Independent Filmmaking

Independent Filmmaking is the future of the film industry in the UK. Every year more and more films are financed and made independently outside of the large studio systems, many of which go on to sweep the boards at awards ceremonies. Independent filmmakers are known for their creativity, technical ability, problem solving and communication skills, alongside their capacity to create thought provoking and exciting stories.

This course, developed in consultation with industry, is designed to equip hard-working and enthusiastic individuals with the skills to succeed as independent filmmakers with the ability to create their own films or work in the rapidly growing media industry.

The first year is the foundation of the course, introducing you to the building blocks of independent filmmaking. Building on your first year, year two is essential in establishing a career focus and shaping your final year. In the final year of study, you will be completing a professional portfolio of work and will be focussing on an area of specialism in the field of independent filmmaking.

YEAR 1
Film Production 1 (40 credits
Editing for Independent Film (40 credits)
Film Theory (20 credits)
Scriptwriting for Short Films (20 credits)

YEAR 2
Film Production 2 (40 credits)
Professional Industry Practice (20 credits)
Scriptwriting For Pilots (20 credits)
Audio for Film & TV (40 credits)

YEAR 3
Major Project (40 credits)
Film Production 3 (40 credits)
Scriptwriting For Features (40 credits)

WHAT ARE CREDITS?
As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course.

We don’t believe in exams. All assessment takes the form of coursework, portfolios, presentations, and a limited number of essays. If you are being taught filmmaking, you will submit a short film. If you are being taught how to present your work or research, you will do a presentation relevant to your project. If you are studying Film Theory you will synthesise that research into an essay based around the subject. In other words, all assessment is directly related to the skills being taught and directly applicable to life within industry. You will be offered feedback along the way, via formative submission points, with official summative submissions falling at the end of first and second semesters.