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Film Production Technology FdSc

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Foundation degree
  • Typical Offer: 64 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): P313
  • Start Date(s): September
  • Duration: Two years, full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: Confetti Nottingham
Information for 2024

Introduction:

An appreciation and understanding of the science behind film making is at the heart of this innovative new course. You will be equipped with the skills required to work across a variety of technical roles within the film production process giving you breadth of experience yet whilst developing a specific area of expertise. By the end of the course you will have a strong portfolio of film work, tailored to your own career aspirations, and be ready to launch your career in the film industry.

The course will give you the professional, creative, intellectual and technical skills you will need to work successfully within the international film industry whilst offering a broad range of work based learning opportunities.

This course is taught at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham.

If you have any questions about our Film Production Technology course, you can now chat to our experienced lecturers and course leaders through Unibuddy.

Key features

  • Explore the disciplines and processes of different roles within film production.
  • Experience different roles and specialisms within film production technology.
  • Develop your own specific areas of expertise.
  • Develop your ability to work as part of a team in a creative and efficient manner.
  • Learn the importance of efficiency in image and data management.
  • Meet industry professionals and learn their craft.
  • Work with relevant industry-standard software and hardware.
  • Work to industry briefs to develop your experience in working with clients and to deadlines.
  • Take part in live projects and briefs.
  • In your final year exhibit your work at the Confetti Degree Showcase.

What you’ll study

Throughout this film production degree you’ll learn the skills needed to work in a variety of technical roles within the film production process. You can also expect to gather a wide range of experience whilst developing a specific area of expertise and develop a strong portfolio of work, tailored to your career aspirations.

You'll have the chance to study the broadest range of disciplines including:

  • cinematography
  • audio and visual post-production
  • short film production
  • genre study
  • chroma key technology
  • colour grading
  • lighting
  • audio acquisition

Audio-Visual Film Technologies (20 credit points)

This module introduces students to a range of equipment used on a film set. You will develop the skills and understanding required for camera operation, audio acquisition and lighting techniques for film. You will examine the scientific principles behind the practical skills that inform the filmmaker's ability to achieve a cinematic quality product when using lighting, audio and camera technologies.

The Evolution of Film Technology (20 credit points)

Throughout this module you will study the historical development of film technology and assess the impact technological change has had on the industry. You will be given the opportunity to investigate a range of film examples, past and present, in order to assess the impact technology has had and continues to have on changes in film production, distribution and access.

Film Project Management (20 credit points)

This module will develop students ability to project manage the technical requirements of a film shoot. You will be taught how do break down a script in terms of its technical requirements whilst also learning about the different stages of project management in preparation for location filming including location scouting, risk assessment, kit specifications, crewing, budgeting and scheduling. You will be expected to show a detailed understanding of the health and safety regulations that govern the film industry and in particular location filming.

Applied Film Technologies (20 credit points)

During this module you will be expected to work collaboratively as a part of a production team on a film set. As part of the production team it is expected that students will demonstrate proficiency working with a particular piece of hardware in a particular discipline. Through self-reflection and evaluation you will also need to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the camera, lighting and audio technologies applied to their production.

Post-Production Technology for Film (20 credit points)

Throughout this module you will learn how to use post production software for both visual and audio. You will develop an understanding of the technologies involved and its impact on the creative process. You will gain experience within the workflow of the technologies and understand the interrelationships between software's, developing skills that will enable you to implement post production theory in a practical way with a varied pool of resources.

Script to Screen (20 credit points)

This module aims to equip you with the abilities needed to proficiently oversee a film production, guiding it from conception to public showing. You'll take a film concept and navigate through all the essential phases, harnessing film production technology for shooting and editing. Alongside refining your screenwriting skills, you'll also enhance your technical expertise, all while collaborating within a team. Teamwork is integral to crafting a film of exceptional quality that meets high standards.

Advanced Film Technologies (20 credit points)

This module introduces you to the technical specifications and requirements of a range of complex film grip equipment. You will learn to operate the equipment whilst also investigating the scientific principles surrounding camera and lighting technologies when shooting for visual effects content. You will then be required to plan and shoot a technically complex sequence using appropriate specialist equipment.

Short Film Development (20 credit points)

This module will require you to independently study the short film genre. You will be expected to research appropriate markets to inform the development and production of their own short film to be entered into a relevant and well justified short film competition. Working under the guidance of an industry partner, you will undertake the pre-production, of your own short film, ensuring that the correct health and safety regulations are fully considered.

Short Film Production (20 credit points)

During this module you will be expected to independently produce a short film aimed at a film festival or short film competition. You will be expected to demonstrate the ability to work in appropriate film production environments working to the necessary health and safety regulations. You will independently undertake production management of the workflow, processes and professional practice in the successful delivery of your own short film.

