Young Filmmaker's Guide for Media and Film Students

Incredibly comprehensive step-by-step guide to filmmaking. Takes your students on an exciting journey from conception and principal photography, to scripting, filming and editing. Everything is geared towards your students making sophisticated and original A* films.

Everything you need to know and more!...

...A simply must have manual for all teachers of media/film

S Crawte, HoD & Peer Reviewer

Essential for all film-related courses, including Media/Film Studies and BTEC Media.

PRACTICAL: Tried and tested methods to give your students the edge in low-to-no-budget filmmaking! Real film examples illustrate key points – culminating in detailed case studies that apply the theory to reality.
FOR STUDENTS: Interspersed with ‘Action!’ activities to help students apply the theory to their projects. Treats digital storyboarding and screenwriting as end products in their own right – ideal for coursework.
FOR TEACHERS: Provides fresh approaches to every aspect of filmmaking, and can be given to students as a manual to support their independent project work.

Covered every aspect of the film making process from script writing to final post production and beyond

J Hubbard, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

10 CHAPTERS OF PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

1. THE CREATIVE PROCESS Story is central with clear guidance on character and story mapping.
2. THE STORYBOARD Examples of both professional and student storyboards clarifies the purpose both for real films and the student’s own project. Storyboard template allows students to comment on the purpose of each shot, supporting their evaluation.
3. IT BEGINS WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
4. PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES FOR FILM-MAKERS
From framing to photoshopping, the crucial link between photography and film is explored. Practical photographic tips and guidance on location photography for storyboards and digital shooting. Basic Photoshop skills outlined to enhance still images.
5. THE SCRIPT Beyond the usual Todorov and Propp, this guide makes practical use of the real screenwriters and narrative theorists from Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to Christopher Vogler, Charles Moritz and more.
6. FILMING
7. LIGHTING & AUDIO SET-UPS
8. CAPTURING THE FOOTAGE
Helps students take on the exciting challenge of filmmaking – and get out there and make films!
9. EDITING: WITH IMOVIE, FINAL CUT & PREMIERE Principles, tips and illustrated techniques of editing explored with three popular packages.
10. CASE STUDIES: DEFYING GENRE EXPECTATIONS & WORKING WITH CONVENTIONS Case studies look at how narrative and film techniques are exemplified in Let The Right One In and award-winning short film Please.

This resource supports all media and film specifications where moving image work is required, including A Level WJEC/Eduqas Film Studies

What do teachers say about this resource? (4534)

So, so, so informative! I really wish this was available when I started teaching practical production. Everything you need to know and more! A very thorough read with advice on equipment too! A simply must have manual for all teachers of media/film studies. It contains so much of what I have learnt along the way! Lots to stimulate a teacher from delivering the same boring old theory such as Todorov, Levi Strauss and Propp. Love the Visualisation questions - never thought of this before. This is preferable to reading through text heavy books and youtube videos. I have learnt some techniques I did not know!

S Crawte, HoD & Peer Reviewer

Well thought out... It shows the learners just how important the PROCESS is to the end product. Overall it empowers learners because, unlike some 'how to' manuals, it is easy to follow and understandable. The chapters on editing are a dream for teachers who have large numbers of students all working at different speeds and levels. A much needed 'bible' for the subject.

G Scarfe, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

After finishing reading this resource, I am certain that soon a loud collective sigh will be heard across the UK as Film/Media Students and Teachers alike let go their bated breath. As joy of joys, it appears that we now have a student friendly text book that has gone out of its way to explain technical process used in the planning and shooting of a film and also tackles the various digital film editing processes in a way that students new to film will be able to take up and use in their practical film projects with confidence. This book has all the makings of becoming a classic students text, and although it is pitched at A Level Students I can also see it having relevance in the practical film units offered to Level 3 BTEC Media Studies Students.

A Proud, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

This resource worked really well in regards to delivering moving image. The information presented worked well in delivering media and video production units, and gave students a good starting point of reference in regards to short film making. I particularly liked the fact that the resource covered every aspect of the film making process, and all the roles that play a part in the making of a film. Another feature I liked was how the guide covered several video editing software, rather the normal one that most other similar guides may cover. This resource proved useful in teaching the students about low budget film making. It have them a good overview of making a short film on a shoestring, covering everything from script writing to final post production and beyond. It's very good in matching several aspects of the BTEC criteria, and I'd highly recommend it use.

J Hubbard, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

I particularly like the editing guides for software and the planning stages for ideas - having nice clear questions for creating ideas helps with a concept students often struggle with... I like the clear definitions of key terms throughout and the use of student examples.

E Richardson, Teacher & Peer Reviewer