Real to Reel (Film Studies) is a unique course that introduces students to the cinematic arts through a wide range of screen based media including feature and short films, documentary, internet content, advertising and video games. The course will prepare students to critically view screen media by understanding the technical means of production and the historical and cultural contexts of their creation. To support their study of film, students will read a wide variety of literary works which may include novels, short stories and writings dealing with film theory, filmmaking and film review. Students will plan, produce and distribute their own films both individually and in groups. The course is designed for students who are interested in developing their appreciation of film, critical literacy and practical film making skills.
Course outline
What will students learn about? Students live in a world dominated by the visual. Countless frames of information pass before their eyes every day but how many students are able to critically analyse this information? Students will learn not only to appreciate the aesthetic and literary aspects of film, they will learn to become critical consumers and producers of visual medial. In the practical component o fthe course, students will investigate contemporary and emerging techniques in camera use and and software editing to produce films individually and in groups. They will also organise and participate in film festivals.
What will students learn to do? Students will investigate film for personal appreciation and critical understanding through the following broad categories:
- History and development of film and screen media
- Film style and construction (cinematography, editing, sound, the shot)
- Adaptation and Authorship
- Film as a persuasive text
- Film form (documentary, faction, gaming etc)
- Developing a film (the pitch, treatment, synopsis and screenplay)
- Making films
- Marketing and promotion (film festival and symposiums)
- Students will produce written texts including essays, screenplays, advertising material, reviews and critical reflections.
How is the subject assessed? Satisfactory completion of 200 hours of participation during Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) will be recorded and credited on the students' Record of School Achievement (ROSA). Assessment will be made on individual and collaborative methods with a strong focus on process as well as product.
