FM3603

Analysis of Film and TV Work Experience

Module Booklet for 2011-2012

Tutors: Xavier Mendik (Module Leader) For student completion:

Day

Room

Time

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Module detail

Credits 20Module leader Xavier Mendik

Xavier.mendik@brunel.ac.uk

Assessment Method                        Proportion of marksAssignment 1 (Presentation)  30%Assignment 2 (Essay) 70%

Assessment Dates Assignment 1: Weeks 10,11,12 Assignment 2 : : Wednesday 18th January, 2012

Access to support material

Support material is provided electronically via the University’s u-Link system. You can gain access to the u-Link system via the following web page:

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/intranets/weblearn/                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Introduction/aims/background

To gain an understanding of key film and media industrial skills through a period of vocational placement.

To critically reflect on the industrial working practices of the media industry based on this vocational experience

To develop an awareness of interview and job presentation skills associated with the film and media industries.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Learning outcomes

There are learning outcomes that you must achieve in order to be awarded the credits for this module.  These learning outcomes are listed below:-

(A) Knowledge and Understanding of:

1. A Reflective understanding of some of the working practices of key film and media organisations.

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2. The ability to reflect on the period of work experience undertaken and the wider theorisation of film and media texts.

(B) Cognitive (thinking) Skills3. Evaluate the qualities and skills needed to undertake a period of

vocational work experience.

(C) Other Skills and Attributes (Practical/Professional/Transferable)

4. The ability to communicate effectively in a working media environment.5. The ability to develop film and media vocational interview techniques via

tutorage of a mock media panel.6. The ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and time management.

 

Method of teaching

Lectures/Tutorials, Interview Workshops, Group Seminars, Distance Learning Work Placement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Teaching Programme

The Term 1 Research Week for 2011-12 will be as follows:-

07/11/2011 to 11/11/2011THIS MODULE RUNS IN TERM 1

1From the Lecture Theatre to the Industry XM

2How to Present a CV to the Media

3How to Get in to Film Production –Visiting Speaker

4How to Get in to Film Exhibition-Visiting Speaker

5How to Get in to Film Distribution-Visiting Speaker

6How to Present Yourself to the Media

7RESEARCH WEEK – NO TEACHING

8 Presentation Preparation XM

9How to Get into Film Promotions –Visiting Speaker

10 Presentations 11 Presentations 12 Presentations

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MODULE SCHEDULE

Week 1: From the Lecture Theatre to the Industry: Preparing for the Work Placement XMPrimary Reading:Chris Bilton Management and Creativity: From Creative Industries to Creative Management. Oxford: Blackwells, 2007. Donald L. Diefenbach Video Production Techniques: Theory and Practice From Concept to Screen. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2009.

Week 2: CVs and Applications: Presenting Your Resume to the Media –Stephanie Darking (Brunel Placement & Careers Centre )

Primary Reading (see Careers Centre) Creative CV Guide 2010University of the Arts ISBN 9780950568065

How to Write a Great CV How To Books ISBN 1857038924

Killer CVs & hidden approachesPrentice Hall ISBN 9780273652465

Making Wizard Applications Just the Job Handbooks GTI ISBN 1901122034

Why You? - CV Messages to Win Jobs 2007 McGraw Hill ISBN 9780077115104

You're Hired! - How to write a brilliant CV Trotman ISBN 9781 844551774

Week 3: How to Get into Film Production: A Talk by Jake West and Marc Morris (Nucleus Films)Screening: Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship and Videotape (2010)

Week 4: How to Get into Film Exhibition: A Talk by Simone Pyne (The Hospital Club and Flaming Cabinet Film Festival)

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Week 5: How to Get into Film Distribution: A Talk by James Blackford (BFI/Flipside)Screening TBA.

