Film Studies - A Level

At the root of all film studies is a recognition that films are made: they are constructed using a range of elements – cinematography, mise-en-scène, sound, editing and performance (the key elements of film form) – which are organised structurally in terms of narrative and often genre (the structural elements of film form). How filmmakers use these elements, frequently in complex and highly artistic ways, is a large part of what constitutes the formal study of film.

Equally important is how spectators respond to the work filmmakers create and how learners interpret the films with reference to spectator response, relevant contexts, critical approaches and debates. In turn, these formal studies have a direct impact on learners' own work as filmmakers and screenwriters.

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)
Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study).

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives

Section A: Global film (two-film study)
Section B: Documentary film
Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema
Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)

Component 3: Production

The production will take the form of either a screenplay in the first year and a short film in the second year. Learners must also provide an evaluative analysis of the production, which analyses and evaluates the production in relation to other professionally produced films.