Coursework Requirements
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:
Content
(a) The micro features of film. This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.
Assessment
Candidates should complete two main items, assessing AO2 and AO3:
(a) An analysis of a film extract - 1500 words (30 marks)
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:
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.
Candidates working in a group should focus on the construction and impact of their chosen micro aspect.
The analysis can be presented:
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.
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 FM2.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- a film sequence or short film of approximately 2 minutes and containing between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated). Group work is permitted for the filmmaking option (maximum 4). Groups of candidates should take primary responsibility for – without precluding collaboration - one or more micro features of the sequence (such as camerawork, editing or sound). Each candidate must identify their role and the micro aspect they are responsible for on the appropriate coversheet.
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.
Candidates working in a group should focus on the construction and impact of their chosen micro aspect.
The analysis can be presented:
- as a continuous piece of writing, with or without illustrative material
- in a digital form such as a suitably edited blog or another web based format
- as a focused DVD commentary