LT226-5-SP-CO:
Fiction Filmmaking
2026/27
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 18 January 2027
Thursday 25 March 2027
15
03 March 2026
Requisites for this module
LT122
(none)
(none)
(none)
LT322, LT833
This ten-week module focuses on fiction filmmaking and an essential entry requirement is the successful completion of LT122 Introduction to Film Production.
This module builds on the skills and concepts acquired from modules LT121 Approaches to Film and Media and LT122 Introduction to Film Production and is intended to further prepare students for independent high definition digital film production. The module engages students with all aspects of fiction filmmaking ranging from research, script writing, adaptation, location shooting and editing. Apart from production techniques, students learn about planning, management and working with actors. During the module students develop a short film script from an existing text, this is then taken into production and is shot and edited over the course of the module. The aim is to produce an imaginative and creative short film. Students work in small groups allowing everyone to undertake key roles on the production.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to produce a high definition digital film
- To develop students' research, script writing, adaptation, location shooting and editing skills
- To develop students' critical understanding of film industry practices
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. acquired the practical skills necessary to adapt and produce short fiction films
2. acquired an understanding of production management
3. gained an insight into film industry practices
4. gained experience of time management, within the constraints of limited resources
5. developed skills in negotiating/working effectively with others in achieving a common goal
6. gained experience of HD fiction production
Students taking this module are required to achieve a minimum of 70% attendance over the entire module in order to pass the module. Students who do not satisfy the attendance requirement for the module because their attendance falls below the 70% attendance threshold, and whose extenuating circumstances are not accepted, must undertake supplementary assessment before the summer in order to pass the module.
This module will be delivered via:
- Weekly 3-hour seminar with a final screening
-
Weston, J. (1996)
Directing actors: creating memorable performances for film and television. Studio City, California: Michael Wiese Productions. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6188351.
-
Rabiger, M. and Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2013)
Directing: film techniques and aesthetics. Fifth edition. Waltham, MA: Focal Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1125193.
-
Katz, S.D. (1991)
Film directing shot by shot: visualizing from concept to screen. Studio City, California: Michael Wiese Productions in conjunction with Focal Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6188395.
-
-
Brown, B. (2016)
Cinematography: Theory and Practice for Cinematographers and Directors. 3rd edn. Abingdon, UK: Routledge. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/210672.
-
Bordwell, D., Thompson, K. and Smith, J. (2019) Film Art: An Introduction. 12th edition. OH: McGraw-Hill Education.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Group Fiction Film (10 mins) *Submit via link on Moodle* and individual production diary (800 words) *Submit to FASer* |
|
45% |
| Coursework |
Individual Filmmaker's Portfolio (2,500 words) |
|
50% |
| Practical |
Participation |
|
5% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Eirini Konstantinidou, email: ekonstb@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Eirini Konstantinidou
LiFTS General Office - email liftstt@essex.ac.uk.
Telephone 01206 872626
No
No
Yes
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 101 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
101 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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