production Experience Three short films (Individual and collaborative projects) Filmed exercises UCAS Code W601 Institution code W05 Advisory Partner
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE Validating Body
KEY FACTS
Validating Body
These courses have been validated for international student visa applications.
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ONE-YEAR COURSES
PRACTICAL FILMMAKING DIPLOMA
The One-Year Digital Cinematography programme is an intensive, practical study of cinematography for film and television, designed for students who want to work within the world of visual storytelling. You will be taught by industry professionals to develop your expertise and real-world knowledge of crafting images on screen. You will explore and gain experience in a wide range of roles across the camera, lighting and grip departments. You will also be introduced to a range of cameras including the RED, JVC HM700, Sony F3, other professional HD cameras, and 16mm. You will leave equipped with a broad knowledge of digital cinematography, and graduate with a showreel that demonstrates your technical and creative skills.
On completion of the programme you will have developed specialist skills in cinematography and have an informed appreciation of composition, lighting and grading. Furthermore, you will be practised in, and have an understanding of: operating, lighting, gripping and digital technology.
KEY FACTS Study level Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Duration One year full-time Price £19,900 Start dates 5 March 2012 1 October 2012 Production Experience Four short films (Individual and collaborative projects) Filmed exercises UCAS Code W620 Institution code W05 Advisory Partner
Validating Body
Production Experience Like your fellow One-Year Practical Filmmaking students, you will have been involved in the creation of three short films both individually and collaboratively. Modules on this programme that allow you to develop your practical experience include: • Digital Fiction Production • Basic Cinematography • Short Film Production OR Digital Set Extension • Short Film, Big Screen OR Small Screen Production • Documentary: Theory & Practice • Film Lab • Plus numerous filmed exercises
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These courses have been validated for international student visa applications.
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ONE-YEAR COURSES
ONE-YEAR DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
SIX-MONTH PROGRAMMES
SIX MONTH PRACTICAL FILMMAKING Our Six-Month Practical Filmmaking programme has been created for people looking for an intensive and practical immersion in the craft and technique of filmmaking. The programme is specifically designed to give you the essential tools to be a professional filmmaker and a solid foundation in the key elements of filmmaking, from script to screen. Taught by industry professionals, Six-Month Practical Filmmaking will provide you with the confidence to take your skills into the film industry, as well as a showreel to launch your career.
The 25 week programme consists of three terms. During Terms 1 and 2, you will be trained in all key aspects of filmmaking through a combination of intensive practical workshops and a series of filmmaking exercises, escalating in scale as you go through the programme. Following the learning from the foundation programme in Term 1, you will learn advanced skills in screenwriting; cinematography and sound; fiction directing and producing; documentary production; editing and postproduction during Term 2. In Term 3, you will make your own film and perform key roles on set on other students’ films. Students who demonstrate exemplary communication and teamwork, management, planning and organisation skills, initiative and film sense are awarded the Met Film School Professional Practice Certificate, and access to our Industry Placement Scheme.
KEY FACTS Duration 6 months full-time Price £10,000 Start date 16 April 2012 5 November 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
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SIX-MONTH PRACTICAL FILMMAKING VISUAL EFFECTS FOR FILM DIGITAL ANIMATION APPLIED VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION
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đŏ Learn how to interpret a script and create a storyboard đŏ Operate a professional digital camera and light a scene confidently đŏ Be able to record sound and use it creatively to tell your story đŏ Understand how to cast a film and direct actors đŏ Know how to manage a small crew and to direct using the correct on-set procedures đŏ Be able to use professional editing software and understand the key post production elements of film finishing
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DIGITAL ANIMATION
The Visual Effects for Film programme starts with a three-week introduction to Maya, Nuke and other related software. The topics covered during the six-month course are based on standard production pipelines used within the visual effects industry. The Visual Effects for Film programme encourages a team-driven production and learning environment, which is intended to foster and reinforce the highly interdependent production processes used within the film and visual effects industries.
