Film Studies

Course summary

Film is a cherished art form, and also a powerful communication tool. All film, high art or low, reflects the culture from which it was made. It also has the power to change these cultures and speak truth to power. Whether your interest is in feature films, television, short films, or adverts, you will explore the power of images by studying filmmakers’ methods, which you will then apply to your films. I.B. Film Studies is for everyone. Working in a film crew, you will take responsibility for specific film roles, responsibilities which will prepare you for the world of work. Film can also be a challenging academic pursuit. A range of critical approaches can be used when exploring film, which can reinforce and enhance cross-curricular study or can be explored purely out of personal interest. Year 12 1) Introduction to Film – learn the lingo Introduction to Genre 2) Realism to Formalism Soviet Montage Theory 3) Textual Analysis mock German Expressionism to Film Noir 4) Textual Analysis Suspense 5) Genre Study Critical Theories 6) Comparative Project Year 13 1) Collaborative Project preproduction 2) Collaborative Project Production 3) Collaborative Project Post Production 4) Completion of Film Reels Essay-based elements that require academic writing Teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational skills are required You don’t have to act in the films if you don’t want to. Watch as many different films, from as many different cultures, from as many different genres and movements as you can. Warren Buckland’s Film Studies: Teach Yourself: The Essentials David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson’s Film Art: An Introduction Pam Cook’s The Cinema Book.