Film Course Brochure by Nigel Edwards

BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA MEDIA PRODUCTION FILM & TELEVISION COURSE HANDBOOK - 2009/2010

CONTENTS 1: Introduction 2/3: The Course 4/5: Tutorial Schedule 6/7: The Qualification 8/9: Assignment Schedule 10: Teaching Staff 11/12/13: Useful Resources

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the BTEC National Diploma in Media Production - Film and Television. This course is dramatically more than making a quick film, it is about being passionate, committed and inspired to push the limits of what is possible. Media Production is about communication. It is a response to a brief. It is a process of exploration and development of ideas. It is film-making, motion graphics, photography, spoken word, graphic design, interactive design, advertising, the Internet, computer games, virtual worldsâ&#x20AC;Ś the list continues to expand as technology pushes forward at an astonishing rate. It is frequently praised and often condemned. Knowledge of the media and how it works is essential for every individual who wishes to participate in contemporary social and political life. In choosing this course we hope you will not only develop your understanding of the media but also take the first steps in becoming skilled practitioners in media production. If you want to be a film or TV director, sound recordist, cameraperson, journalist, producer, video editor, advertising copywriter, write screenplays, work in music video production, present TV shows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then this is the course for you. This handbook gives you information that we hope you will find useful and provides an introduction to the philosophy and structure of your studies. We hope you will enjoy your time with us and we look forward to working with you here at Guernsey College.

THE COURSE The BTEC National Diploma in Media Production - Film and Television is a two-year full time course equivalent to three A Levels. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for success in current and future employment in the media industry or allied sectors or for progression to courses such as Higher Nationals or Degrees in Media. Overall, you will learn about media institutions, the future of the media, television, film and video both from a theoretical and practical aspect.

You will have access to a range of

VISITS

FACILITIES

professional digital video cameras,

We continually strive to ensure

To help you successfully complete

non-linear editing facilities and a

students gain industry experience

your National Diploma, the following

range of outside producers to help

through visits planned throughout

resources are available;

you build your media experiences.

the year. These include visits to

You will be given assignments designed to achieve clear learning outcomes, which are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.

local media industry professionals such as CITV and BBC and planned trips to Bristol, London, France and Southampton.

A purpose built, professional standard Avid/Final Cut Mac editing suite. Professional design and multi-media Mac suite

These assignments are related to

END OF YEAR SHOW

specific professional related work

In recognition of your dedication

A multi purpose audio and visual

situations or activities and provide

and creativity, the the best work

recording studio

opportunities for teamwork and in-

produced throughout the year is

depth study.

showcased to an invited audience

To be eligible for the course you need to be at least 16 years of age and have 4 GCSE passes at grades A to C (this must include English or Maths), or an equivalent qualification. You need to be highly

of industry professionals, family and friends at the end of year show, which takes place at the Performing Arts Centre.

HD projector and large cinema screen for film viewings Professional video cameras Professional sound recording equipment Digital still cameras

motivated and highly enthusiastic

A large selection of media books

about the media industry.

and DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

TIMETABLES

ATTENDANCE

The academic year for this course

We regard attendance as a critical

is 44 weeks including an induction

indicator of your interest in the

week. You will have private study

course and your commitment to

time where you are expected to

it. If you are unable to attend for

work at the College on the various

any reason, you must contact

assignments that form the course.

the staff as soon as possible. You

Specialist areas such as the Mac

need 80% attendance to pass the

editing suite and the use of video

course. Constant lateness will not

and stills cameras will be available

be tolerated. Persistent offenders

to book during your timetabled

will receive warnings and then be

sessions.

removed from the course.

TUTORIAL SCHEDULE It is impossible to understand social and cultural changes without a knowledge of the workings of the media. MARSHAL MCLUHAN

SEP/OCT 09

NOV/DEC 09

JAN/FEB 10

WEEK 1. Induction - Course and

WEEK 1. Personal Tutorials - Target

College documentation.

setting interviews

WEEK 2. Group tutorial - Learning

WEEK 2. Personal Tutorials - Target

plan

setting interviews

WEEK 3. Group tutorial - Progress

WEEK 3. Personal Tutorials - Target

files & assessment structure

setting interviews

WEEK 4. Group tutorials - study skills

WEEK 4. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 5.Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 6. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 7. Group tutorials

HALF TERM

WEEK 5. Group tutorials - Student services video WEEK 6. Group tutorials WEEK 7. Group tutorials WEEK 8. Group tutorials HALF TERM

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

FEB/MAR 10

APR/MAY 10

JUN/JUL 10

WEEK 1. Group Tutorials - Career &

WEEK 1. Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 1. End of year progress review

Educational options review

setting interviews

WEEK 2. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 3. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 5.End of year progress review

WEEK 4. Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 6. End of year progress review

setting interviews

WEEK 5. End of term reviews

WEEK 5.Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 6. End of term reviews EASTER HOLIDAY

setting interviews WEEK 6. Personal Tutorials - Target setting interviews HALF TERM

WEEK 2. End of year progress review WEEK 3. End of year progress review WEEK 4. End of year progress review

SUMMER HOLIDAY

THE QUALIFICATION Edexcel BTEC National Diplomas provide: A nationally recognised qualification with detailed standards for centres, students and employers.Guidance to aid centres with their own quality assurance procedures. A focus on independent learning and practical knowledge and skills. A common core of study with related pathways that can lead students into employment, professional or academic progression. A modular approach that allows the aspirations of different students to be met. Students may complete single units, several or complete programmes.