The Digital Animation programme begins with a three-week introduction to Maya and Nuke and also touches upon other related software that will be used during the course. The topics covered are based on standard production pipelines used within the industry. Digital Animation requires a team-driven production and learning environment, intended to foster and reinforce the highly interdependent production processes used within the visual effects and film industries.
The programme will cover four main areas of study. Each area will include training in core skills:
INTRO TO MAYA AND NUKE SOFTWARE TRAINING đŏ 3D Modelling Techniques đŏ Texture Mapping đŏ Lighting and Rendering đŏ Compositing đŏ VFX Animation
LIVE ACTION INTEGRATION đŏ Camera Tracking đŏ Planar Tracking đŏ Digital Set Extension đŏ Rig Removal Techniques đŏ Green Screen Production
FX SIMULATION đŏ Rigid Body Simulation đŏ Cloth Simulation đŏ Fire, Smoke and Fluid Simulation đŏ Particles and Dynamics đŏ 2D Particle Generation
DIGITAL COMPOSITING đŏ Compositing Workflows đŏ Keying and Roto Prep đŏ Integration CG Render Passes đŏ ‘2.5D’ Compositing in Nuke
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be able to shoot, key and composite live-action footage shot on green screen đŏ Shoot and track your own footage using a variety of cameras and software đŏ Be able to match-move and insert virtual set extensions đŏ Have learned integrated 3D production and compositing workflows đŏ Communicate effectively as a member of a production team đŏ Problem-solve effectively and construct dynamic production workarounds đŏ Work seamlessly between industry standard visual effects software packages
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KEY FACTS Duration 6 months full-time Price £8,000 Start date 19 March 2012
The programme will cover four main areas of study, each area will include training in core skills:
INTRO TO MAYA AND NUKE SOFTWARE TRAINING đŏ 3D Modelling Techniques đŏ Texture Mapping đŏ Lighting and Rendering đŏ Compositing đŏ Animation
THE ANIMATION PRODUCTION PIPELINE đŏ Character Modelling and Skinning đŏ Skeleton Creation and Rigging đŏ Texturing Techniques đŏ Principles of Animation đŏ Keyframe Animation Techniques
CREATURE PRODUCTION PIPELINE đŏ Character Design and Modelling đŏ Sculpting in Mudbox đŏ Texturing in Mudbox đŏ Maya to Mudbox Workflows đŏ Integration Motion Capture Data
ANIMATION PRODUCTION đŏ On-set Motion Capture and Cleanup đŏ Blend Shapes and Lip Sync đŏ Incorporating Secondary Animation đŏ Layering Muscle Systems đŏ Simulating Fur, Hair and Flesh
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
KEY FACTS Duration 6 months full-time Price £8,000 Start date 8 October 2012
đŏ Be able to sculpt photorealistic 3D creatures đŏ Have captured on-set motion data đŏ Be able to integrate the traditional principles of animation đŏ Be able to add dynamic finishing FX such as CG cloth, fur and hair đŏ Communicate effectively as a member of a production team đŏ Problem-solve effectively and construct dynamic production workarounds đŏ Work seamlessly between industry standard visual effects software packages
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SIX-MONTH PROGRAMMES
VISUAL EFFECTS FOR FILM
APPLIED VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION The Applied Visual Effects and Animation course requires that you have a working knowledge of Maya and Nuke compositing software. Whilst building on your existing knowledge of visual effects packages, this study programme will develop your experience working in a visual effects team environment. Applied Visual Effects and Animation is designed to enhance your knowledge of visual effects workflows and how they interlink with film production.
The goal of this particular course is to enable you to complete or improve your demo reel in a highly energised production environment. You will be encouraged to identify and develop a key specialist skill of your own, whilst broadening a core set of entry-level, generalist visual effects skills. This course aims to demystify the process of incorporating visual effects into the broader context of filmmaking and film production. In order to achieve this, the Applied Visual Effects and Animation programme places a strong emphasis on pre-production and pre-visualisation as tools for engaging with the creative process of filmmaking, alongside directors and cinematographers.
