TV/Film Production Courses – A Guide

OP

('',)

Can someone please help me?
I'm at a total loss at what to put in my portfolio.
I know you already have a section on it but I'm still pretty confused.

For AS levels I'm doing biology, chemistry, drama and psychology so I can't really use anything from them and I had no idea that most uni needed a portfolio.

Any ideas on what I could do?

Do you have time to take photographs or make films this summer? Psychology essays can be a useful addition too - especially if any have links to media topics. If you've not got a highly-marked essay saved somewhere, most teachers would be happy to let you write your own and mark it for you.

Reply 44

('',)

I could probably spend sometime making films as me and a few friends have messed around with it before but I've never attempted photography. Should I look into taking a short photography course during the summer or something?

Reply 45

OP

('',)

I could probably spend sometime making films as me and a few friends have messed around with it before but I've never attempted photography. Should I look into taking a short photography course during the summer or something?

You could try, yeah. If you have the time/finances, a course like that would probably include you building up a portfolio as part of it. If that's too much effort/cost though, experimenting on your own can be just as valuable, and you can talk more about your motives too.

Reply 46

('',)

Thanks alot!

Oh and btw what about TV/Film production at York St John?
Oh and do Leeds Uni require a portfolio? I've looked on the website and I can't find any infomation on it.

Reply 47

no leeds dont require even an interview. just a good personal statement and good grades. xx

Reply 48

What 5 would be best to apply to for someone who is aiming to get BBC grades (could probably end up with BBB or higher, but I'm someone who plays it safe) and wants to focus more on the writing side of Production but doesn't want to just do a Scriptwriting degree? If not 5 then a shortlist. I'm just having trouble looking through all of the websites and understanding what might be best. I'd love somewhere with good industry links too, and chances for placements in the Industry.

People in the courses at the moment, what is your uni like? What is the course like? Also, if possible, is there a full list of compulsory modules and all optional modules for your uni? I look at the lists on websites/in prospectuses and they just seem small, so I'd love to know the full range of things available, if such a list exists.

Reply 49

OP

LastLordofTime

What 5 would be best to apply to for someone who is aiming to get BBC grades (could probably end up with BBB or higher, but I'm someone who plays it safe) and wants to focus more on the writing side of Production but doesn't want to just do a Scriptwriting degree? If not 5 then a shortlist. I'm just having trouble looking through all of the websites and understanding what might be best. I'd love somewhere with good industry links too, and chances for placements in the Industry.

People in the courses at the moment, what is your uni like? What is the course like? Also, if possible, is there a full list of compulsory modules and all optional modules for your uni? I look at the lists on websites/in prospectuses and they just seem small, so I'd love to know the full range of things available, if such a list exists.

I can give information regarding UCLan's course, but I'm not sure if it's the kind of thing you're looking for.
There's a lot of scope for specialism in certain areas, but it's a very technical course (BSc) rather than a creative one (BA).

I'll list off my module options with a brief description of each for every year of my course, and I can give information about other module options too; but the course doesn't include a placement (though it does have strong industry links, with all lecturers having worked in their relevant careers for a long time with great experience).

First Year:

Connections - This is split into four separate sections. Audio, Hardware, Software and Outside Broadcast.
Audio refers to audio modulation etc. Your physicsy type stuff.
Hardware is about building computers, software analyses various software types and how they can be used within the media industry.
Outside Broadcast is about cables and wiring, health and safety etc for, obviously, outside broadcast.

Interactive Media Production - Module on web-design, animation, photo editing and the production of interactive CD Roms.

The Box in the Corner - This was my optional module in Year 1. You can do an elective from any part of the university, or a more course-related one. The only way to do a fully theoretical module is as an elective, since the course doesn't include this. Box In The Corner is a theoretical module on the history of television.

Institution and Audience - My second theoretical module of the year (you can take up to two in Year 1, and one a year thereafter). This was a module on institution and audience theory, as the name suggests.

Basic Video Production - This is the film production module; which advances throughout the course. In first year, you learn linear editing and shoot your films on a small MiniDV camera. You also learn lighting/audio techniques.

TV Production - This module was fairly theoretical in first year. This is the module that includes researching, script-writing, planning...all general pre-production, including law etc as well.

Second Year:

Popular TV - This was my option for a theoretical module in Year 2; on popular culture.

TV Production and Technology - My favourite module, working in the TV studio. You get involved with every aspect of TV studio work and learn about the wiring up and running of a TV studio.

Video Production and Technology - An advanced version of the 'Video Production' module in Year 1, with professional standard equipment and free rein.

Producing and Directing - This module, in the first semester, is about producing your own programmes. You work as part of a small team to produce a programme (full pre-production, and then essays to discuss production and post-production etc); in the second semester you're in the TV studio (muc as in 'TV Production and Technology' but with one week where you're being graded on your skills as a director), you produce the script, props etc, and then control the running of the studio.

Post-Production - Advanced editing techniques, including graphics, animation, using Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro; very detailed post-production.

Third Year:

Dissertation - Pretty self-explanatory.

Advanced Video Production - Further advancement of video production in the first two years. Complete free rein to use all equipment and produce films as we wish.

Advanced TV Production - Advanced work within the TV studio.

