DFP402: The Craft of Film Production

Practical training in the fundamental craft skills crucial for successful film production. Through lectures and practical exercises, you develop your abilities in camera operation, lighting, sound recording and post-production editing, while collaborating with similarly talented peers and prioritising health and safety on set.

• —Equip you with practical training in essential craft skills of camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and post-production editing.
• —Foster a collaborative spirit, encouraging teamwork and cooperation within a film production environment.
• —Ensure a thorough understanding and prioritising of health and safety protocols on film sets, maintaining a secure working environment throughout the production process.

• LO1Demonstrate foundational skills in operating basic film production equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound recording devices.
• LO2Apply basic post-production editing techniques to create cohesive film scenes and projects.
• LO3Collaborate effectively or work independently within a film production team, adhering to health and safety protocols throughout the production process.

• Employable and Entrepreneurial

  Develop technical skills in film production highly valued in the creative industries — problem-solving and adaptability for varied roles.

• Socially Responsible

  Prioritising health, safety and ethical considerations — responsible practice within the film industry.

• Creative, Collaborative and Connected

  Creativity in technical production with effective teamwork — essential for the creative industries.

• —Camera types, framing, movement and basic cinematography.
• —Key lighting setups, natural vs artificial light, mood and tone through lighting.
• —Capturing quality sound on set, microphone types and clear dialogue recording.
• —Basic editing theory, software, cutting, transitioning and assembling footage.
• —Roles and responsibilities on set, effective communication and collaboration.
• —Hazards, risk assessment, safe handling of equipment and emergency procedures.

Independent study

• A0 · 0% (Formative)Week 9In-class presentation

  Present Idea for Production

  2–3 minutes · LOs: LO1, LO2

  Across a series of workshops you rotate roles within a film production team — director, cinematographer, sound technician, editor, production manager — to gain hands-on experience. Each session simulates a stage of production; feedback discussions follow to inform your final submission. In Week 9 you present the idea for your summative production.

• A1 · 100% (Summative)Week 14File upload

  Short Film + Production Portfolio

  3–4 minute film + 750-word reflection · LOs: LO1, LO2, LO3

  Independently or in small teams, produce a 3–4 minute short film with a portfolio containing: risk assessment, script, storyboard, shot list, the final film, and a 750-word reflective report covering roles undertaken, creative decisions and health & safety on set.

• Retrieval · 100% (Retrieval)File upload

  Retrieval — Short Film Production Portfolio

  5 minute film + 1500-word reflection · LOs: LO1, LO2, LO3

  Retrieval submission: a short film (3–4 minutes) with full portfolio — risk assessment, script, storyboard, shot list, film and a 1500-word reflective report. Submitted at a date to be confirmed.

Laptop capable of editing 4K footage and a fast external hard drive — preferably an SSD, minimum 1 TB (2 TB recommended).