AS Film Coursework (FM1)

FM1: EXPLORING FILM FORM

Focus of the unit

This unit focuses on the micro features of film and the construction of meaning and emotion. Understanding will be fostered through:

·         studying micro features of film: mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing and sound

·         identifying how these construct meanings and contribute to the sensory impact of film

·         reflecting on individual response to micro features of film as a means of exploring the relationship between film and spectator

·         creating a sequence to demonstrate how micro features produce meanings and responses.

Throughout this unit, the emphasis will be on the interaction of film and spectator.

Content

(a) The micro features of film

This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.

·         Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and makeup, figure expression and movement and off-screen space.

·         Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and interaction between performers (with reference to issues of staging/choreography where relevant).

·         Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and composition and special effects.

·         Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space, especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also be considered.

·         Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used in relation to visuals.

It is recognised that it is often difficult to separate micro and macro features of film, although macro features – narrative and genre – will be the basis for

 (b) Spectators

The unit encourages candidates to develop an awareness of their active role as spectators in working with the way the micro features of film construct meanings and contribute to the sensory impact of film. The extent to which responses derive from the micro features of film and the extent to which they derive from personal and/or cultural identity will begin to be explored.

(c) Producers

This unit also encourages candidates to develop their analytical and creative skills, reflecting their growing understanding and appreciation of the micro features of film and the ways in which these can be deployed in order to create meaning and produce response.

Assessment

Candidates should complete two main items, assessing AO2 and AO3:

(a) An analysis of a film extract - 1500 words (30 marks)

Candidates are required to explore how one or more of mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing, and sound construct meaning and provoke response in a film extract.

Candidates are encouraged to support their work with illustrative visual material.

Recommended length of extract: approximately 3-5 minutes (depending on the complexity of the extract).

An approach in which a whole class studies the same extract is not permitted.

(b) Creative Project: aims & context, film sequence or short film and reflective analysis (50 marks)

Candidates are required to create a film sequence or a complete short film that demonstrates how the micro features of film construct meaning. This comprises three elements:

(i) Aims and context

A clarification of the aims and context of the sequence or short film to be completed on the appropriate cover sheet.

Please note: the 'Aims and Context' must be completed on the appropriate cover sheet, otherwise the Creative Project and accompanying Reflective Analysis cannot be adequately assessed.

(ii) Film Sequence or Short Film

The film sequence may either be an extract from longer film or a complete short film, with the emphasis on visual communication rather than on dialogue. It may take one of the following forms:

·         an extended step outline of 1000 words (representing 5-8 scenes)

·         a photographed (digital or photo-chemical) storyboard of between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated) plus up to 5 found shots (shots which would be difficult to photograph or where locations need to be established). The 5 found shots must be acknowledged.

(iii) Reflective analysis approximately 750 words or equivalent (10 marks)

The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences.

The analysis is presented as a continuous piece of writing, with or without illustrative material