Film Industry Practice (20 credit points)

During this module you will undertake appropriate work based learning allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the course in the context of the workplace. In order to develop their understanding of the employment market you will learn about working in the film industry from both an employment and self-employment perspective.

You will learn how to operate as a freelancer and how to set-up, operate, run and promote a production company. The module will develop entrepreneurial skills and you will develop a range of self-promotional material to help you prepare for entering the film industry.

Advanced Post-Production Technology for Film (20 credit points)

Within this module you will develop more advanced skills in the areas of post production for film. This will involve visual effects, colour correction and picture grading for film post production; and dubbing, mixing, ADR and Foley for audio post production.

You will also learn how to deliver content for distribution for cinema using the correct technical procedures. Using the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in these module you will work with an industry partner or client to post produce a product to be shown in the cinema.

Non-Fiction Filmmaking (20 credit points)

In this module, you'll learn how to create engaging non-fiction films. You'll explore both the theory behind effective storytelling and the practical aspects of making these films. Through hands-on projects, you'll choose a topic that interests you and develop your skills in researching, scripting, filming, and editing.

Collaborating with classmates will give you a taste of real-world teamwork in the film industry. By the end, you'll have the tools to craft compelling non-fiction stories that resonate with audiences.

Do It For Real at Splendour

2023 marked the tenth year of Confetti at Splendour Festival! Here's a recap of everything our students got up to over the weekend.
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How you’re taught

At Confetti our classrooms are unique. As part of their course, our students get the chance to go out into the industry and Do It For Real at locations across the UK!

Teaching and learning experiences will include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • group tutorials
  • academic tutorials
  • workshops
  • presentations and pitches
  • visiting industry professionals
  • team working
  • independent study

Assessment

There is a varied range of assessment methods throughout the course, which includes:

  • film production development work
  • film productions
  • research tasks
  • case studies
  • portfolio work
  • reports and evaluations
  • lab reports
  • essays
  • visual and verbal presentations

To progress through the course you must achieve 120 credit points each year. Your final degree mark will be based on your final year work.

Industry Week

As part of the course, students are given access to a week of bespoke activities during Industry Week where a host of industry guest speakers gather for talks, lectures and workshops with students. Past guests have included:

  • BAFTA-nominated actor Stephen Graham
  • Director Shane Meadows
  • BAFTA-winning actor Vicky McClure
  • Documentary Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay
  • Key Grip Rupert Lloyd-Parry
  • Screenwriter Russell T. Davies

Degree Show

In your final year you will exhibit your work as part of Confetti's Degree Show. This event includes all final year students across Confetti's courses and is a great platform for you to showcase your work to key influencers across the creative industries.

Contact hours

  • Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (30%), independent study (70%)
  • Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (28%), independent study (72%)

How you’re assessed

  • Year 1 coursework (100%)
  • Year 2 coursework (100%)

Careers and employability

After completing your foundation degree, you’ll have the chance to top up to BSc (Hons) Film Production at NTU or go straight into industry.

Employability is a key focus of this course, with modules including initiatives, such as live projects and the opportunity to exhibit your work, to help enhance your future career.

This course will prepare you to work in creative industries in specialist technical roles, in areas such as feature films, television, and advertising.

You will also develop transferable skills for alternative careers in teaching, retailing, media, and freelance design.

Previous students are working at companies, such as:

  • Pinewood Studios
  • Spool Films
  • The Football Association
  • UEFA
  • Plum Pictures

Connecting with industry

Industry professionals will visit the course to guest lecture and share their experiences. Live projects will help you to gain real experience of the industry, make contacts and build your portfolio and CV.

Through the Confetti Media Group Head of Talent Development, you'll be offered a range of real work opportunities to help build your portfolio of experience.

Campus and facilities

On this course you'll study at Confetti's digital media hub - Confetti HQ:

  • Industry-standard cameras from Sony and Blackmagic
  • A 25 seat media production lab running Avid Media Composer and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • A 25 seat screening room
  • A 37m2 Green Screen VFX studio with VFX infinity curve screen
  • A 144m2 studio space with industry-standard digital video cameras and full lighting rig
  • Industry spec production gallery with 4k production facilities
  • Foley suite
  • Production and meeting rooms
  • Access to audio post-production equipment

Entry requirements

  • 64 UCAS Tariff points; and
  • GCSE - English and Maths Grade C / 4

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

This course is not suitable for International applicants.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

This course is not suitable for International applicants.

How to apply

Application for this course is through the UCAS application form.

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Selection for this course takes place through UCAS application form.

Application deadline

This course starts in September and applications should be submitted by the UCAS deadline.

Applications received after this date will only be considered if places are still available, after all applications received by the deadline have been assessed.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students (over the age of 21) for this course. We will assess applicants of this nature on an individual basis.

If you are a mature student, you will still need to apply to us by UCAS form, but you don't necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades,

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It's your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You've got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you're applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

This course is not suitable for International applicants.