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Film Studies

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Do you want to explore how stories are told, how characters are constructed, and how audiences respond to what they see on screen? A Level Film Studies invites you to do all of this and more, combining the excitement of filmmaking with rigorous academic analysis.

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Film Studies pairs creativity with critical thinking, exploring how the moving image captures history, reflects culture and shapes the way we understand people, events and ideas. You will investigate how filmmakers construct narratives, develop characters and use visual and audio techniques to convey meaning, from cinematography and mise en scene to editing, sound and performance.

You will study an eclectic range of films from Classical Hollywood to Korean cinema, documentaries, to short films and many more. As well as exploring and analysing different genres, styles and techniques, you will have the chance to gain insight into working in filmmaking and related careers. Film Studies students can apply for programmes such as the British Film Institute 16-19 regional academy, participate in competitions and connect with professional workshops, online masterclasses and mentoring opportunities (where available).

What do I need?

Five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including GCSE English and GCSE Maths.

What next?

This course allows many students to study film at university level. It also equips students with transferable skills such as critical thinking and sophistication of thought - making it helpful for a wide range of creative and academic courses including journalism, history, English literature, American studies, and PR and marketing.

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Did you know?

The oldest surviving movie was filmed in Leeds. Roundhay Garden Scene is a short silent motion picture filmed by French inventor Louis Le Prince at Oakwood Grange in Roundhay, on 14 October 1888.