week four – december 2023.

hi all,

thanks for today! you all worked really hard, so well down.

below are the questions for this week. please send me work from weeks 1-3 by monday december 4th. either send me a word doc, or link me to the pages on your wordpress if you have copied them across.

Somers Town (2008) dir. Shane Meadows, written by Paul Fraser.

1.2       Take a role in the production of a short film

What is your production role?

What skills do you need to carry out this role?

What will you do in pre-production, production and post-production?

What equipment will you use?

What planning documents will you use and how?

What other resources are needed in your film production?

UPLOAD: documents, photos and/or videos that were made while carrying out your role.

week three – november 2023

hi all,

thanks for another great session this Saturday! below are the questions for this week.

The Fabelmans (2022) dir. Steven Spielberg

4.1 – Demonstrate Good Health and Safety practice when working on film productions (Part 1)

  • Why is health and safety important when working on film productions?
  • What are some of the key safety issues relating to film production?
  • How did you apply good health and safety practice when making your film?
  • Include your risk assessment and explain why this is important. – RISK ASSESSMENTS TO BE CREATED BEFORE YOUR SHOOT DAY. producers, assistant directors and assistant producers will be working on these. if you’d like to look up example risk assessments now and have a go at creating one, please do so.

week two – november 2023

Scrapper (2023) dir. Charlotte Regan (a BFI Film Academy alumni!)

hi all,

hoping you are well and enjoyed this week’s camera & sound masterclass. thanks for all your hard work! it was great to get you working collaboratively in teams.

below you can find the questions to be answered for this week:


2.2       Describe a range of key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry

Research 5 different roles in the production department and summarise them.

Explain how the roles work together.

5.1       Review and critique at least one short film production

Film Title, Director, Country, Year.

  • Story outline (1 or 2 sentence summary)
  • What is the film about, is there a theme or message?
  • Describe the genre (if fiction film), or style (if documentary).
  • How was sound used?
  • How were camera techniques used?
  • What was the editing style?
  • Describe the setting/ location/ mise-en-scene.
  • Who is the film aimed at?
  • How did the film make you feel? Did it work well?
  • Would you recommend it?

You can write the above as a review, or answer the questions individually.

If you missed them, you can also find the questions for Week One here.

As with every week, please record the date and answer the following questions for your Production Diary:

  • What did you do?
  • What have you learnt?
  • How have you worked with others?
  • What do you need to develop?

Or alternatively do a SHOOT DIARY that covers only the shoot weekend. You can find out about the shoot diary here

we’ll be running an online drop-in session this Wednesday, 5.30pm until 6.30pm! check your emails for the Zoom link. hope to see some of you there 🙂

week one – november 2023.

Rocks (2020) dir. Sarah Gavron

hi BFI Film Academy class of 2023!

here are the questions to be completed as part of your NCFE qualification for the first week of BFI Film Academy. we don’t expect you to know loads about film at this point! you can be honest and treat this as a journal for your filmmaking career to show how you develop over the duration of this short course.

1.1       Describe areas for development in your current knowledge, understanding and skills 

This needs to be completed at the beginning of the course and again at the end of the course.  It can be completed as a blog or vlog provided you answer the prompt questions.

  • What is your current knowledge and understanding of film?  (For example: watching film, reviewing, photography, making your own films, Youtube channel, film or media course, work experience)
  • Do you have specific areas of interest or skills in filmmaking?
  • Include links to film work, photos, music etc.
  • What role(s) would you see yourself taking on your Academy film?
  • What do you hope to gain from the BFI Film Academy?
  • How would you like to improve your skills or knowledge of film? Give reasons.
  • Do you have plans to further study and work in film?

as with every week, please also record the date and answer the following 4 questions for your production diary (unless you are choosing to do a more extensive diary about the shoot weekend instead)

  • What did you do?
  • What have you learnt?
  • How have you worked with others?
  • What do you need to develop?

do let me know if you need any help with this, or pop in to one of our Wednesday drop-in sessions!

NCFE questions week-by-week (November 2022).

Hi BFI Film Academy 2022-23,

Here you can find all of the NCFE questions and the week they were set.

I will also include the questions from the sections ‘Learning From Masterclasses’ which can be completed at any time during the course and the questions for ‘Production Diary’ which you may use to wish during practical sessions to discuss your growth as a filmmaker.

week one. (5th november)

1.1       Describe areas for development in your current knowledge, understanding and skills 

This needs to be completed at the beginning of the course and again at the end of the course.  It can be completed as a blog or vlog provided you answer the prompt questions.

  • What is your current knowledge and understanding of film?  (For example: watching film, reviewing, photography, making your own films, Youtube channel, film or media course, work experience)​
  • Do you have specific areas of interest or skills in filmmaking? (Include links to film work, photos, music etc.)​
  • What role(s) would you see yourself taking on your Academy film?​
  • What do you hope to gain from the BFI Film Academy?​
  • How would you like to improve your skills or knowledge of film? Give reasons.​
  • Do you have plans to further study and work in film?

week two. (12th november)

1.2       Take a role in the production of a short film

  • What is your production role?
  • What skills do you need to carry out this role?
  • What will you do in pre-production, production and post-production?
  • What equipment will you use?
  • What planning documents will you use and how?
  • What other resources are needed in your film production?
  • UPLOAD: documents, photos and/or videos that were made while carrying out your role.

