1. Film Studies AS and A2 Level
Why YOU should study it!

2. TRUE OR FALSE? Film Studies is one of the hardest A-Levels there is.
All you do is just watch films – there’s no exam!
Universities don’t accept Film Studies.
Hardly anyone takes Film Studies.
You need to have done Film Studies GCSE prior to taking Film Studies.

3. ANSWERS FALSE (it’s actually got the best average score)
FALSE (of course there’s an exam – it’s not a BTEC!)
FALSE (Some universities want you to take it, especially if you are taking a media-related computer course like Computer Science)
FALSE (it’s one of the most popular)
FALSE (but a minimum C or B in English is preferred)

4. Key facts about Film Studies
One of the most accessible A-Levels around
Recognised by Universities
A really enjoyable course which is one of the country’s most popular
Combines the analytical elements of English and Sociology with the creative elements of Art and Design
Allows you to analyse any film you like as part of your coursework
Introduces you to films you may never have seen before
On average, easier to pass (apparently) than many other A-Level subjects... As long as you work hard

5. FM1 = Coursework: AS Unit 1
How the course works
FM1 = Coursework: AS Unit 1
A 1000-word analysis of an extract from a film of your choice
PLUS
A storyboard of a film you would make
A 750-word reflective analysis of the film you would make
Section C = Comparative Study of gender and race in 2 American films (Crash and Do The Right Thing)
Section A = Producers and Audiences (how films are made)
Section B = British Horror (gruesome!)
FM2 = AS Examination
FM3 = Coursework: A2 Unit 1
Choose your question!
A research catalogue of films, articles, books and websites, with a presentation script setting out your response to the question
A short film, made in groups, accompanied by a reflective analysis
Section A = German Expressionist and Russian Cinema
Section C = Single Film Study (Fight Club)
Section B = Emotional Response to Film
FM4 = A2 Examination

6. Exemplar Page from Y12 Storyboard Coursework – Could YOU do this?
Shot: 11
Description: He sees his son watching TV and playing with toys.
Type: Medium close up
Low angle
Low level
Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons and woman talking on phone
Lighting: Natural from windows (behind and in front of camera) Artificial from television (right of camera)
Duration: 3 seconds
Movement/Edit: Straight Cut
Shot: 12
Description: He wipes a tear from his eye.
Type: Close up
Mid angle
Mid level
Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons and woman talking on phone
Lighting: Natural from door (left of camera) Artificial from light (behind man)
Duration: 2 seconds
Movement/Edit: Straight Cut
Shot: 13a
Description: He puts his hand in his pocket and takes out a note.
Type: Medium long shot
Low angle
Low level
Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons, paper rustling and woman talking on phone
Lighting: Natural from door (in front of camera) Artificial from light (behind man)
Duration: 3 seconds
Movement/Edit: Dolly down to floor with note

7. Some Featured Films We Study

8. Does Film fit with my other choices?
It could be a good break from a scientific or Maths-based subject
Modern Foreign Languages
(we look at foreign films, and Film students run the half-termly International Film Night)
English Literature;
English Language
(obviously)
Business Studies
(due to studies of institutions and businesses within the film industry)
Music, Performing Arts, Media BTEC, Art and Design
(creative subjects, creative skills)
History, Psychology, Sociology
(we study academic sources and cover some of the same ideas)

9. What STUDENTS say about the course
Film Studies allows you to look beyond the entertainment factor of film.
Film Studies gives you a clear insight into the Film industry.
I like watching films – it’s a break from my Biology lessons!
I find it a very enjoyable subject to get into.

10. So there’s just one question...
You ain’t seen Bad Boys 2?
No! The question is...
Why don’t you join them and take Film Studies in Sixth Form??