Film Studies AS and A2 Level

Why YOU should study it!

TRUE OR FALSE?

1. Film Studies is one of the hardest A-Levels there is.

2. All you do is just watch films – there’s no exam!

3. Universities don’t accept Film Studies.4. Hardly anyone takes Film Studies.5. You need to have done Film Studies GCSE

prior to taking Film Studies.

ANSWERS

1. FALSE (it’s actually got the best average score)2. FALSE (of course there’s an exam – it’s not a

BTEC!)3. FALSE (Some universities want you to take it,

especially if you are taking a media-related computer course like Computer Science)

4. FALSE (it’s one of the most popular)5. FALSE (but a minimum C or B in English is

preferred)

Key facts about Film Studies

One of the most accessible A-Levels

around

Recognised by Universities

Combines the analytical elements of English and

Sociology with the creative elements of Art

and Design

A really enjoyable course which is one of the country’s

most popular

Introduces you to films you may

never have seen before

Allows you to analyse any film you like as part of your

coursework

On average, easier to pass (apparently) than many other A-Level subjects... As long as you work hard

Exemplar Page from Y12 Storyboard Coursework – Could YOU do this?

Shot: 11Description: He sees his son watching TV and playing with toys.Type: Medium close up

Low angleLow level

Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons and woman talking on phoneLighting: Natural from windows (behind and in front of camera) Artificial from television (right of camera)Duration: 3 secondsMovement/Edit: Straight Cut

Shot: 12Description: He wipes a tear from his eye.Type: Close up

Mid angleMid level

Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons and woman talking on phoneLighting: Natural from door (left of camera) Artificial from light (behind man)Duration: 2 secondsMovement/Edit: Straight Cut

Shot: 13aDescription: He puts his hand in his pocket and takes out a note.Type: Medium long shot

Low angleLow level

Sound: Diegetic breathing, TV playing children’s cartoons, paper rustling and woman talking on phoneLighting: Natural from door (in front of camera) Artificial from light (behind man)Duration: 3 secondsMovement/Edit: Dolly down to floor with note

Some Featured Films We Study

Does Film fit with my other choices?

Music, Performing Arts, Media BTEC,

Art and Design(creative subjects,

creative skills)

Modern Foreign Languages

(we look at foreign films, and Film students run

the half-termly International Film Night)

History, Psychology, Sociology(we study academic sources and cover some

of the same ideas)

English Literature;

English Language

(obviously)

Business Studies (due to studies of institutions

and businesses within the film

industry)

It could be a good break from a scientific or Maths-based

subject

What STUDENTS say about the courseFilm Studies gives you a clear insight into the Film

industry.

I find it a very enjoyable subject to

get into.

Film Studies allows you to look

beyond the entertainment factor of film.

I like watching films – it’s a

break from my Biology lessons!

So there’s just one question...

You ain’t seen Bad Boys 2?

No! The question is...

Why don’t you join them and

take Film Studies in Sixth

Form??