KEY FACTS Duration 6 months full-time Price £7,000
SHORT COURSES
Start date 22 April 2013
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
đŏ Be able to supervise visual effects shoots as part of a film production crew đŏ Have developed CG animated shorts from script to screen đŏ Communicate effectively with filmmakers and cinematographers đŏ Problem-solve effectively and construct dynamic production workarounds đŏ Work seamlessly between industry standard visual effects software packages
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FROM STORY TO SCREEN IN EIGHT WEEKS DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING FOUR-WEEK DIRECTING THREE-WEEK EDITING ACTING FOR FILM – LEVEL 1 ACTING FOR FILM – LEVEL 2 EIGHT-WEEK PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION TO CINEMATOGRAPHY MAKE ANOTHER FILM YOUNG FILMMAKERS’ ACADEMY ADVANCED CINEMATOGRAPHY
From Story to Screen in Eight Weeks is our longest running course and is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in filmmaking. This programme will provide you with practical experience in all of the key areas of filmmaking and culminates in the production of your own short film. It covers the essential craft areas of screenwriting, use of camera and sound, casting and directing actors, editing and script development. This is an intensive programme and is ideal for those considering a change in career.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be able to tell a good story and structure a script đŏ Know how to interpret a script and create a storyboard đŏ Understand how to use the camera to tell a story đŏ Shoot for the edit and edit a scene
đŏ Know how to manage a crew and to direct using the correct on-set procedures đŏ Cast and direct actors for the camera đŏ Know how to record sound and use it creatively to tell your story
KEY FACTS Duration 8 weeks full-time Price £4,000 Start dates 28 May 2012 1 October 2012 Advisory partner
FOUR-WEEK DIRECTING This programme has been developed to cover a comprehensive range of filmmaking skills, allowing you to explore the processes of visual storytelling whilst working with actors, interpreting scripts, devising narrative storylines and developing your understanding of the technical aspects of film production. You will cover cinematography and editing and will focus on improving your directing skills, equipping you with an independent approach to filmmaking. Through a series of technical and directing exercises, you will become a more confident practitioner in all areas of production and develop an insight into professional working practices.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be able to tell a good story đŏ Know how to interpret a script and create a storyboard đŏ Understand how to use the camera to tell a story đŏ Shoot for the edit and edit a dramatic scene đŏ Manage a crew and direct using correct on-set protocol đŏ Record sound and use it creatively to tell your story
đŏ Develop your understanding of the grammar of film and visual storytelling đŏ Be able to work with actors and elicit good performances đŏ Have created a short film for your showreel đŏ Have a deeper understanding of the industry and how to develop your career
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
THREE-WEEK EDITING
Documentary filmmakers are expected to be both self-shooters and self-editors. As a result, we train you to use professional digital cameras and edit on professional software. With the guidance of an experienced documentary filmmaker you will research, write, produce and direct your own short film. You will review the history of the documentary and analyse examples of successful films in the marketplace today. Your film will be professionally graded and mixed before an end-of-course screening.
