Film Studies
WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL FILM STUDIES?
Filmmaking has undeniably become one of the main artistic innovations of the 20th century, a historically and culturally significant medium inspiring a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement from those who choose to study it.
Film Studies, therefore, offers a thorough investigation into filmmaking as a process: the conception of an idea; the complex web of decisions made behind the camera; the physical execution of production. By the end of the course, you will consider yourself an industry expert and have a deep appreciation of a director’s deliberate construction of meaning through mis-en-scéne, lighting, camerawork and editing.
You will never watch a film in the same way again.
WHAT WILL I LEARN ABOUT?
Over the course of two years, you will watch and explore the deeper meaning of a wide range of critically-acclaimed films from:
- Old Hollywood
- American, British and Global film
- Documentary film
- Film Movements - silent cinema and experimental film
Through Auteur Study and Film Theory, you will investigate the relationship between performance and spectator response – considering not just aesthetics, but connections to cultural and historical context too.
Putting your newfound knowledge and skill into practice, you will also take ownership of a practical project in which you have complete creative control.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
30% of the course is awarded to the NEA, undertaken in Year 12.
You will have the option to either make a short film (5 minutes of footage) or write a screenplay (the equivalent of 10 minutes of footage). This is called a Non-Examined Assessment as it is completed during lesson time – you will be allocated a number of weeks to perfect this project.
70% of the course is split between two written examinations.
Both papers are worth 35% each, are 2.5 hours long and have multiple components: Paper 1 assesses Old Hollywood, American film and British film while Paper 2 assesses Global film, Documentary film and Film Movements (silent cinema and experimental film).
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
The wide range of films and types of film studied will broaden your understanding of the depiction of diverse cultures, people and places – both historic and current. You will develop your ability to have confidence in your judgement and discuss complex societal issues with sensitivity and objectivity.
Practical production elements of filmmaking are constantly changing alongside technological advancements. Your detailed knowledge of the varied approaches to filmmaking will enable you to evaluate the significance of films as a snapshot of the time in which they were made, as well as consider how you will approach creating a high quality piece of film yourself.
Comparative skills are an essential component of the assessed objectives of the course, requiring you to not only communicate a vast quantity of information in your examinations but to regularly cross-reference themes and technical details.
WHERE COULD THIS SUBJECT TAKE ME IN THE FUTURE?
A high-quality A Level in Film Studies gives an obvious advantage to a career in film production, editing, camerawork, directing and screenwriting, as well as other forms of digital content creation.
Outside of the industry, Film Studies equips you with analytical, technical and creative skills that are easily transferable to fields such as marketing, media, journalism, broadcasting, education and cultural management.
Exam Board: Eduqas | Course Code: A670QS