Week 6 Interview skills: Presenting Yourself to the Media –Stephanie Darking (Brunel Placement & Careers Centre )

Primary Reading (see Careers Centre) Competency-Based InterviewsDeep Books ISBN 9781564148698

Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions 2008 Kogan Page ISBN 9780749451967

Insider Guide to Successful Interviews how to books ISBN 1857038231

Job Interviews: top answers to tough questions 2004McGraw Hill ISBN 0077107047

Pitch Yourself: CV and Interview Masterclass Pearson ISBN 9780273707301

The Ultimate Interview Book 2005 Kogan Page ISBN 9780749443108

You're Hired! - Interview tips & techniques for a brilliant interview Trotman ISBN 9781844551781

Week 7 Research Skills Week

Week 8: Presentation Preparation Week

Week 9: How to Get into Film Promotions: A Talk by Paul Smith (PR Agent)

Week 10: Presentations

Week 11: Presentations

Week 12: Presentations

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Brunel UniversityGeneric Undergraduate Grade Descriptors

Grade A*Clearly demonstrates a highly sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides clear evidence of originality and independence of thought and clearly demonstrates exceptional ability to develop a highly systematic and logical or insightful argument, solution or evaluation at the current Level. Demonstrates exceptional ability in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Shows an exceptionally high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication at the current Level.

Grade Band A (A+, A, A-)Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides evidence of independence of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop a highly systematic and logical or insightful argument, solution or evaluation at the current Level. Demonstrates excellence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Shows a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication at the current Level.

Grade Band B (B+, B, B-)Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Provides some evidence of independence of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop a systematic and logical or insightful argument, solution or evaluation at the current Level. Demonstrates a high degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Shows clarity, focus and cogency in communication at the current Level.

Grade Band C (C+, C, C-)Demonstrates a systematic and substantial understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the ability to develop a systematic argument or solution at the current Level. Demonstrates a significant degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature,

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theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Provides evidence of clarity and focus in communication at the current Level.

Grade Band D (D+, D, D-)Provides evidence of a systematic understanding of the key aspects of the topic. Demonstrates the ability to present a sufficiently structured argument or solution at the current Level. Demonstrates an acceptable degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at the current Level. Provides evidence of effective communication at the current Level.

Grade Band E (E+, E, E-)Provides evidence of some understanding of key aspects of the topic and some ability to present an appropriate argument or solution at the current Level. Demonstrates some competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc at the current Level. Provides some evidence of effective communication at the current Level. However, there is also evidence of deficiencies which mean that the threshold standard (D-) has not been met.

Grade FWork that is unacceptable.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Assessments

Assignment One: Assessed Mock Job Interview Before Panel (15 minutes)

This exercise aims to introduce students to formal media interview techniques, and therefore mirrors the experience of presenting before a related panel as closely as possible.

In order to prepare for the assessment, you can either draw on the actual placement you have undertaken (or have upcoming), or else draw on one of the following typical roles that graduates might occupy in the film and TV industries:

Running marketing campaigns for domestic home entertainment releases.

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Logging interview and clip materials for forthcoming documentary productions.

Assisting with press campaigns for national charities. Working on outreach projects with community media

organisations. Organising board and media meetings for independent

cinema bodies. Assisting with corporate film productions for independent film

organisations. Writing press campaigns for forthcoming cinema and DVD

releases. Managing viral campaigns for independent music producers. Assisting with press and marketing for West End premieres. Assisting with post-production and graphics construction for

satellite television. Working with journalists on forthcoming general cinema

releases. Working with widening participation bodies to extend media

literacy to youth consumers. Constructing press campaigns for local community radio

projects.

When preparing for your 15 minute presentation, it is crucial to make the connection between the key criteria of the job and the skills and experience you have in this area, so where possible try and make the connection between the job role and your prior experience. Even if your experience don’t entirely match the post’s remit, your transferable skills (ability to communicate, team work and dealing with public, ability to shift between a range of differing tasks) can also assist, so emphasis these qualities as well.

As important in demonstrating your own skills is the way you present yourself, so power point and other visual aids are strongly recommended.

Finally, the manner in which you present and how you address your potential employer is also of importance, so take time to practice the speed and delivery of your interview.

At the end of your 15 minute slot, you can expect to receive questions from the panel (as would be the case in a real interview). It is worth prepping potential areas that you may be quizzed on in advance.

