East 15 Acting School, MA, Filmmaking

The 1st term includes the modules: Introduction to film; and skills for filmmaking; term 2 includes: producing and production management; students learn about the range of methods of distribution open to independent filmmakers and be offered a comprehensive introduction (through seminars, case-studies and exercises) to the essentials of production management including personnel and crew issues, scheduling, budgeting, planning, site safety and risk assessment; term 3 includes: filmmaking practice and advanced film analysis; students work in small groups on a collaborative short film (5 minutes), using student actors from outside the course and a single camera location, lighting techniques and sound elements; students edit the final product to screening standard; term 4 is devoted to work on a written dissertation on some aspect of the field of independent filmmaking or a practical project; this practical project entails planning, shooting (in HD) and post-production of a 15-20 minute film, using actors or other participants from outside the course and a range of locations; students are involved in both live and post-production sound (including music), plus a 5,000 word portfolio on the film that includes a discussion of strategies for its distribution; MFA students take a 2nd year which includes a detailed study of the theory and practice of documentary filmmaking, with an option to pursue a documentary project outside the UK, and the creation of a substantial independent film from planning through to post-production.