Editing lies at the heart of filmmaking and calls for knowledge of film grammar and storytelling techniques. This Apple-certified course will instruct you in both of these areas. You will receive high-level instruction in how to use the editing interface of Final Cut Pro® and then practise your editing skills, first by cutting the rushes to a complete professionally made short, then by editing the rushes to scenes from a well-known feature film. If you pass the examination, you will earn a certification on completion of this course.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Understand the context of documentary filmmaking by examining the history of the genre, its different forms and the current market đŏ Be able to proficiently operate a digital camera, record sound, light a scene and edit
đŏ Know how to research your subject, write a proposal and create a treatment đŏ Consider production issues such as scheduling, location management and legal requirements
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KEY FACTS Duration 8 weeks full-time Price £4,000 Start dates 16 April 2012 8 October 2012
KEY FACTS Duration 4 weeks full-time Price £1,750 Start dates 9 July 2012 6 August 2012 12 November 2012
KEY FACTS Duration 3 weeks full-time Price £2,000 Start dates 30 April 2012 3 September 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Know how to operate Final Cut Pro® đŏ Be able to serve the narrative through effective editing đŏ Understand how to use editing to condense and expand time
đŏ Be able to employ narrative techniques to create tension đŏ Understand the impact of genre on editing styles đŏ Know how to work with music and composers
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SHORT COURSES
FROM STORY TO SCREEN IN EIGHT WEEKS
Acting for Film is our original screen acting course and has been developed for people who are serious about becoming a film actor, or wish to develop existing acting skills for the medium of film, though no previous experience is required. Taught by an acting coach and professional film director, you will act in numerous filmed exercises that will be analysed in class so that you can learn from your mistakes and improve your performances as the course progresses. You will also learn what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera by directing and acting as crew (operating the camera and recording sound) on a number of short exercises.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Have gained confidence in acting for the camera by understanding the filmmaking process đŏ Know the difference between acting for theatre and acting for film đŏ Have practised the tools necessary to create a believable performance on screen đŏ Have come up with valuable tools for the actor to prepare
for a screen performance, including how to interpret a script đŏ Understand the technical aspects of film acting đŏ Be able to read a script and identify whether the characters are threedimensional or not đŏ Have gained an insight into how to survive as an actor in the marketplace
KEY FACTS Duration 4 weeks full-time Price £1,750 Start dates 10 April 2012 16 July 2012
ACTING FOR FILM – LEVEL 2 This course has been developed for actors who want to build on the skills they have learned through their experience of film acting or those who have taken our level 1 programme. One-to-one and group sessions will be supplemented with networking opportunities with professional directors, casting directors and producers. Whether your aim is to get a place at drama school, find an agent, or enter the industry, you will receive guidance from a professional acting coach and director to help you achieve your goal. The course will culminate in the screening of a film that you will have created during the four weeks. Students who have not taken the Level 1 programme will be asked to supply a CV and showreel to demonstrate their screen acting experience.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Have absolute confidence in acting for the screen đŏ Understand how to use voice and movement effectively đŏ Understand key methodologies such as Stanislavski and Meisner
đŏ Have roles in numerous exercises and short films đŏ Have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the film industry đŏ Have clear career goals
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KEY FACTS Duration 4 weeks full-time Price £1,750 Start dates 8 May 2012 13 August 2012
EIGHT-WEEK PERFORMANCE Those looking to complete the full trajectory of our acting for film training can complete both Acting For Film – Level 1 and Acting For Film – Level 2 in combination as Eight-Week Performance. By completing the courses in succession, you benefit from an intense training period to quickly build upon the skills you will have gained during Acting For Film – Level 1. By the end of the programme you will have absolute confidence in front of the camera and to pursue the career goals you would have developed whilst studying at Met Film School.
KEY FACTS Duration 8 weeks full-time Price £3,000 Start dates 10 April 2012 16 July 2012
INTRODUCTION TO CINEMATOGRAPHY This full-time programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the technical and creative use of camera, lights and audio. Introduction to Cinematography covers a range of areas that form the technical basics of cinematography: taking full, manual control of industry standard digital cameras, the selective use of large sensor cameras, focus pulling, camera movement, using dolly and track and lighting for narrative and pack shots. You will be given the chance to apply these skills in filmed scenarios to enhance your working knowledge of cinematography. You will also work collaboratively in groups throughout the course, giving you an insight into the production process.