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Good luck in getting your dream job!

Assignment Two: Word Limit: 2000 WordsDeadline: Wednesday 18th January, 2012 before 1.00pm.

Analyse and evaluate your work experience on film and TV work placement.

When answering the above question, you should take into account the following questions:

1. What skills and experiences do you feel you have gained from your period of film and TV work experience?

2. What kind of company profile defines your host institution, and how did you fit within that?

3. How do these experiences fit with your wider perceptions of the industry?

4. Are you able to make connections between your experiences and some of the wider theoretical debates studied on the degree?

5. How will this experience affect your future career aspirations and goals?

6. Are you able to provide a broad diary of key experiences/skills that define key points of your placement experience and development?

When completing the essay, please remember that you still need to provide an appropriate bibliography of sources that have guided your reading and research in this area.

Please also note that it is a formal requirement that you attach a signed and note headed letter confirming that you have worked over 70 hours with a work placement organisation as an attachment to the essay.

Please note that more that multiple placements with differing organisations need to negotiated with the module leader in advance, and must still equate to a total of 70 hours onsite employment.

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How the assessment relates to the learning outcomes

How the assessment relates to the learning outcomes

Assignment 1 requires students to Demonstrate :

A Reflective understanding of some of the working practices of key film and media organisations.

The ability to develop film and media vocational interview techniques via tutorage of a mock media panel.

The ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and time management.

Assignment 2 requires students to Demonstrate:

A Reflective understanding of some of the working practices of key film and media organisations.

The ability to reflect on the period of work experience undertaken and the wider theorisation of film and media texts.

Evaluate the qualities and skills needed to undertake a period of vocational work experience.

The ability to communicate effectively in a working media environment.

The ability to demonstrate skills in problem solving and time management

Assessment Criteria

Indicative Mark Band

Degree class equivalent

Grade Grade Point

90 and above 1 A++ 1780-89 1 A+ 1673-79 1 A 1570-72 1 A- 1468-69 2.1 B+ 1363-67 2.1 B 1260-62 2.1 B- 1158-59 2.2 C+ 1053-57 2.2 C 950-52 2.2 C- 848-49 3 D+ 743-47 3 D 640-42 3 D- 538-39 Fail E+ 433-37 Fail E 330-32 Fail E- 229 and below Fail F 1

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Submitting your work

In order to be marked without penalty for lateness, work must always be handed in before 1.00 p.m. on the day it is due.

It should be submitted with an official blue cover sheet (available in the foyer of the Gaskell Building).

Y our work must be date stamped in 4 places 1. on the blue cover sheet2. on the front page of your work3. on the last page of your work 4. and a page in the middle of your work.

The assignment and the attached cover sheet should be “posted” in the appropriate coursework collection box in the foyer of the Gaskell Building.

You must add your student number to the top of every page of your work. You must NOT write your name on the pages of your work.

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK:You are also required to submit an electronic copy of every piece of work submitted. This electronic version must be submitted within 48 hours (2 working days) of the coursework submission date.Your work is to be submitted through U-Link. In order to submit work, you need to click on Assignments on the left hand side of the Module page and follow these instructions:-

1. Click on the Assignment button on the left hand side of the page.

2. then select the correct coursework you want to submit for; and scroll down to Add Attachment – click into this.

3. This will take you into a Browse screen, then double click on my computer and this will take you into your computer files then you can select the c/work you want to attach. Now double click your work and this will

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place it underneath the box for attachments, once you are sure this is the correct piece, then press SUBMIT – there is no need to add any comments. You will now have successfully submitted your coursework on to U-Link.

If work is submitted late, the following penalties will be uniformly applied, in the absence of accepted relevant mitigating circumstances:

o Up to 1 working day late              Grade capped at A- (GPA14)o Up to 2 working days late            Grade capped at B- (GPA 11)o Up to 5 working days late            Grade capped at C- (GPA 8)o Up to 10 working days late          Grade capped at D- (GPA 5)o Up to 15 working days late          Grade capped at E- (GPA 2)o More than 15 working days late Grade capped at NS

A working day is defined as Monday to Friday at any time of year, with the exception of UK national holidays.

