Diploma in TV and Film Production

Essential Information

Course Objectives

This course is designed to give students a solid understanding of the production and post-production process for the film and television industries. Students develop the knowledge and skills required to produce content for television programmes, commercials, music videos and feature films.

Where will the Diploma in TV & Film Production lead me?

Successful graduates leave the course equipped with the essential skills needed in the film, TV and post-production industries. Possible employment opportunities include careers as an Offline Editor, Digitizer, Edit Assistant, Online Editor, Single Camera Operator, Lighting Assistant or Title Editor. You will be able to shoot, edit and produce content to broadcast standard. After studying at Futureworks, our graduates have moved into a variety of roles on major film releases and TV shows, both in the UK and overseas.

Key Features

• Gives you experience of professional life, while you study
• Highly practical, using commercial-specification studios and software
• Developed in collaboration with industry employers
• Embedded Avid & Apple Certification
• Collaborative projects with sound engineering and animation students
• Produce finished content to the highest standard in our world-class facility
• Learn to shoot and edit news, drama, documentaries & film

Who is the TV & Film Production course for?

Year 1 starts from first principles, so is suitable for beginners. Year 2 progresses your skills to advanced level, and is suitable for year 1 graduates, degree postgraduates and those with relevant experience or education seeking to advance their knowledge.

Are there any pre-requisites?

Year 1: No formal qualifications are required
Year 2: We accept direct entry onto year 2, providing you have relevant experience or education that can be demonstrated with a portfolio at interview. Year 1 graduates are automatically accepted onto year 2.

When will I study?

2 x 3 hour lectures (7-10pm) plus 10 hours individual studio time per week.

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Detailed Description

Year 1

Semester 1

Covers the fundamentals concepts of camera work, lighting & sound, as well as some technical theory. Students are introduced to Avid Media Composer and begin working towards their Avid 101 Certification.
Topics Covered: Camera, lights and sound fundamentals; Putting a basic picture together; Storyboarding; Broadcast technology; Filming in a studio.

Semester 2

Building on the skills from the previous semester, students learn to shoot and edit footage for use in a news environment, focusing on workflow and meeting deadlines. Students are also introduced to multi-camera setups.

Topics Covered: News gathering; Outdoor filming and location shoots; Titling and effects, Multi-camera setup; Sound effects and dialogue replacement.

Semester 3

Takes the student into the realm of filming and editing a documentary, with the focus on producing finished, professional looking content. The student is introduced to colour correction, the full range of Avid's FX capabilities, and DVD authoring.

Topics Covered: Documentary filming; Advanced techniques and effects using Avid; Shot design; Colour correction; DVD authoring.

Year 2

Semester 1

Takes the next step in TV production by teaching the student the skills required to shoot, edit and produce professional looking drama, incorporating complex camera work and shot design, advanced lighting techniques, motion tracking and chroma-keying.

Topics Covered: Camera for drama; Complex shot design; Motion tracking; Motion graphics and advanced effects; Advanced lighting techniques; Digidesign Pro Tools; Chroma-keying and compositing.

Semester 2

Focuses on filmmaking, direction and cinematography. Students learn the techniques used in making feature films and Hollywood movies. Cinematic lighting, multi-camera and multi-unit shoots, and 3D compositing, combine to give the student a diverse array of skills to take their work to the next level.

Topics Covered: Directing; Cinematic lighting; 3D compositing; Colour correction for Film; Software skills: Final Cut Pro, After Effects & Photoshop;

Semester 3

Prepares the student for employment, ensuring they're equipped with a broad knowledge of the areas that employers demand, including awareness of changes in technology and practice since the start of their course. The student will produce content for TV and film that is professional and at broadcast standard.

Topics Covered: Production workflow; Manipulating CGI; Digital relighting; Colour grading; Advanced colour correction; Combining special effects; Critical evaluation of audio content; Conforming to legal standards.

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FAQs

Which facilities will I have access to?

You will be taught in one of our purpose-built computer labs, with an individual fully loaded HP workstation. Practical time takes place in Edit suites, Pods, Camera room, Chroma key stage and Post production studios. If you need to take some time out, you can chill in the Futureworks loung, or head to one of Manchester's many eating and drinking venues.

How will I be taught?

A mix of informative lectures and workshops combined with both guided and independent practical activity. There is a major focus on practical projects, many of which are run collaboratively with students on other professional series courses and are based around "live" briefs. In addition, students are invited to participate in any commercial sessions held at Futureworks. The tuition is enhanced by regular guest lectures from industry experts.

Who will I be taught by?

All Futureworks tutors are experienced professionals. As well as your main tutors, you will have regular lectures and workshops from carefully chosen visiting tutors with specialisms in certain techniques.

How am I assessed?

Assessment comprises a series of real-world projects, which are marked according to industry specifications, and mapped to Skillset National Occupational Standards. Apple, Avid and Digidesign Certification is assessed by online examination.

What qualifications will I receive?

Successful graduates will achieve Futureworks TV & Film Production Certificate (1 year) or Diploma (2 years), as well as Avid certification and 'Apple Final Cut Pro' certification. You will also leave with an impressive Showreel, finished to commercial standard, which will showcase a wide range of film, editing and post production techniques.

How do I apply?

Just click the button below for all the information on the application process.

What are my payment options?

Course Fees are £9125. You can pay in a single payment or by monthly installments of £365.

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