Program Overview
Feature Filmmaking MA
Course Overview
This is a unique course, for unique filmmakers. On MA Feature Filmmaking, you’ll push your experience and skills to the limit as part of a production team of a funded feature film in the action genre. You will work from start to finish as part of a team: pitching initial ideas, taking one of these to a full script, and working as a professional crew from principal photography through to post-production.
Developed in collaboration with UK production studio Action Xtreme, this course is designed to give you hands-on experience of the dynamic processes that go into feature film development on a microbudget, along with the essential contextual knowledge that supports emotive, intelligent filmmaking.
MA Feature Filmmaking contextualises industry challenges such as inclusivity and sustainability, giving a space for students to explore diverse ideas within an independent filmmaking culture that challenges mainstream narratives.
Key Details
- Location: Penryn Campus
- Course duration: 1 year
- Attendance: Full-time
Course Details
This is a master’s course with practical industry-facing outcomes, and is designed to hone your existing filmmaking skills during the production of a feature film in the action genre, funded by production collaborators, Action Xtreme.
As part of a creative team, you will develop your professional and critical understanding of the contexts in which modern filmmakers operate, proving you with practical hands-on experience and understanding of indie feature film production in the UK. Roles within the course are situated across one of nine pathways:
- Directing/assistant directing
- Producing/production management
- Screenwriting/script supervision
- Cinematography
- Lighting
- Production design/art direction
- Casting
- Editing/DIT
- Sound
Modules
Study Block One
- Feature Film Crew (30 credits)
- Using a case study, you will consider your place within a film production crew, in the context of both low/micro-budget independent filmmaking, and larger productions.
- You will consider the recruitment of crew, progression pathways, and the culture of a specific department while examining inclusivity, and challenging exclusionary or tokenistic practices.
- Feature Film Development (30 credits)
- This module is focused on the development of screen ideas in the action genre, and independent filmmaking more broadly.
- Students will consider how to articulate those ideas to others and engage in the real-world processes, presenting the breadth of wider contexts and considerations involved in film development within the contexts of the international film industry.
Study Block Two
- Feature Film Marketing (30 credits)
- This module takes a deep dive into your film’s entry into the world stage through marketing.
- You will examine routes to market through festival strategy, and consider the role of sales agents, acquisition teams, distributors, as well as audiences for your work.
- Feature Film Production (30 credits)
- In this module you will create and execute a negotiated, advanced portfolio detailing your own role during the pre-production phase of an industry-focused action feature film project.
Study Block Three
- Feature Film Production and Delivery (60 credits)
- In this module, you will contribute to the film production itself; contributing on set during principal photography and/or to its final post-production phase.
- This module offers the space for reflection on the production experience through your critical evaluation of your role within it, your own creative development and how the experience differed from the planning presented in previous modules.
Facilities
The School of Film & Television is situated in a dedicated building and features extensive production, postproduction and facilities store supported a dedicated stores, craft and technical team.
- 129-seat cinema, with Christie M Series 4k projection, 35mm projection, and 7.2 surround sound.
- Four large production studios:
- Production Studio 1: multipurpose studio equipped with Sony HXC-FB80 studio cameras, chromatte grey screen and full lighting rig.
- Production Studio 2: multipurpose studio and support area for studio 1.
- Production Studio 3: multipurpose studio with lighting rig.
- Production Studio 5: Specialist green screen studio with infinity cove & 360 degree subject lighting rig.
- Mac Pro edit suites with Avid Media Composer, ProTools, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite & Da Vinci Resolve.
- Two specialist grading suites featuring DaVinci Resolve and 4K preview screens.
- Two 28-seat ‘Post Hubs’ for post-production software training, equipped with dual screen Apple iMacs.
- 25-seat dubbing theatre with Avid S6 mixing desk and Pro Tools Ultimate.
- Digital cameras (HD to 4K) including Arri Alexa, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic, Panasonic, and Arri SR3 and Bolex 16mm film cameras.
Staff
You’ll learn from an experienced team of writers, academics and filmmakers, including experimental, short, narrative and documentary feature film directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, screenwriters, script editors, sound designers, editors, and art directors.
Careers
Graduates from the School of Film & Television work in the development and production of short and feature films, commercials and major television series, with credits including the Venom, Fast and Furious, and Deadpool franchises, the Star Wars franchise, Mickey 17, Barbie, Squid Game: The Challenge, The Diplomat, Doctor Who, Blade Runner 2049, as well as independent and micro-budget filmmaking.
How to Apply
We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications. Our typical applicants will have evidence of experience in a specialist film production discipline, or evidence of funded development or production practice in shorts or feature films, within a specific pathway. They may also hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree.
Entry Requirements
- We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or college, such as AVID or Adobe certification , or evidence of professional practice is required. and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.
- APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is an application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.
Language Requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Fees, Costs & Funding
- Tuition fees: £12,500 per year – full-time UK (£250 acceptance fee payable. This is deducted from tuition fees)
- Tuition fees: £25,000 per year – full-time EU/international (£500-£2,500 acceptance fee payable depending upon your status. This is deducted from tuition fees)
- Typical course costs: Approx £800 – optional trip to the Berlinale International Film Festival
- Postgraduate funding: There are loans, awards, graduate discounts and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies.