KEY FACTS Duration 3 weeks full-time Price £1,500 Start dates 09 April 2012 20 August 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be able to apply the use of camera, sound and light in a coordinated way đŏ Have acquired good individual and team working practice on professional, interpersonal and ethical levels đŏ Have gained technical
knowledge and confidence in using filming equipment đŏ Have developed a critical understanding and practical use of the basic rules of film grammar and narration through working with the camera
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SHORT COURSES
ACTING FOR FILM – LEVEL 1
This is a programme for Met Film School graduates who want to make a further short film within the Met Film School framework. The study programme is flexible, allowing you to nominate a timescale – from one to six months – in which to complete your project. Following an initial meeting with your core tutor, you can choose ten tutorials in craft areas of your choice, enabling you to gain support in areas most relevant to your project and your individual need, be these in writing, directing, producing, cinematography or editing. In addition, you get the same unparalleled access to Met Film School’s support team and our online learning environment ‘Moodle’. You will have three days in which to complete your filming using Met Film School’s kit. You will then be able to edit at the School and will be given access to post production facilities, together with full delivery for your festival submissions.
KEY FACTS Duration 1 to 6 months Price £1,750 Start date Open enrolment
The Advanced Cinematography course provides a two-week, in-depth experience of current camera and industry practice. It allows you to familiarise yourself with the differences between shooting still and motion pictures, as well as the differences between shooting digital and traditional film based on silver technology. The course will cover the technical knowledge required to operate cameras and compose lighting for several types of media. You will also develop an understanding of how a Director of Photography uses cinematic technique to construct a story. You will work in groups that comprise roles based on industry standard film crew, crafts and disciplines.
KEY FACTS Duration 2 weeks full-time Price £1,500 Start dates 30 April 2012 10 September 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
YOUNG FILMMAKERS’ ACADEMY If you’re between 14 and 17 years old and are passionate about filmmaking then this course has been designed especially for you. Over three weeks you’ll be able to try your hand at a variety of different roles, from directing to editing and everything in between. Supported at every stage by industry professionals, you will learn how to write scenes, use a camera to tell stories, edit using professional software and direct actors. Although fun and challenging, you should be aware that this course requires you to work hard, often under significant time pressure. It’s an opportunity to develop organisational skills and learn how to work effectively as part of a team.
ADVANCED CINEMATOGRAPHY
đŏ Be familiar with several industry standard cameras đŏ Have a good working knowledge of lighting for a moving subject đŏ Understand how different cameras handle and perform đŏ Understand basic exposure
control for shooting on both digital and film cameras đŏ Have an understanding of how to move a camera on a dolly đŏ Have an understanding of how to tell a story with a motion picture camera
KEY FACTS Duration 3 weeks full-time Price £1,500 Start dates 9 July 2012 6 August 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Understand the fundamentals of story đŏ Know how to work with actors, including casting, preparing for a shoot, blocking and rehearsing đŏ Be able to record sound and understand how it can be used to dramatic effect đŏ Understand the key elements
of cinematography, including lighting, framing and shooting for the edit đŏ Know how to edit meaningful sequences đŏ Understand how the roles of scriptwriter, director, cinematographer, sound recordist, storyboard artist, editor and continuity assistant interrelate
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SHORT COURSES
MAKE ANOTHER FILM
PART-TIME FILMMAKING Are you considering a change in career, and wanting to explore your potential as a writer/director? Do you have a feature film idea for which you’d like to make a short promotional film to help raise finance for the next stage of development? This course is for those who want to acquire practical filmmaking skills but can only commit to a part-time schedule. This comprehensive, practical programme will provide you with a full range of filmmaking skills, culminating in the production of a short film, which you will write, direct and edit. Classes take place over a combination of evenings and weekends.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
PART-TIME PROGRAMMES
đŏ Understand the process of making a film from script development through to directing and editing/post production đŏ Know how film works aesthetically and technically đŏ Be able to achieve a high level of proficiency using essential
