You will study the ‘micro elements’ of a film in the AS year, such as mise en scene, performance, cinematography, editing and sound. You will identify how these components construct meaning and emotion, reflect on your individual response to these elements, and produce a written analysis and storyboard sequence to demonstrate how these features create meaning. You will also examine the relationship between producers and audiences and the role of genre and narrative in constructing meaning in British and American films. In the second year you will produce a small-scale research project, which will develop your research techniques, and a creative project in film production. The remainder of this year will focus on studying a broader range of films from different cultures and contexts. You will apply key concepts and critical approaches gained throughout the course to extend your knowledge of the diversity of film and its effects on audiences.

Film Studies can lead to a range of possible higher education courses and future careers. It also combines very effectively with all other academic disciplines as it develops writing skills, personal response, critical thinking and analytical skills. You should be aware, however, that AS/A level Film Studies is an academic, rather than a purely practical, study of film.