Mitigating circumstances are defined by the University as: “A serious or significant event” (Senate Regulation 4.31). For example, serious illness or death of a close relative. Please refer to the School of Arts handbook for further details.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Feedback on your work

Coursework and feedback will be posted to your term time address. If the deadline is at the end of the term it will be posted to your permanent home address. Please check your addresses are correct on e-Vision to ensure it is sent to the right place.

Academic staff aim to grade work and provide detailed and constructive feedback, normally within three weeks of the hand-in date. However, there may be delays for work submitted at the end of terms and for modules that have particularly high numbers, although you will be notified via your Brunel webmail account if this is the case.

If your piece of work is amongst a sample sent to an External Examiner, you will only receive your work when the External Examiner has returned it to us. However, you will still receive detailed and constructive feedback.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Plagiarism

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Plagiarism is passing off ideas words, illustrations, ideas or other materials created by someone else as being one’s own ideas or words. The following penalties currently operate:

First offences for undergraduate students

a mark of zero/grade F is assigned to the piece of work in question and to the associated assessment block; where permitted under the Regulations, reassessment may be allowed for a maximum grade of D- in the assessment block (this reassessment shall not contribute to the reassessment volume limit defined in SR2); the assessment block in question shall contribute grade point 0 to the GPA calculation for the classification of any award.

Repeat offences for undergraduate students

a mark of zero/grade F is assigned to the piece of work in question and to the associated module; the student shall be expelled from the University and barred from re-entry; any credits already achieved will be retained and an intermediate award may be awarded as appropriate, unless the Panel determines that there is just cause to deprive the student of any credits already achieved and any intermediate award to which they may lead.

For further information on plagiarism, and how to avoid committing this serious offence, please refer to the School of Arts handbook and Senate Regulations 6 - http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration/rules/senateregs/sr6

The School of Arts Handbook contains detailed information on referencing and the presentation of coursework.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Core reading listRick Altman (ed) Sound Theory, Sound Practice. New York: Routledge, 1992. Chris Bilton Management and Creativity: From Creative Industries to Creative Management. Oxford: Blackwells, 2007. Ken Dancyger The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory Practice .Burlington: Focal Press, 2007.Donald L. Diefenbach Video Production Techniques: Theory and Practice From Concept to Screen. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2009.Jean Pierre Geuens Film Production Theory. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2000.

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Kevin Howley Community Media: People, Places, Communications, Technologies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005. .                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Secondary Reading

Secondary Reading –Please also consult readings listed on weekly module guide:Finola Kerrigan Film Marketing. Oxford: Butterworth Press, 2010Louise Levinson Filmmakers and Financing: Business Plans for Independents. Burlington: Elsevier Press, 2007. Peter Lewis & Susan Jones From the Margins to the Cutting Edge: Community Media and Empowerment. London: Hampton Press, 2006. Steven Maras Screenwriting: History, Theory, Practice. London: Wallflower Press, 2007. Ellie Rennie Community Media: A Global Introduction. London: Rowan and Littlefield, 2006. Andrew Sparrow Film and Television Distribution and the Internet. Aldershot: Gower Publishing Ltd, 2007. Jason E. Squire The Movie Business Book. New York: Fireside Books, 2004. Graeme Turner Film as Social Practice. London: Routledge, 2008. Jeffrey C. Ulin The Business of Media Distribution. Burlington: Elsevier Press, 2010.Marijke De Valk Film Festivals: From European Geopolitics to Global Cinephilia. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2007.Michael Weise Film and Video Marketing. New York: M. Weise Productions, 1989

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Student Support:Academic Skills Services (ASK)

Study skills support is offered in the Library. This covers a number of areas including:

Academic Writing; Critical Reading; Maths, Numeracy and Statistics; Time Management; Presentations and Seminars; Note Taking; and Critical Thinking.

For further details, please contact the Library or go to

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/library/ask

 

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