2.2       Describe a range of key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry.

  • Research 5 different roles in the production department and summarise them.
  • How do the roles work together on a film production?

week three. (19th november)

5.1       Review and critique at least one short film production

Film Title, Director, Country, Year:

Story outline (1 or 2 sentence summary)

Consider the following in your film review:

  • What is the film about, is there a theme or message?
  • How was sound used?
  • How were camera techniques used?
  • What was the editing style?
  • Describe the use of mise-en-scene (locations, set dressing, props, make up and costumes)
  • Who is the film aimed at?
  • How did the film make you feel? Did it work well?
  • Would you recommend it?

week four. (26th november)

4.1     Demonstrate good health and safety practice when working on film      productions

  • Why is health and safety important when working on film productions?
  • What are some of the key safety issues relating to film production?
  • How did you apply good health and safety practice when making your film?
  • ADD COMPLETED RISK ASSESSMENT HERE

4.2     Explain why copyright is important in the film industry

  • Why does copyright law exist?
  • What kind of work is covered by copyright?
  • What might happen if you were to use copyrighted material in your film?
  • How can you make sure not to infringe copyright law in your film?
  • How has copyright law and other IP regulation affected your film production?

Production Diary

You can write your answers, film them or record the audio and upload it .

After each session, answer these questions and include any photos taken. Try and include specific examples that show your learning:

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

SHOOT DIARY

You can write your answers, film them or record the audio and upload it.

UPLOAD HERE: production photos, any behind the scenes footage, scripts, storyboards, other key production documents, planning and pre-production work you have been involved with.

  • What was your role and what did you do throughout the production process?
  • Briefly explain what happened each day of shoot.
  • What equipment and skills did you need to do to your role on shoot?
  • How well prepared do you feel we were for the shoot? Explain.
  • What changes had to be made and why?
  • Did you have any feedback or advice from tutors / others on set?
  • In what ways did you improve your own knowledge and skills?
  • Who did you work with on set? How do you feel you worked with others on set?
  • What did you learn about how a film crew work together on a shoot?
  • Briefly explain how you followed good working practices for filmmaking? (Time management, health and safety, being reliable and coping with on set demands.)
  • Overall – How do you feel the shoot went? What went well/ didn’t go well?  What would you improve on?

week five. (3rd december)

Learning from Masterclasses (you can complete this at any point in the course)

(Industry speakers will be asked to give details about their role and their personal progression.)

Industry Speaker 1:

  • What is their job? What does it involve?
  • How did they start working in film/media?
  • What have they done in their career?
  • What have you learnt about working in film/media?
  • What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?

Industry Speaker 2:

  • What is their job? What does it involve?
  • How did they start working in film/media?
  • What have they done in their career?
  • What have you learnt about working in film/media?
  • What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?

week six. (10th & 11th december)

3.1     Explain the importance of teamwork when working on a film production

What are the different teams in your production?

How do they work together? For example, how did your team work together to prepare for the shoot? Also, during production and post-production?

Why is it important that production teams work well together?

Give an example of when your production team/s worked well together.

What can happen if there isn’t good teamwork?

Was there an example of when teamwork could have been better on your film production? How did this affect the production process?

1.3       Gain feedback on how you performed your role

Ask tutors and/or other Academy participants the questions below, you can write your answers, film them or record the audio

What did I do well?

What were the challenges and how were they dealt with?

How did I work within my team?

Do you have any advice or areas for development?

1.4     Review own technical skills and use of equipment

What did you do in your role?

Do you agree with the feedback? Give reasons for your answers.

How well do you think you carried out your role in production?

What were your strengths and what were your challenges?

In what ways did your technical filmmaking skills develop over the course of film production?

How far has your knowledge and understanding of film production developed? (Consider your knowledge of technical equipment, on-set processes, production documents, post-production)

week seven. (14th january)

3.2       Identify the qualities needed to work well with others

What are the most important qualities for working well as part of a film production team?

How did you show the following, give examples:

Good timekeeping

Being reliable

Sharing ideas

Good communication

Safe working

3.3       Describe how you worked with others collaboratively on your film production

How did you work with others in the crew?

Give an example of when you worked well with your team.

Were there any problems you needed to overcome? Give examples

How could you improve your ability to work with others?

week 8 (21st january)

2.1       Explain the working culture of the film industry

What is it like working in the film industry?  (Consider hours, travel, freelance, working on set and budget. What are the pressures? What are the positives and negatives?)

What qualities do you need to work in the film industry? (E.g. Showing initiative, taking responsibility, good time management, knowing your specialism)

Give reasons for your answers.

