DSM5143 - Creating Factual Content

Objectives:

On successful compltion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Learn the advanced practical skills needed to produce factual content;
2 - Develop production and story-telling skills underpinned by a knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks;
3 - Become a versatile, multiskilled producer of factual content; and,
4 - Build up a portfolio of factual content.

Content:

The module offers you the chance to develop your production and story-telling skills – hugely transferable skills in an increasingly global industry. You will review the factual output of a host of platforms such as Netflix, BBC, YouTube, Channel 4, Channel 5, etc.

You will explore the process of developing, researching and writing ideas for factual programmes, the production and post-production of factual content and the crucial role of narrative structure in the factual process.

It will involve producing an individual portfolio of work to demonstrate editorial and technical skills, which will culminate in the completion of a 7-minute short factual film delivered along with all associated production paperwork.

The module also explores the ethical aspects of the ‘creative treatment of actuality’ and provides a theoretical understanding of the role of ‘non-fiction’ media products and their historical development.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will feature lectures that explore both the practical and academic aspects of creating factual content. The practical elements of each session will include researching and developing story ideas and hands-on filming and editing tuition. The academic element of the module will explore the ethical aspects of the ‘creative treatment of actuality’ and provides a theoretical understanding of the role of ‘non-fiction’ media products and their historical development. Semester 1 concentrates on the building of individual skills for the portfolio for assessment, which includes filming and editing skills and ideas pitching. Semester 2 features regular production meetings and advanced skills workshops as you concentrate on the research, development, production and post-production of individual or small group factual projects. The delivery method will include lectures, related practical exercises and workshops with seminar elements.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Practical Exercises
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 250



Further Details Relating to Assessment

Portfolio of Skills You will individually produce a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability to devise ideas, plan and prepare for filming, film and edit all components required for a documentary film, including well-framed interview with correct sound levels, GVs, sequences.

Artefact Portfolio You will work individually or in groups to demonstrate ability to devise ideas, find and cast contributors, plan and prepare for filming, film and edit all components required for a documentary film. You will also provide a legal binder of detailed production paperwork.

Early Assessment: there will be a formative assessment within the first 4 weeks and this will help unpack the assignment details for the 1st assignment as well as guide and inform student preparation and help introduce the University grading criteria.

Full details are contained within the Module Handbook.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 5
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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