Intro to Theory/ Contextual Studies: 22nd september 2016

Here is what was covered in our introduction to Contextual Studies:

The Shock of the New:
-New Students
-New Course
-New Tutor

Louis Heaton (The Lecturer):
-Lecturer of Film and Television.
(Middlesex University, Winchester University, UCA)
-Film Critic, Arts Reviewer.
-Documentary Producer and Director.

Birth of Cinema- 1895

Television Texts and Context-
A series of lectures, screenings and seminars which explore film and television programmes (the texts) through an analysis of visual grammar, genre codes and conventions and critical theories.

Key Lessons: Term 1-
-Mise en scene
-Cinematography
-Editing
-Sound
-Documentary
Outcome: be able to discuss about the above.

Presentations:
In groups- Select programme (3 minutes)
-Analyse
-Last ten Minutes
-Discuss artistic/ technical merites
-Powerpiont Presentation
-Presented 10th-17th October.
Group A- (1pm-2pm)
-6 Groups of 3.

Useful Resources:
-Film Art (Bordwell and Thompson)-Key text for mise en scene, cinematography, editing and sound.

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Weeks 8-10:
-Understanding Genre:
-The Sitcom-'Vodka Diaries'.
-The Soap Opera-'Eastenders'.
-Crime Drama-'The Bill'.

Outcome:
500 word review of genre programs- December 9th 2016

Understanding Key Critical Theories:
How to be a filmmaker:
-Read a lot!
-Watch a lot!
-View as much as possible!