Q: What do we do in A Level Film Studies?
We study films! A bit like the way you studied novels, poetry and plays in GCSE English Literature. We think about how they work: how they are constructed – the way the camerawork, editing and sound are put together. How they affect us; why they make us laugh or cry, consider why we can be scared of something we know isn’t real. Think about the industries that make them and how they reflect the cultures and societies that produce them?
Q: Do I need to have taken GCSE Film Studies?
No, very few schools offer GCSE Film Studies so we only have a couple of students each year who have taken it. The course covers the basic aspects of film analysis and history before we start studying the set film texts so you’ll learn all the skills and knowledge you need.
Q: Can I do this course with A Level Media Studies or the BTEC in Creative Digital Media Production?
Yes, lots of students take both Film Studies and one of these courses.
Q: Will I need to buy the films we study on the course?
No we provide copies of all the films.
Q: Are all the films we study American?
No, we look at mainstream Hollywood films – the sorts of films you’d watch in a multiplex but also study independent American films, British films and non-English language films. Some are very new, others much older – so we can study the history of films and how they have developed.
Q: Do we make films as part of the course?
No, all the marks for A Level Film Studies come from written work – including the coursework which is script writing. The BTEC Creative Digital Media Production course involves a lot of practical work, including film production and the A Level Media Studies course also allows you do develop practical skills and make a music video. You can take either of these courses with A Level Film Studies.
Q: Will this course help me get a job in the film industry?
There are lots of jobs in the film industry in the UK – there is a massive skills shortage. Most of these jobs are well paid but freelance and many require you to have specific technical skills such as editing and cinematography. Most people will study a film related degree at university to help develop these skills. A Level Film Studies will help you understand how films work and how they have developed – useful knowledge for anyone wanting to work in the industry.
We hope that the Course video, FAQs and Subject Live chat have answered all your questions about the course. If you do have any other generic questions, please contact the course leader [email protected]
Please note that queries about your individual progression onto the course should be directed to [email protected]
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