1. GCSE Film Studies

2. Outline of the course Coursework
Industry Research (10 marks) words
Micro Analysis (20 marks) words
Pitch a film (10 marks)
Pre-production (20 marks)
Production (30 marks)
Evaluation (10 marks)
Exam
Exploring film (30%)
Exploring film outside Hollywood (20%)

3. FILM STUDIES Industry Research (10 marks)
words
TASKS:
Choose a film that you like and want to study (it can’t be superheroes)
Research into how the film was made produced, distributed and exhibited

4. Key terms Produced – who made it and how?
Distributed – who sold it and how?
Exhibited – why have audiences chosen to see it? Who saw it? Why? Where?

5. industry research Make sure you have included the following;
Production company(s)
Budget figures
Nationality
Main producer(s)
Director, cinematographer, editor, sound
Screen writer (s)
Main cast members
Any other important information

6. Production research questions
Find out where the idea for your film came from and who wrote the screenplay
Who directed the film? Have they directed any other well-known films?
Who starred in the film?
What was the budget for the film?
Where was the film made? Where did the funding come from? Did funding come from more than one country?
Did you find out any other interesting facts about the production of your film?

7. Distribution research questions
Find out who distributed your film
Was the film tested? (hint – DVD extras) Did this have any impact on it?
What was its release pattern? Globally and nationally/limited or general?
Were there lots of prints or did it show on just a few screens?
How was the film promoted? Find as many examples of how they tried to draw attention to it.
Analyse a trailer for your film. What kind of impression did it create? Was it a true representation of the film?
Did the distributor do anything different or unusual to promote the film?
What about the release in other media? (DVD, satellite, TV etc)

8. Exhibition research questions
Where (what types) of cinema was your film shown in? Why? What type of cinema is it (MM/I/AH)
Was it released in the cinema for a long time?
What was the value of the tickets sold? (what box office?)
What was the cinema classification (certificate)?
Who/what type of audience do you think saw the film?

9. Mark scheme
Level 0-1
Extremely limited, little or no knowledge and understanding demonstrated about film industry. Written communication uneven and extremely limited and inaccurate.
Level 2
Basic knowledge and understanding of film industry. Written communication more generally accurate although still limited.
Level 3
Reasonable knowledge and understanding of film industry and how it engages audiences. Written communication good. More confident use of specialist terminology.
Level 4-5
Excellent knowledge and understanding of film industry and how it engages audiences. Written communication excellent. Confident and well-integrated use of specialist terminology.

10. The ways in which a film communicates to its audience
Micro analysis
words
Analyse the way in which the film language creates meanings.
Micro Elements
Mise en scene
Cinematography
Sound
Editing
The ways in which a film communicates to its audience
TASK:
Analysis a short sequence from the film (5mins max) using the two of micro elements to help you

11. Point Evidence Explain
Point – lighting is important to the film Evidence – Dark lighting with shadows is used in the film Explain – Tells the audience that something might happen
How can this be improved?

12. Mark scheme 650-700 words A02 A01 Level 1 (0-5 marks)
Extremely limited or no ability to explore the chosen film
Extremely limited understanding of how films communicate meanings
Level 2 (6-11 marks)
Basic ability to explore the micro features of the film
Basic understanding of how films communicate meanings
Level 3 (12-15 marks)
Reasonable/good ability to explore the micro features of the film.
Key concepts are used appropriately/confidently
Reasonable/good understanding of how films communicate meanings to audiences
Level 4 (16-20 marks)
Excellent ability to explore the micro features of the film.
Key concepts are used confidently and are well integrated
Excellent understanding of how films communicate meanings to audiences

13. Pre-production
TASK:
Choose one of the following pre-production options to be based on the film you outlined in your pitch.
Script a short opening scene for the film (approx 500 words)
Create a storyboard of approximately 20 frames for a key sequence from the film
Design and produce a front page and contents page for a new film magazine, featuring your new film

14. Pre-production Storyboard STORYBOARD
Allows you to visually plan your idea
Illustration of scenes coming together
You needs to include a variety of shots

15. Pre-production Film Magazine What’s the purpose of magazine front
covers?
Grab your attention
Make the genre clear
Appeal to the target audience
Introduce the features inside

16. Teach-ict.net > video tutorials > Photoshop
Teaser posters
TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)
Make sure you have included
the following;
Title
Certification – 12A, PG, 15, 18 only
Image(s) that represents the genre
Appropriate colour scheme for genre
Cast names
Release date – coming soon
Teach-ict.net > video tutorials > Photoshop

17. Teaser posters

18. Teaser posters

19. Teaser posters

20. character posters Make sure you have included the following; Title
TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)
Make sure you have included the following;
Title
Certification – 12A, PG, 15, 18 only
Billing block
Image(s) that represents the genre
Appropriate colour scheme for genre
Cast names
Release date

21. Billing Block Use TOP BILLING as your font Include the following:
Production Company
Music By
Costume Designer
Visual Effects
Editors
Production Design
Director of Photography
Executive Producer
Written By
Produced By
Directed By
Use
TOP BILLING
as your font

22. Character posters TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)

23. Character posters TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)

24. Character posters TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)

25. Main posters
TASK:
Produce a poster campaign for a new film (4 posters, using original images)
Make sure you have included the following;
Title
Tagline
Certification – 12A, PG, 15, 18 only
Billing block
Production logo
Image(s) that represents the genre
Appropriate colour scheme for genre
Cast names
Release date
One review (if suitable)

26. Reflective Evaluation
TASK:
Write a reflective evaluation ( ) words for
preproduction and production combined) highlighting what you have learnt about film language, film organisations and audiences.