Writing on Film – Introduction to Film Journalism (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

There are no formal requirements for this course.

Content of Course

1. Introduction

Overview of film journalism: markets, styles and formats. Screening of film clips for in-class oral description. Exercise – Students describe a film sequence of their choice. 350 words.

2. Reviewing I

Students present and discuss their chosen film clips. Introduction to short film reviews (e.g. The List). Exercise – Students view a set film on current release and write a short review. 150 to 200 words.

3. Reviewing II

Students compare reactions to last week’s set film. Introduction to long film reviews (e.g. Sight & Sound). Assignment – Students write a long review on a film of their own choice. 700 to 1000 words. Graded.

4. Interviews I

Students view extracts from televised interviews (e.g. Scene by Scene), take notes and share impressions. Exercise – Students write a short piece based on a televised interview. 200 to 250 words. Ungraded.

5. Interviews II

In-class workshop on interview questions and techniques. Includes group or pair practice. Exercise – Students interview a person of their choice (not necessarily from the world of film) and write a medium-length piece. 400 to 500 words.

6. Profiles

Introduction to non-interview related profiles. Overview of basic research techniques and sources (e.g. Halliwell, David Thomson, Internet Movie Database). Assignment – Students research and write a profile on a film personality of their choice. 600 to 800 words. Graded.

7. Features I

Students present their profiles orally. Group discussion. Introduction to basic types of features: news versus opinion. Assignment – Students choose a feature topic for their final written assignment.

8. Features II

Discussion of feature ideas for final assignment. Introduction to ‘pitching.’ Assignment – Students write a feature on an approved topic of their choice. 1000 to 1500 words. First draft. Ungraded.

9.  Media and Markets

Introduction to writing for different media (e.g. magazines, newspapers, Internet sites). Discussion of feature articles in progress.

10. The Grand Finale

Students present their feature article to the group in oral form. Much celebration and old-style Hollywood glamour!

Teaching method(s)

Lecture based, with class discussion, group work and class exercises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Recognise the various formats and styles of writing on film (e.g. reviews, features).

• Demonstrate an awareness of different media and markets.

• Assess a piece of film writing in terms of its chosen style and target market.

• Carry out basic film-related research using both print and online sources.

• Write clear and effective film-related pieces in each of the basic formats.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Adair, G., ed., 1999. Movies. London: Penguin Books.

• Lopate, P., 2008. American Movie Critics: An Anthology from the Silents Until Now. New York, Library of America.

Other References:

• Kael, P., 1975. Deeper Into Movies. London: Calder & Boyars.

• Kael, P.,1976. Reeling. London: Calder & Boyars.

• Kael, P.,1980. When the Lights Go Down. London: Calder & Boyars.

• Kael, P.,1983. Taking It All In, London: Calder & Boyars.

• Lane, A., 2002 Nobody’s Perfect. London: Picador. Monaco, James. 1981.

• How to Read a Film, Revised Edition, Oxford University Press

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.