Professional Practice - Module to prepare you for graduation; includes information on tailoring CVs, finding work etc. Can be used to find own work experience or network using lecturers' help.

TV Technical Operations - Further advanced work within the TV studio, including more detailed technical operation.

That's a very basic outline of all the modules I did; it'd take forever to go into more detail but hopefully that's enough of a guideline for you.
As I said earlier, on the UCLan course it's possible to specialise or to go out into a different direction - for example, focusing on lightling, audio, web-design, script-writing, research, camera operation etc. The list is endless. You can also do completely separate elective modules in anything ranging from languages to psychology.
Other modules include Interactive TV Production (designing 'red button' stuff etc, Sky TV menus, TV-based games) and further theoretical modules.

The link here shows potential third-year dissertation ideas/options:
http://media.uclan.ac.uk/projects_cat/?page_id=2

Any more questions, let me know!

Reply 50

Those sound quite cool, That'll be going on my shortlist, just got to find other people's opinions of what their course is like, since that's always a better way to go than reading the specially chosen, specifically worded things on websites and in prospectuses.

Reply 51

OP

LastLordofTime

Those sound quite cool, That'll be going on my shortlist, just got to find other people's opinions of what their course is like, since that's always a better way to go than reading the specially chosen, specifically worded things on websites and in prospectuses.

Definitely, yeah. The modules are the most important thing to look at online, though; every single TV/Film course is completely different - though it seems you're completely aware of that. :smile:

Reply 52

Yeah, I'm aware of that, since some mention scriptwriting whereas others never mention it at all. It's why I'm looking for a full list of all of the options you can take at the universities, so I can actually start planning my course now and see what has more of what I want.

Did you need to interview or present a Portfolio for UCLAN?

Reply 53

i havent started my course yet, i start in september, but have you looked at leeds uni?
I researched it a lot when i was in your position and it seemed right for me... dont know if its your cup of tea but:

First Year:
Broadcasting Institutions in the Modern World (20 credits), Research Techniques (10 credits), An Introduction to Screen Fiction (10 credits), Basic Single Camera Production (20 credits), Studio Skills (20 credits), plus 40 credits of electives.

Second Year:
Screen Fact (20), Screen Fiction (20), TV Training 1 (20), TV Training 2 (20), The Making of Screen Fact (20), The Making of Screen Fiction (20).

Third Year:
Production Project (Studio or Single Camera options, 40), Understanding the Audience (20), The Responsibilities of Broadcasters (20), Principles of Marketing (10), Law for the Media (10), Attachment (20)- WORK EXPERIENCE

"Placement providers who take
students every year include BBC, Granada, Sky Sports and Mentorn. Recently three students did their work placements in Hollywood and all our recent graduates are still in paid work in the television industry. "

I just thought i'd let you know because you say you'd love somewhere with links to the industry and leeds has very strong links. Some TV shows film in the university's studios on the condition that they allow students to help out. I think Life on Mars did, i cant remember

and pretty much all the teachers work in the industry.

They work hard to get you the placement you want too, apparently one guy really wanted to work on the new james bond film and they did all they could and got him on!

x

Reply 54

they do ask for BBB by the way, but if you like it take the chance and go for it! you say you could get higher grades! x

Reply 55

Something about BBB though - If I got ABC, would that be good enough? Some universities say things like "it will be taken in to consideration if you do better in one subject than another" and take you as long as you get the same points as the required (so BBB = 300, ABC = 300). Do they ask for an interview/portfolio? And I wonder if I'd be able to get my dream placement if I chose there - working on Doctor Who -swoons- A Placement in Science Fiction would be something awesome for me though.

Leeds and UCLAN seem to be two I'd apply for, just gotta dig in some more and find out more stuff, as well as pick 3 more (at least it's not 6 anymore!)

Reply 56

I've heard leeds are quite good at accepting people who dont get their grades.. so if you got ABC which is equivalent in points they might do it'd just mean waiting til results day to find out!!

No there's no interview or portfolio required, its solely based on your personal statement and your grades x

Reply 57

OP

UCLan didn't ask for a portfolio when I applied, no. Nor did they give an interview. They're very focused on your Personal Statement though.

As for that thing about Dr. Who; I nearly ended up working on Dr. Who/Torchwood early this year...would've been my dream job too.

Reply 58

That's great, I'm terrible at interviews and I don't have a portfolio (even though I have about 6 months+ to make one XD)

It would be helpful if UCAS didn't have so many different Course Codes for things that are named the same v_v Makes it very hard to find other universities!

I don't know whether you want to add Bucks (Buckinghamshire New University) to the front page or not. Their course is "Film & Television Production" - http://bucks.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=7451

How come you didn't end up on Who/TW? I wish to be able to work with them, in fact, my set of 4 scripts to bring back a certain female time lord and introduce a new companion are in pre-planning stages now XD As in I have them all planned out and just can't be motivated to write them. I suppose I'm going to have to write at least one so I can put it on my Personal Statement that I've written a script. It's going to be read (possibly marked ... doubt it though) by my English Teachers and I might get them to mention it on their reference for me ... one of my English Teachers is head of 6th form too XD And a fan of Doctor Who/Torchwood.

Reply 59

OP