Why Study Film Studies?

GCSE Film Studies will help you to develop many useful skills such as:

Analysis – You’ll never be able to watch a film again without analysing it.  You will learn the skills of analysis which can be applied to many other subjects, English, History, Business Studies etc.

Communication and practical skills. You will work in groups to simulate film studio practices such as marketing, as well as having the opportunity to create your own film.

How will I be assessed?

GCSE Film Studies involves coursework and a final examination:

Two examination papers: one on world cinema – del Torro’s ‘The Devil’s Backbone’ ’and one on a case study genre – the Superhero Genre (50%)

Three main pieces of internally assessed work (50%) A written essay on a chosen film and research into the Film’s production, distribution and exhibition. There will also be a practical production and a written analysis.

What sort of things will I do in lessons?

GCSE Film Studies lessons are varied.  You will:

• Analyse clips of film to see how a sequence of film is put together to create meaning.
• Work in a group to create a new film.
• Use cameras to explore how the media construct messages.
• Use secondary sources such as video and textbooks to help you understand how Film Industries operate.
• Research audience choices and viewing experiences by designing questionnaires and using focus groups.
• Analyse one genre of film making – the superhero film.
• Look at the impact of World Cinema

Contact Ms G Hale, Mr L Barnett or Mr Willert in FM1 for more details.

What will I study?

The features of this new GCSE will be:

A chance for students to explore popular mainstream films from as well as films outside the mainstream.

Opportunities to plan and make film sequences as well as create a range of other film-related material like web pages and film posters, GCSE Film Studies explores how the Film Industries such as Hollywood and Britain operate and considers the impact they have on all our lives.

What skills will I need?

To achieve GCSE Film Studies you will need:

• Good reading and writing skills.
• The ability to explain your ideas clearly and concisely.
• Problem solving skills – researching information, working as part of a team and making decisions about layout and presentation.
• Some ICT skills are helpful, but you will be taught anything you do not know.
• A willingness to learn how to use new technologies.