Assignment brief

Qualification HNC Creative Media Production (Moving Image) - Level 4

Unit 11: Film Studies
Unit number and title

Start date ??/12/18

Deadline ??/1/19
Assessor name John Wright

Assignment title Film Studies

Objectives

The purpose of this assignment is to:

Develop learners understanding of how meaning is constructed in film through visual and technical signification.

Develop learners understanding of theoretical models of film analysis.

Develop learners ability to apply critical analysis to a chosen field of film studies.

Develop learners ability to apply research methods and procedures in creative media production contexts. (Unit 2)

Scenario

You are tasked with either undertaking: an analytical study (essay)

or producing a short feature (film)

This should demonstrate how meaning is constructed through visual and technical signification.

In developing your study or production you should show an understanding of theoretical models of film analysis by
undertaking research into a specific field of film studies and applying a recognised critical approach:- Psychoanalytical film
theory: Feminist: Autuer theory.

Knowledge and understanding of chosen approaches must be demonstrated in the preparation for the completed work.
Research notes and analysis of Films, notations on specific theorists writings (Lacan, Mulvey, Zizek etc.) and consideration
of audience responses must support the study - this can be displayed through blog posts, 'screenshots' with technical and
theoretical annotations, plus research notes or storyboard and screenplay materials.

Your completed work should clearly demonstrate how filmmakers use visuals, aesthetics, representation, symbolism, mise-
en-scene, sound and cinematography to generate meaning within the chosen field of study. The work should be completed
to the highest technical standards and display proficiency in understanding camera, lighting and editing techniques. The
production process should be well documented throughout with a reflective commentary in an appropriate format (blog,
diary, dvd commentary).

An ability to apply critical analysis should be presented in a clearly structured format and make direct reference to
theoretical perspectives that have formed the basis of the study and apply recognised models of theoretical film analysis.
Thorough and detailed blog entries with supporting production/research documentation should be kept at all stages of the
process.

Summative Assessment Methods

Unit 11 Assessment (Select One)

- 2,000 word essay (with Research Analysis of personal responses & audience responses)
- 5 min Film Production (with Research Analysis of personal responses & audience responses)
- 5-10 minute Video Essay (with Research Analysis of personal responses & audience responses)
Unit 11 Assessment

Undertake research of your chosen 'theoretical model' referencing key examples from a range of sources. Compile blog or
log/diary entries that explain how meaning is constructed in film through analysis of visual and technical signification.
Compile research notes, film analysis, book references, internet sources, documentaries and other material to support
your production so effective critical reflection and evaluation can be applied and justified at a later stage.

In the construction of your essay or production work you will need to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical models
of film analysis. Your work must make clear reference to a recognised model of film analysis: psychoanalytical, feminist,
auteur etc and contain elements that critically review the key issues that apply to your chosen field of study. Keeping a
complete reference of all materials in the production development process is essential so effective critical analysis can
be proven and justified.

You will need to demonstrate an ability to apply critical analysis to your chosen field of study therefore you must provide
evidence of the correct research procedures used in the collection of all data for your chosen study. Ensure that you
critically evaluate audience responses surrounding your chosen field of study accurately.

Outcomes

• Explain how meaning is constructed in film through analysis of visual signification.

• Explain how meaning is constructed in film through analysis of technical signification.
• Critically review theoretical models of film analysis.
• Effectively apply critical analysis to a chosen field of film studies.
• Present research in a clear and logical structure with good illustrations and references.
• Conclusions should be arrived at through synthesis of ideas and be justified.

Sources of information

Documentary:
'The Perverts Guide To Cinema'

Internet:
KEC - HNC Blog/A2 Film Blog
sensesofcinema.com
itpworld.wordpress.com/ (The Case for Global Film)

College Library
Books:
'Everything You Always Wanted To know About Lacan (But Were Afraid to Ask Hitchcock)' Edited by Slavoj Zizek
'Film Studies' The Pocket Essential Andrew M. Butler
'The Art of the Ridiculous Sublime' On David Lynch's Lost Highway by Slavoj Zizek
'Cultural Theory & Popular Culture an Introduction' by John Storey

Films:
'Vertigo'
'The Birds'
'Peeping Tom'
'Alien'
'Grizzly man'
'Married To The Eiffel Tower'
'The Machinist'

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