KEY FACTS Duration 7 months part-time Price £4,000 Start dates 28 March 2012 26 September 2012
filmmaking equipment such as cameras, sound recording equipment and editing software đŏ Understand the key visual storytelling tools of a director đŏ Know how a director prepares for a shoot and how to manage a cast and crew during production
PART-TIME ACTING FOR FILM This course is aimed at all those wishing to learn or develop existing acting skills for the medium of film, but who cannot commit to a full-time schedule. Taught by an acting coach and professional film director over the course of 12 weeks on two evenings per week, you will learn core acting skills as well as all the technical skills necessary for you to perform confidently in front of a camera. You will act in filmed exercises and also shoot exercises yourselves, so that you know what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
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PART-TIME FILMMAKING PART-TIME ACTING FOR FILM PART-TIME PRODUCING SCREENWRITING FUNDAMENTALS WRITE A FEATURE FILM: FROM IDEA TO MARKET
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đŏ Have gained confidence in acting for the camera đŏ Know the difference between acting for theatre and acting for film đŏ Know and have practiced the tools necessary to create a believable performance on screen đŏ Have come up with valuable tools for the actor to prepare for a
screen performance, including how to interpret a script đŏ Understand the technical aspects of film acting đŏ Be able to read a script and identify whether the characters are threedimensional or not đŏ Have gained an insight into how to survive as an actor in the marketplace
KEY FACTS Duration 12 weeks part-time Price £1,750 Start dates 18 April 2012 26 September 2012
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This unique course has been developed for those who wish to forge a career as a film producer, or who wish to gain an understanding of the film business. You may have a feature film project in mind that you would like to develop. Or perhaps you have transferable business skills that you would like to apply to a filmmaking context. On this comprehensive course you will learn how films are created, financed and sold. In addition, you will gain valuable practical experience by developing your own feature film projects. In one-to-one sessions with the instructor, you will budget, schedule and package a feature film and come up with marketing strategies for your project. This course consists of seminars and workshops every Monday and Tuesday evening.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Know how the global film industry, and particularly the UK film industry, operates đŏ Understand the roles of different types of producer (creative, line and financial producer) đŏ Know how the production process works, from
identifying a project through pre and post-production to distribution and exploitation đŏ Know how to utilise digital technologies and the internet đŏ Know how to set up your own production business đŏ Understand how to survive as an independent producer
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KEY FACTS Duration 12 weeks part-time Price £2,500 Start dates 23 April 2012 24 September 2012
SCREENWRITING FUNDAMENTALS Have you ever harboured the ambition to become a screenwriter? Do you have good ideas, but are unsure how to develop them for the big screen? This course is for anyone serious about learning the craft of screenwriting and what it takes to become a professional screenwriter. You will cover the necessary craft skills that are fundamental to screenwriting, including how to develop a cinematic concept, creating memorable characters, the importance of dramatic structure, writing dialogue and action, understanding genre and audience and the value of rewriting. You will also benefit from focused tuition on how to survive as a screenwriter, how to pitch yourself and your project, and will receive professional feedback on your work.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Learn the various creative tools for developing an idea into a marketable concept for the big screen đŏ Understand the basics of dramatic structure and how to format a screenplay đŏ Appreciate the importance of a target audience and learn how to engage them with your story
đŏ Understand how genre affects your story and your audience đŏ Benefit from having scenes from your work read aloud by professional actors đŏ Learn how to pitch and present your ideas in a professional setting đŏ Understand the role of screenwriters in the industry
KEY FACTS Duration 12 weeks part-time Price £800 Start dates 13 March 2012 3 July 2012
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PART-TIME PROGRAMMES
PART-TIME PRODUCING