The Edexcel BTEC National Diploma

skills gained in different parts of the

ELEVEN SPECIALIST UNITS SUCH AS

in Media Production is designed to

programme.

Interactive Media, Interview and

meet the following aims;

To develop a range of skills and

To provide an educational

techniques, personal qualities and

foundation careers in the media

attitudes essential for successful

industry.

performance in working life.

To provide specialised studies

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE

relevant to the vocations and

The course is made up of 18 units,

professions in which students

five core units and two specialist

are working or intend to seek

units that are compulsory and

employment.

eleven specialist units, which enable

To enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment. To provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development. To develop studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability in media through effective use and combination of the knowledge and

Presentation Techniques, Single Camera Techniques, Video Installation, Writing for TV and Video, Film Studies, Factual Programme Techniques, Page Layout and Design. You will attain grades in these modules as the course progresses so you are aware of your grades.

you to study particular areas in

ASSIGNMENT GRADING STRUCTURE

depth.

Each assignment and unit will

FIVE CORE UNITS Research Techniques, Pre-

be graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Production Techniques, Production

A pass is awarded for the

Management Project, Working to a

achievement of all outcomes against

Brief, Critical Approaches to Media.

specified assessment criteria. Merit

TWO MANDATORY UNITS Understanding the Television and Film Industries and Film and Video Editing Techniques.

and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. Please see following for a description of each assessment grading criteria.

PASS

presenting work in a coherent and

To achieve a pass the student must

appropriate format using vocational

meet all the requirements defined in

language fluently.

the criteria for each unit.

ASSIGNMENT GUIDANCE

MERIT

You must hand in assignments on

To achieve a merit, the student

or before the deadline shown on the

must; Review and respond to a

assignment. A pass is the highest

variety of information. Demonstrate

grade that can be awarded for work

skill and understanding through

handed in after the deadline date.

analysing and applying knowledge. Choose an appropriate format to present work coherently, using vocational language accurately.

If a student is aware of any problems which will prevent the assignment being handed in on or before the dead line this should be raised by

DISTINCTION

the student with the assessing tutor

To achieve a distinction, the student

and an extension to the deadline

must; Check validity in evaluating

date may be negotiated. A pass,

and responding appropriately to

merit or distinction is then awarded

a variety of work. Demonstrate

following the normal criteria.

skill and understanding through

If the assignment is handed in more

evaluating and synthesising

than one week after the deadline

knowledge and justifying

(including an extended deadline)

conclusions. Show an individual

a fail will be awarded for that

approach to structuring and

assignment.

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE Technology is important, primarily because it should force us to do new things - rather than because it enables us to do old things better. PETER DRUCKER

SEP/OCT 09

NOV/DEC 09

JAN/FEB 10

TV PRESENTATION

SCRITED DRAMA

MUSIC VIDEO

Units covered:

Understanding TV and Film

Single Camera Drama

Production Management

Pre-Production Techniques

Video Editing

Music Video Production

Writing for Film and TV

Video Editing

Page Layout and Design

Digital Graphics for Print

Critical Approaches to Media

Research Techniques

Industries Critical Approaches to Media Products Digital Graphics for Print Page Laout & Design Ressearch Techniques HALF TERM

Products Film Study Essay CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

HALF TERM

FEB/MAR 10

APR/MAY 10

JUN/JUL 10

VIDEO INSTALLATION

SHORT DOCUMENTARY

Units covered:

Job Description

Video Installation

Production Management

Ethical Report

Video Editing

Pre-Production Techniques

Programme Guide

Ressearch Techniques

Writing for TV and FIlm

Complete all coursework

Sound Production

Factual Programme Production

SUMMER HOLIDAY

EASTER HOLIDAY

Interview Techniques Research Techniques HALF TERM

TEACHING STAFF

PROGRAMME MANAGER - Paul Arnett

LECTURER - Kirsty Bougourd

LECTURER – Gillian McCartney

Paul specialises in film and video

Kirsty specialises in TV and video

Gillian specialises in all aspects of

production.

production and editing. She is the

sound design and production.

T: 01481 750200 ext 8852

Course Tutor for the First Year ND

T: 01481 750200 ext 8861

E: paula@gcfe.net

Media Film students.

E: gillianm@gcfe.net

T: 01481 750200 ext 8864 E: kirstyb@gcfe.net

LECTURER – Charlie Towers Charlie specialises in IT, with an

LECTURER – Nigel Edwards

emphasis on Mac related software.

Nigel specialises in media research,

T: 01481 750200 ext 8860

new media and advertising. He is

E: charliet@gcfe.net

the Course Leader for the ND Media Sound Course T: 01481 750200 ext 8863 E: nigele@gcfe.net LECTURER – Peter Root Peter specialises in digital graphics and interactive media. He is the Course Leader for the First Diploma Media Course T: 01481 750200 ext 8862 E: peterr@gcfe.net

LECTURER – Jon Ozanne Jon specialises in script writing, editing and advertising. T: 01481 750200 ext 8860 E: jono@gcfe.net

USEFUL RESOURCES