GCE Advanced Subsidiary Level

Unit 1 – Exploring Film Form
This unit will focus on the MICRO features of film and how they create meaning and emotion within the view. You will study: mise-en-scene, performance, cinematography, editing and sound. You will reflect on you r own individual responses to film and be able to create your own short sequence, either filmed or storyboarded to demonstrate how MICRO features produce meanings and responses. You will also be expected to develop your CRITICAL and ANALYTICAL knowledge through the study of a variety of mainstream and alternative films. Throughout this unit, the emphasis will be on the INTERACTION between the film and the ACTIVE spectator.

Unit 2 – British and American Film
This unit focuses on two key aspects of Film Studies: PRODUCERS and AUDIENCES and the RELATIONSHIP between them and the role of MACRO features of film (NARRATIVE and GENRE) in constructing meanings. These will be studied in the context of two national cinemas – those of the UK and the USA. You will study the NARRATIVE and GENRE characteristics of UK and US films. This unit emphasises the INTERACTION of its two areas of study: THE FILM INDUSTRY (as producer/supplier of films) and the AUDIENCES (as purchasers/consumers of films). You will also study how films represent SOCIAL REALITY.

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

Unit 1 - You will be assessed by completing a FILM ANALYSIS and a CREATIVE PROJECT

Unit 2 - You will be assessed in a two and a half examination in which you answer THREE QUESTIONS from a choice on the topics studiedit 2

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

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.