BA Film Studies and English Language / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Docufiction Filmmaking

Course unit fact file
Unit code DRAM30062
Credit rating 40
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Drama
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Please note that this unit is delivered on-campus only and is therefore not available to remote learners

The course is designed to teach students different dramatic styles by integrating theory and analysis with practical work. In addition to attending seminars and screenings, the students will develop video production techniques and post-production skills to discover how different narrative forms are achieved with industry level camera equipment and editing software. Smaller production groups will be formed to devise a short dramatic film using documentary film techniques, which will then go into production, overseen by the tutor. The students will conduct research, develop a working script and learn how to cast and direct non-professional actors on location and through improvised acting. Each student will be required to carry out a variety of functions which could include: director, camera-person, sound-person, editor, production assistant and researcher.

Pre/co-requisites

Pre-requisite units

Any L1 Drama Study or Practical core option

Any L2 Drama Study core option - Practitioners in Context 1; Practitioners in Context 2; Screen, Culture and Society

At least one 20 credit L2 Drama practical course

Co-requisite units

 

Drama Dissertation/Research Essay

 

 

Aims

  • To give students an opportunity to explore different approaches to video production conducted in the borderland between fact and fiction, and to test those strategies through undertaking practical work on docufiction preproduction, production and postproduction.
  • To conduct practice-based research on docufiction film by drawing on docufiction history and theory.
  • To develop a critical understanding of media objectivism in historical and contemporary media by understand how an artifice of authenticity can be devised in media productions.

Syllabus

         

Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding and knowledge of:

  • the artifice of authenticity
  • docufiction history and theory
  • film production processes

Intellectual skills

Demonstrate critical understanding and ability to use -

·         critical film analysis

·         reflective practice

·         editing skills

 

 - in order to develop, create and produce short films of industry standard or approaching industry standard.

Practical skills

Demonstrate advanced practical skills in -

·         preproduction of docufiction film

·         production of docufiction film

postproduction of docufiction film

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Advanced interpersonal communication and team-working skills
  • Critical thinking skills and creative group-work practice skills (problem-solving, thinking innovatively, drawing on creative approaches of others, evaluating arguments, giving and receiving feedback, time-keeping)
  • Using effective leadership and group-work skills to solve complex problems
  • Performing with confidence and precision for specific audiences/contexts, making use of diverse creative approaches and media

Employability skills

Group/team working
Ability to work independently and as part of a group to conceive, plan, undertake and evaluate original, well-developed projects that involve complex and unpredictable scenarios; Ability to work independently and as part of a group to solve problems arising from engaging with challenging and unpredictable scenarios
Project management
Advanced skills in group-work, leadership, reflexivity, planning and project management
Other
Understanding of and adherence to industry-level professional and ethical standards in practical work; Ability to develop informed critique of professional practice (own and others), drawing on understanding of high quality standards; Development of a professional identity and skills/knowledge base to inform further professional practice, training and learning

Assessment methods

Production of a project proposal, working script and a docufiction film 60%
Reflective Essay 40%
Project proposal NA (formative)

 

Feedback methods

 Feedback method

Formative or Summative

Film - written

Summative

Reflective essay - written

Summative

Formative feedback points throughout the process, via dedicated tutorial hours and in-class sessions

Formative

 

Recommended reading

Hight, C. & Roscoe, J. 2001. Faking It: Mock-Documentary and the Subversion of Factuality

Owens, J. and G. Millerson. 2012. Video Production HandbookMurch, W. 2001. In the blink of an eye

Rabiger, M. 1992. Directing the Documentary

Rhodes, GD. and JP Springer. (eds.) 2006. Docufictions: essays on the intersection of documentary and fictional filmmaking

Rosenthal, A. 2002. Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Films and Videos

Ward, P. 2005. Documentary: The Margins of Reality

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Practical classes & workshops 176
Independent study hours
Independent study 224

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Johannes Sjoberg Unit coordinator

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