BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking

The Met Film School is London's leading provider of practical filmmaking courses, based in Ealing Studios.

Course Overview

BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking is designed for students who want an intensive, two-year study of practical filmmaking.

Students can choose from a selection of optional modules. At the end of your programme you will receive one of three awards, which will reflect the options you have chosen. These awards are:

- BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking 
- BA (Hons) Film, Visual Effects & Animation
- BA (Hons) Film & Digital Cinematography

During the programme you will gain a comprehensive range of practical production skills that focus on creative development, writing, directing, production and editing.

In addition, you will develop an understanding of film history, movements and style. Through your enhanced understanding of film you will acquire essential critical analysis skills and a thorough appreciation of contemporary industry practice.

For more information Request A Prospectus and our enrolments team will get in touch to talk you through the course.

Learning Goals

- be technically assured in all aspects of production and post-production for film and related media, including writing, directing, producing, camera, sound, lighting, and editing

- be practised in the creative development and pitching of ideas and the creative application of production and post-production skills

- have been involved in the creation of six films, both individually and collaboratively as well as numerous exercises

- have a thorough grounding in contemporary industry practice and be able to apply your skills in a professional manner and context

Year 1 Modules

Digital Fiction Production

This module offers you a practical foundation in filmmaking, which is designed to provide you with a working knowledge of film grammar and established industry practices. You will cover the basic disciplines necessary for production, pre-production, team-building, digital cinematography, lighting, sound, Final Cut Pro and non-linear editing techniques.

Moving Narratives

The Moving Narratives module introduces you to the role of storytelling across film, television and other forms of mass communication. You will develop storytelling skills and gain a comprehensive introduction to the study of film and television. This module covers a wide range of media disciplines, including the study of film language, genre, narrative and non-narrative forms. You will also study visual styles, the 'celebrity' system and the various modes of production, screening, authorship and spectatorship.

Camera, Sound & Editing

This module is an introduction to the art and technique of camera, sound and editing. You will study a full-range of areas, from camera equipment to editing software, and gain skills in each discipline, helping you understand the range of techniques used in production. 

You will also develop skills in Final Cut Pro and learn how to use camera, light and sound in a co-ordinated and confident way.

Short Film Production

During this module you will have the opportunity to direct, produce and edit a short film that you have written and assist in the production of further films by fellow students. Short Film Production is designed to help you put into practice the skills and understanding you have gained and to help you develop in the areas of communication, teamwork, tenacity and professional practice. 

Writing for the Screen

This module explores the screenwriting process, enabling you to gain a thorough understanding of narrative and its building blocks. You will write, research and develop your own original screenplay and learn how to access your creativity and improve your craft.

Directing Actors

You will develop your understanding, knowledge and skills of directing actors in fictional narratives by exploring the creative preparation of all areas of the directing process. This will include script analysis and the casting and rehearsal process, which involves working with actors on set, understanding visual storytelling and storyboarding and the importance of editing. 

Documentary: Theory and Practice

During this module you will gain a unique and powerful understanding of the documentary. You will make your own short documentary film with the guidance of an experienced documentary filmmaker and explore the movements and theories of the documentary tradition.

Professional Industry Practice

This module is designed to give you an insight into the professional working practices of the industry. By understanding the basic organisational structures and the political and economic influences that affect production you will be better prepared to function in the industry when you embark on full-time work.

Small Screen Production

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of producing content for the small screen – from the Internet to mobile phones and television. This course takes you through the process from script to screen, covering technical, production and creative skills.   

 OR

Short Film, Big Screen

Short Film, Big Screen draws on the skills and concepts that you have learnt throughout the programme, enabling you to produce a film in a genre of your choosing. You are encouraged to experiment and explore the distribution possibilities of the various media platforms and exhibition sites available to you. You will also get guidance from your tutors at key stages of the project – from treatment and/or script through to production and post-production. 

Movements in Film

Movements in Film will give you a theoretical understanding of film that will help you identify groups of films that have emerged from historical, political or aesthetic movements. The module will take the format of weekly screenings, lectures, seminars and readings.

Analysing Film, Broadcast and New Media

This module gives you the opportunity to investigate narrative and scriptwriting theories and the varying approaches to the analysis of film, television and new media content. You will gain an understanding of the construction of narrative and what constitutes storytelling – all skills that are vital for writing in every area of media production.

Advanced Camera, Sound & Editing

During this module you will discover how to compose a frame to represent the details in a screenplay, learn the implications of camera placement and understand the importance of maintaining visual lines with both a static and moving camera. In the second part of the module you will learn techniques for linear and non-linear editing in order for you to apply this knowledge in your creative work.

Planning, Production and Project Management 

This module gives you theoretical and practical experience of the methods used in planning for the creation of moving images. You will focus on budgeting, scheduling and other elements of project management in the moving image and media production industries.

Directing Fiction and Drama

This module is designed to improve your fiction directing skills for any screen. You will develop your own individual directing style by exploring the creative preparation process. This includes script analysis, casting and rehearsal, working with actors on set, understanding visual storytelling and storyboarding and the importance of editing.

Experimental Film

 This module is a hands-on examination of the possibilities of the moving image. Focusing on 'breaking-the-rules' filmmaking, you will produce your own project that will be a response to what you have learned about avant-garde filmmaking, video and installation art and interactive television. 

Digital Feature Film Production

Working collectively with your class, you will create a feature film. You will be involved in every step of the production from writing and development, casting and pre-production, working on the film's shoot and providing creative input into post-production.  

Graduation Project Your graduation project will help you develop the ability to work independently with advanced research skills. You will use your critical understanding of genre and technique and exercise your technical and aesthetic skills to a professional standard. This project will increase your understanding of current markets and the means of exhibition and distribution available to you, whilst creating a product suitable for your showreel.