Overview
What is this subject about?
The BTEC National Diploma in Film and TV production is a nationally recognised technical and vocational qualification designed to provide creative students with a thorough understanding of the film and television media sector and industry practice. This is achieved through the continual assessment of practical work and working to set briefs. The Diploma is the equivalent of two A Levels and involves the completion of ten units over two years.
What will I study in the two years?
For the Diploma, you will complete both mandatory and optional units. The programme consists of 4 mandatory units:
Digital Media Skills
Media Enterprise
Responding to a Commission
Film Production – Fiction
There are 6 Optional Units:
Screenwriting
Single Camera Techniques
Film Editing
Sound Editing
Lighting Techniques
Multi-camera Techniques
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is by a combination of coursework assignments where students complete a series of tasks set by their teachers in a work related scenario which can be tailored to local industry needs. You will generate evidence drawing on the skills and knowledge you have acquired to complete a practical project over a period of time, working either individually or in a team. You will also be assessed in controlled conditions – on your ability to complete a practical task – where you will be required to apply your learning successfully to a situation you could encounter in the work place or in Higher education. These tasks are set and marked by the examination board.
Assessment tasks are both set and marked by the examination board as well as being devised and assessed by your teachers (externally moderated by the examination board). Units are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* and, like A Levels, carry UCAS points.
Skills developed and areas of study
You will gain academic, vocational, technical and practical skills. You will be taught how to critically analyse the media and learn about the practices and functions of the media industries focusing on film and TV production. You will be taught practical skills such as desktop publishing, digital photography, video, film making and animation work. You will learn how to research information effectively through the development of your independent learning skills. It is our expectation that industry related experience will form part of the course.
Entry Requirements
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry requirements that the College requires, you need to achieve at least a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English Language. If you have taken Media Studies GCSE at school, you need to achieve at least a Grade C to study the Diploma. You will also benefit from having a good level of creativity as there is a strong creative component.
