A Level
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WHAT IS FILM STUDIES?
If you are an avid film fan and have
a passion for writing, an A Level in
Film will provide you with the skills to
answer these questions in a creative and
supportive environment. You will have
the opportunity to learn within a modern
and interactive sett ing, including a
classroom with a 3D TV, access to digital
film making and editing equipment, plus
you will have the opportunity to visit
Hollywood in Los Angeles as part of
your studies.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
Film studies explores how the language of
film has an impact on our responses, and
how understanding the context of a film
enhances our understanding of it. You
will explore how films are produced and
how they carry meanings and generate
responses among the audiences who
watch them. For instance, you will learn
about how the positioning of the camera
in a scene impacts upon the audiences’
response to the action, or how film editing
has developed from the early silent era
up to the modern Hollywood blockbuster.
You will focus upon analysis in lessons,
where you will be expected to consider
camera work, editing and sound, as
the language a film maker uses to
communicate with their audience.
You will explore a wide range of films
from different times and countries, from
Hollywood classics like Casablanca to
contemporary films from Britain, Europe
and Africa, from blockbusters such as
Inception to challenging New Wave and
even silent cinema. You will hone your
skills in analysis and gain insights into
film structure and representations that
you can put into practice as a filmmaker
or screenwriter.
CAREERS
• Film director
• Television/film/video
producer
• Broadcast presenter
• Journalist
STUDENT
PROFILE
WHAT NEXT?
Many of our Film students’ progress
onto university courses in related areas
such as Film and Media Production,
Journalism and Film Studies. Film
Studies is well regarded by most
universities and it has also contributed
to students’ acceptance onto a range
of courses. The emphasis on research,
in-depth analysis and self-supported
study also means that you will gain
a valuable set of skills that make you
attractive to employers as well as
universities.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS GO
WELL WITH THIS SUBJECT?
Media Studies, English Language,
English Literature, Drama & Theatre
Studies, Performing Arts and Sociology.
DID YOU KNOW?
Spielberg’s first movie
was made when he was
just 12-years-old to fulfil
the requirement for his
Boy Scout photography
merit badge.
“ Newman has a great reputation amongst the
former students that I know and it has a
warm and welcoming atmosphere when you
visit. There is a great range of things to do
at College with supportive teachers in each
subject. It’s been a big learning curve with
some great people!”
James Morrissey
SCHOOL: Holy Cross
SUBJECTS: A Levels in Film Studies, Economics and Spanish
Film Studies
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