WRITE A FEATURE FILM: FROM IDEA TO MARKET If you’re committed to writing and developing a feature film script whilst furthering your knowledge of the craft of screenwriting, then this course will help you achieve your goal. On alternate Saturdays over six months, we provide comprehensive support to help you develop your ideas with the aim of writing a first draft script by the end of the programme. In addition to the guidance of a professional writing tutor, this course requires students to work on their projects in their own time, with the goal of producing original, engaging work that is competitive in today’s marketplace. You will learn how scripts are packaged, how to take a project into the marketplace, and you will be given the opportunity to pitch your project to a panel of agents. Write A Feature Film: From Idea To Market is designed for those who are truly dedicated to writing an original script with genuine potential.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Understand the various tools for developing and writing a screenplay, including treatments and outlines đŏ Know what it takes to hook your audience đŏ Understand how to utilise a variety of screenwriting tools and concepts to improve your work đŏ Be able to write good dialogue đŏ Know how to pitch a professional film project to agents
đŏ Understand how to package and position your screenplay đŏ Benefit from having your scenes read aloud by professional actors đŏ Appreciate the complexities of the film market and how to position your project within it đŏ Have a concrete strategy for developing your script and its market potential – taking it to the next level
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WEEKEND COURSES
KEY FACTS Duration 6 months part-time Price £1,600 Start dates 17 March 2012 15 September 2012
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TWO-DAY INTENSIVE FILMMAKING INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING INTRODUCTION TO ACTING FOR FILM INTRODUCTION TO FINAL CUT PRO® DSLR VIDEO SHOOTER DSLR ADVANCED SHOOTER SCREENWRITING AND GENRE: HORROR SCREENWRITING AND GENRE: COMEDY YOUNG FILMMAKERS’ WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING FOR FILM
This is a perfect course for anyone wanting to get a first taste of filmmaking. Combining workshop and group instruction, this course has been designed to provide a fun, hands-on introduction to the basics of direction, sound and editing and will equip you with basic technical knowledge in each area. You will direct professional actors as part of the production of a short film, which will subsequently be sent to you on DVD.
This is a great taster course for those who are new to acting as well as those with some theatre experience looking to brush up on their skills in front of the camera. You will take part in short, filmed scenes and will receive feedback to help make your performance in front of the camera as relaxed and natural as possible. You will be taught by a professional acting coach who will introduce you to the basic differences between acting for screen and acting on stage whilst giving you an insight into what goes on behind the camera.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Know how to operate a digital camera confidently and effectively đŏ Understand how to compose shots, shoot for the edit and break down a scene into shots đŏ Know how to record clean dialogue, atmos and wild tracks
đŏ Understand how to edit with professional software đŏ Know how to interpret a script, create a storyboard and direct actors đŏ Have performed the roles of director, sound recordist and editor
INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING This course has been designed for creative individuals who have a great idea for a film but don’t know where to begin. This two-day practical introduction is run by industry professionals. You will leave with an understanding of the basic principles involved with writing a screenplay, get professional feedback on your current projects and the motivation to start your script.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be able to create original, engaging characters đŏ Have developed the right structural approach đŏ Understand the stages of development, including synopses and treatments
đŏ Know the difference between a screenplay and the finished film đŏ Understand how genre helps shape and market your story đŏ Understand the role of screenwriters within the film industry
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KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £500 Start dates 24 March 2012 26 May 2012 15 September 2012
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £300 Start dates 24 March 2012 26 May 2012 15 September 2012
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £300 Start dates 17 March 2012 19 May 2012 8 September 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Have an understanding of subtext đŏ Be able to analyse film scripts đŏ Have grasped rehearsal and blocking techniques
đŏ Have an understanding of how actors are cast in the film and TV industry đŏ Have gained experience in acting in short filmed scenes
INTRODUCTION TO FINAL CUT PRO® Editing is a core part of the filmmaking process. This is a highly practical introduction to professional editing software Final cut pro®, taught by industry professionals and ideal for beginners. This course will teach you to perform basic editing functions whilst becoming familiar with the user interface through practical exercises and examples.
