MFC5202 - Documentary: Theory and Practice

Objectives:

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

1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history of the development of the documentary form in still and moving images
2 Devise, plan and produce a documentary artefact
3 Work effectively within a team to meet deadlines and utilise resources effectively
4 Critically evaluate the process and the finished product

Content:

The module provides a theoretical understanding of the role of ‘non-fiction’ media products and their historical development. In particular students will engage with the concept of ‘realism’ in reference to British film and TV and the concept of ‘Public Service Broadcasting.’ It will provide opportunities for students to develop their production skills. It examines the process of choosing subjects, development production and post-production.and the crucial role of creativity and narrative in the documentary process. It also explores the ethical aspects of the ‘creative treatment of actuality’. This will be followed by an intensive period of self directed team based production (in order to produce a short – 5 minutes – production)

Learning and Teaching Information:

History of ‘realism’ in media production: this lecture-based unit will explore the history documentary photography and of non-fiction film and television.

Pre-production: this unit explores dramatic structure and narratology as applied to a selection of non-fiction productions. Students are also introduced to the creative and technical dimensions of documentary production planning and undertake a variety of practice exercises.

Programme Production: this unit introduces the practice of single and multi-camera programme production including briefs, treatments, the use (or choice not to use) storyboards and scripts; logistics of location recording; camera crew roles; camera techniques; editing. This leads to a period of small-group production work, culminating in a presentation of completed artefacts to the whole group, followed by critical peer appraisal in preparation for the submission of reports. Students will work independently, in groups, during semester 2 to produce a 5 minute documentary. Tutor support is crucial to this process and is normally in the form of meetings, viewing of rushes and editing support in order to mirror as far as is possible professional practice.

Learning and Teaching Method (eg lectures, seminars, tutorial, workshop) Student Contact Hours Number of Groups Lectures
Contact hours: 22
Intended Group size: 1

Tutorials
Contact hours: 8
Intended Group size: 6

Additional assessment information
Students must complete and pass all assessment to be eligible to pass the module.

Other relevant information
TThe artefact will be a 5 minute non-fiction piece (either a whole film or the opening section) produced in groups of three. The end of semester 2 report will be an individual critically reflective report on the production process. This module will prepare students wishing to progress to Level 6 Advanced Documentary Production where they will engage in further study of the contemporary documentary form and be able to apply the skills learned to produce a more substantial piece of work.

Assessment: