AS Film Studies: an introduction
Unit 1-Making Meaning
Learning in this unit focuses on FILM FORM and how it produces MEANING for the VIEWER. You will develop your skills in the close analysis of film form and style, how some film techniques are specific to certain types of NARRATIVE, how films can have different meanings for different viewers and how YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL respond to a film’s MICRO (cinematography, sound, editing and mise-en-scene) and MACRO (narrative and genre) elements.

Unit 2-Producers and Audiences
In this unit you will study the FILM INDUSTRY and the SOCIAL PRACTICE OF CINEMA GOING AND FILM CONSUMPTION. You will look in detail at: FILM FINANCE, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION and EXHIBITION in terms of HOLLYWOOD and BRITISH film, NATIONAL, REGIONAL and LOCAL film consumption, and YOUR OWN BEHAVIOUR as a CONSUMER OF FILM. This unit also looks at DATA INTERPRETATION and CASE STUDIES of film consumption alongside MARKETING and PROMOTION techniques.

Unit 3-Messages and Values: British Cinema
Through the CLOSE STUDY of key BRITISH FILMS of the 1960s and 70s, you will look into how films contain both EXPLICIT and IMPLICIT messages and values. You will learn how to CRITIACLLY ANALYSE films specifically in terms of how they REPRESENT society, culture and individuals. You will also develop your appreciation of how these films are CONTEXTUALISED both HISTORICALLY and SOCIALLY. A PERSONAL RESPONSE to the films is encouraged, further developing your PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT with film as a COMMUNICATOR of IDEAS.

The Qualification:   AS Film Studies (WJEC)

Entry Requirements:
As the course requires analytical writing skills a good grade in GCSE English is preferred though not essential.

What You Will Achieve:
Alongside an increased appreciation of film as an art form, you will gain an AS qualification and a better understanding of communication and a broader, independent way of thinking.

After the Course:
Obviously, A2 Film Studies is the next stage should you succeed at AS Level. This can then be followed by Higher Further Education courses in a related subject. The practical and theoretical nature of the course lends itself to any number of future choices.