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £500 Start dates 17 March 2012 23 June 2012 8 September 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Be confident in using apple Mac computers and the Final Cut Pro® Interface đŏ Have the ability to navigate the FCP software and understand workflow đŏ Know how to capture or transfer media into the project đŏ Understand how to organise a project effectively
đŏ Be able to edit sequences using all the key essential commands and tools đŏ Be able to use basic filters, transitions and motion, and create titles đŏ Know how to check broadcast safe levels for export đŏ Be able to import and export files
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WEEKEND COURSES
TWO-DAY INTENSIVE FILMMAKING
The DSLR Video Shooter course is designed for those with a working understanding of the principals of cinematography or stills photography who want to apply this knowledge specifically to shooting with digital SLR cameras. You will learn how to get the best from a DSLR camera and how to make use of a selection of accessories specifically designed for video shooting on stills cameras. Through a range of creative exercises you will discover the pros and cons of working with these systems and how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Understand what accessories are available and how to use them to turn a DSLR into a workable video shooting solution đŏ Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of DSLRs as video cameras
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £500 Start dates 24 March 2012 4 August 2012
đŏ Have developed the basic tools and understanding of how specific genre conventions can aid your screenwriting and cinematic storytelling
DSLR ADVANCED SHOOTER
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Have worked on a professional level shoot using DSLRs (for example a pop video or a short drama)
đŏ Understand how to sync sound to DSLR footage đŏ Have taken your DSLR footage through a full post production workflow
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Why is horror such a popular and enduring genre and why do we love to be frightened? This two-day weekend course will examine the legacy of this popular genre and how to maximize its story conventions in your own screenwriting. Whether you’re influenced by films like Halloween, Poltergeist, The Wicker Man or Let The Right One In, you will learn how to utilise characterisation, dramatic structure and tone to improve and focus your creativity and ideas.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL:
đŏ Have developed an understanding of the differences between stills photography and that of motion picture cinematography in respect of lighting and camera movement
The DSLR Advanced Shooter course is designed for students who have previously completed the DSLR Video Shooter course, or those with an extensive DSLR and/or cinematography background. This programme covers areas from focus and operating, to sound sync and post-production workflows. The aim of this programme is to provide you with the fundamental knowledge to shoot and finish DSLR video footage to its highest standard.
SCREENWRITING AND GENRE: HORROR
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £500 Start dates 31 March 2012 11 August 2012
đŏ Have learned how to identify the tools of genre to reach your audience and strengthen your own writing đŏ Grasped the fundamentals of what makes horror compelling viewing
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £300 Start dates 21 April 2012 1 September 2012
SCREENWRITING AND GENRE: COMEDY What do films like Amelie, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Some Like It Hot, The Big Lebowski and Superbad have in common? How does comedy affect the form and structure of film? What is meant by developing a comic engine? This two-day weekend course will look at the different forms of comedy and how they affect the type of story you want to write.
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Have developed the basic tools and understanding of how specific genre conventions can aid your screenwriting and cinematic storytelling
đŏ Have learned how to identify the tools of genre to reach your audience and strengthen your own writing đŏ Understand the basic craft skills to inject humour and comedy into your story ideas
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £300 Start dates 11 August 2012 8 September 2012
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WEEKEND COURSES
DSLR VIDEO SHOOTER
YOUNG FILMMAKERS’ WORKSHOP Young Filmmakers’ Workshop is a two-day weekend course that aims to provide young people aged between 14 and 17 with a thorough, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of filmmaking. You will take part in a series of practical filmmaking workshops over the two days that will cover all aspects of film production. You will improve your technical and creative understanding of production processes, learn on-set working practices and develop an understanding of visual storytelling techniques. The course covers the basics of direction, cinematography, and editing. You will get hands-on experience shooting a selection of scenes that draw from Hollywood scripts and other film sources. This is a fun, challenging and exciting programme designed for young aspiring filmmakers who want to learn from professionals and develop good team working skills. A DVD of all work completed will be sent to you after you finish the course.
KEY FACTS Duration 2 days full-time Price £400 Start dates 17 March 2012 23 June 2012 1 September 2012
BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL: đŏ Understand key elements of visual storytelling and camera operating đŏ Know how to edit meaningful sequences đŏ Know how to direct actors
đŏ Understand how the roles of director, cinematographer, sound recordist, and editor interrelate through the experience of working on a collaborative production
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