Feature Filmmaking MA

In the first study block you will consider and research your role, in parallel with developing and pitching your ideas for a feature film. Taught sessions are supplemented by masterclasses with specialists and individual mentoring, all enabling you to individually pitch an original feature film idea to your tutors and peers, and consider your own development. 

Feature Film Crew (30 credits) 

Using a case study, you will consider your place within a film production crew, in the context of both low/micro-budget independent filmmaking, and larger productions. You will consider the recruitment of crew, progression pathways, and the culture of a specific department while examining inclusivity, and challenging exclusionary or tokenistic practices. 

Students are encouraged to take an outward facing and unequivocal stance: considering the diversity of role holders within the wider industry, and the structural barriers to entry – whether through power, privilege or oppression - in addition to building an awareness of the organisations and practices that challenge these barriers.  

This module incorporates embedded research/information literacy and essay writing skills as part of the research and analysis learning outcomes.

Feature Film Development (30 credits) 

This module is focused on the development of screen ideas in the action genre, and independent filmmaking more broadly. Students will consider how to articulate those ideas to others and engage in the real-world processes, presenting the breadth of wider contexts and considerations involved in film development within the contexts of the international film industry.  

We’ll work through the facets of pitching and a pitch deck – from a story outline and treatments that succinctly articulate the narrative beats of your proposed idea to the film’s design and tone, locations and any required specialists, in addition to the audience and market for the work.  

You will engage with regional, national and international filmmaking, considering inclusive and diverse practices within story ideation, and understand the different drivers, global audiences and markets for your ideas, and your place as an agent of change.  

We’ll consider the pipeline of casting, auditions, deal making and the fundamentals of film finance, budgeting and scheduling, in addition to the release ecosystem: the role of sales agents in the acquisition and distribution pipeline. This informs the final pitch deck assessment. 

In the second study block, you will take a deep dive into a feature film route to an audience, in parallel with engaging in the pre-production of the feature film green lit in Study Block one, considering casting, contracting of specialist support and additional crew, scouting and securing locations, and risk management and assessment. You’ll contribute to a presentation on the festival strategy, sales and marketing of the proposed film green lit in Study Block 1 and contribute as part of the crew in the collaborative stages of preproduction and production of the feature film project. There is an optional opportunity to attend an international film market or festival prior to principal photography as part of an organised field trip. 

Feature Film Marketing (30 credits) 

This module takes a deep dive into your film’s entry into the world stage through marketing. You will examine routes to market through festival strategy, and consider the role of sales agents, acquisition teams, distributors, as well as audiences for your work.  

You will make an individual presentation on an existing action cinema feature film as a case study, considering its advertising spend, and expected impact.    

This will provide the inspiration for a marketing strategy for the film made within the course as art of your portfolio and develop your understanding of the positioning of your film within a national or global audience.  

Feature Film Production (30 credits) 

In this module you will create and execute a negotiated, advanced portfolio detailing your own role during the pre-production phase of an industry-focused action feature film project.  

You will be assessed through a presentation of work in progress and your portfolio documenting the elements of pre-production prior to principal photography.  

This planning is viewed as a complete and interrelated body of work; the film itself is assessed in study block 3. 

This final study block is entirely focused on delivery of the feature film itself, as we shift to the delivery of what has been planned in the previous two study blocks, working on the shoot itself, undertaking specialist roles within your crew pathway and contributing to the delivery of the project through its final post-production phase. This module also offers the space for reflection on the production experience through critical evaluation of your role within it and your own creative development. 

Feature Film Production and Delivery (60 credits) 

In this module, you will contribute to the film production itself; contributing on set during principal photography and/or to its final post-production phase.  

This module offers the space for reflection on the production experience through your critical evaluation of your role within it, your own creative development and how the experience differed from the planning presented in previous modules. It is also an opportunity to consider your own place in the creative industries and direct thought to your representation to potential employers. 

• 129-seat cinema, with Christie M Series 4k projection, 35mm projection, and 7.2 surround sound. 

• Four large production studios: 
  Production Studio 1:  multipurpose studio equipped with Sony HXC-FB80 studio cameras, chromatte grey screen and full lighting rig. Integral live gallery including 4-input Tricaster Ultra HD production system. 
  Production Studio 2: multipurpose studio and support area for studio 1. 
  Production Studio 3: multipurpose studio with lighting rig. 
  Production Studio 5: Specialist green screen studio with infinity cove & 360 degree subject lighting rig. Access to Xsens motion capture kit and VR/AR/MR equipment. 

• Mac Pro edit suites with Avid Media Composer, ProTools, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite & Da Vinci Resolve. 

• Two specialist grading suites featuring DaVinci Resolve and 4K preview screens. 

• Two 28-seat ‘Post Hubs’ for post-production software training, equipped with dual screen Apple iMacs. Software available includes Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud, Da Vinci resolve and Pro Tools. Avid NEXIS shared storage system for seamless access and integration of projects. 

• 25-seat dubbing theatre with Avid S6 mixing desk and Pro Tools Ultimate. Foley/ADR suite with access to a wide range of mics, foley traps and props. 

Three further post-production audio suites – all equipped with Pro Tools Ultimate. 

• Digital cameras (HD to 4K) including Arri Alexa, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic, Panasonic, and Arri SR3 and Bolex 16mm film cameras. Odyssey 7Q+ External Recorders are also available. 

• Wide range of hot and cold (LED) lighting equipment including systems by Arri, Dedo & Kino Flo alongside traditional blondes and red heads. 

• Grip and gimbal systems available include Free-Fly Movi M5, Wally Dolly, Indie Dolly, PD1 Dolly, Koolertron Sliders, Glidecam 2000, Libec and Camcrane Jibs. 

Audio equipment includes Sound Devices 633 mixers, recorders and an extensive range of microphones. 

We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications. Our typical applicants will have evidence of experience in a specialist film production discipline, or evidence of funded development or production practice in shorts or feature films, within a specific pathway. They may also hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree.  

We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or college, such as AVID or Adobe certification , or evidence of professional practice is required. and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications. 

APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is an application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit. 

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.