 What have you learned about the working culture of the industry from masterclasses and working on your own film production?

week 9 (28th january)

2.3       Outline the potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector

What have you learned about potential progression routes into film and connected creative industries? Research the following routes:

Apprenticeships

Entry-level jobs

Studying at university

Online opportunities (e.g. entering competitions, sharing work, networking)

Film festivals

BFI Film Academy progression (residential courses, BAFTA mentoring and Future Skills)

Personal Progression Plan

What areas/ specialisms in creative media would you like to work in?

Would you like to further study film / creative media?

What courses interest you? Give reasons

Which local media companies would you be interested in working with? Give reasons

What are the options for making your own content?

What would you make and how?

What are the options for funding and distribution?

What networks will you join?

What do you hope to gain from these networks?

Are there other opportunities you are interested in?

What are your next steps?

week 10 (post-screening day wrap up)

1.1       Describe areas for development in your current knowledge, understanding and skills 

This needs to be completed at the beginning of the course and again at the end of the course.  It can be completed as a blog or vlog provided you answer the prompt questions.

  • What is your current knowledge and understanding of film?  (For example: watching film, reviewing, photography, making your own films, Youtube channel, film or media course, work experience)​
  • Do you have specific areas of interest or skills in filmmaking? (Include links to film work, photos, music etc.)​
  • What role(s) would you see yourself taking on your Academy film?​
  • What do you hope to gain from the BFI Film Academy?​
  • How would you like to improve your skills or knowledge of film? Give reasons.​
  • Do you have plans to further study and work in film?

NCFE questions week-by-week (November 2021).

Hi BFI Film Academy 2021-22,

Here you can find all of the NCFE questions and the week they were set.

I will also include the questions from the sections ‘Learning From Masterclasses’ which can be completed at any time during the course and the questions for ‘Production Diary’ which you may use to wish during practical sessions to discuss your growth as a filmmaker.

week one. (6th november)

1.1       Describe areas for development in your current knowledge, understanding and skills 

This needs to be completed at the beginning of the course and again at the end of the course.  It can be completed as a blog or vlog provided you answer the prompt questions.

  • What is your current knowledge and understanding of film?  (For example: watching film, reviewing, photography, making your own films, Youtube channel, film or media course, work experience)​
  • Do you have specific areas of interest or skills in filmmaking? (Include links to film work, photos, music etc.)​
  • What role(s) would you see yourself taking on your Academy film?​
  • What do you hope to gain from the BFI Film Academy?​
  • How would you like to improve your skills or knowledge of film? Give reasons.​
  • Do you have plans to further study and work in film?

week two. (13th november)

1.2       Take a role in the production of a short film

  • What is your production role?
  • What skills do you need to carry out this role?
  • What will you do in pre-production, production and post-production?
  • What equipment will you use?
  • What planning documents will you use and how?
  • What other resources are needed in your film production?
  • UPLOAD: documents, photos and/or videos that were made while carrying out your role.

2.2       Describe a range of key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry.

  • Research 5 different roles in the production department and summarise them.
  • How do the roles work together on a film production?

week three. (20th november)

5.1       Review and critique at least one short film production

Film Title, Director, Country, Year:

Story outline (1 or 2 sentence summary)

Consider the following in your film review:

  • What is the film about, is there a theme or message?
  • How was sound used?
  • How were camera techniques used?
  • What was the editing style?
  • Describe the use of mise-en-scene (locations, set dressing, props, make up and costumes)
  • Who is the film aimed at?
  • How did the film make you feel? Did it work well?
  • Would you recommend it?

week four. (27th november)

4.1     Demonstrate good health and safety practice when working on film      productions

  • Why is health and safety important when working on film productions?
  • What are some of the key safety issues relating to film production?
  • How did you apply good health and safety practice when making your film?
  • ADD COMPLETED RISK ASSESSMENT HERE

4.2     Explain why copyright is important in the film industry

  • Why does copyright law exist?
  • What kind of work is covered by copyright?
  • What might happen if you were to use copyrighted material in your film?
  • How can you make sure not to infringe copyright law in your film?
  • How has copyright law and other IP regulation affected your film production?

Production Diary

You can write your answers, film them or record the audio and upload it .

After each session, answer these questions and include any photos taken. Try and include specific examples that show your learning:

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

Date:

  1. What did you do?
  2. What have you learnt?
  3. How have you worked with others?
  4. What do you need to develop?

SHOOT DIARY

You can write your answers, film them or record the audio and upload it.

UPLOAD HERE: production photos, any behind the scenes footage, scripts, storyboards, other key production documents, planning and pre-production work you have been involved with.

  • What was your role and what did you do throughout the production process?
  • Briefly explain what happened each day of shoot.
  • What equipment and skills did you need to do to your role on shoot?
  • How well prepared do you feel we were for the shoot? Explain.
  • What changes had to be made and why?
  • Did you have any feedback or advice from tutors / others on set?
  • In what ways did you improve your own knowledge and skills?
  • Who did you work with on set? How do you feel you worked with others on set?
  • What did you learn about how a film crew work together on a shoot?
  • Briefly explain how you followed good working practices for filmmaking? (Time management, health and safety, being reliable and coping with on set demands.)
  • Overall – How do you feel the shoot went? What went well/ didn’t go well?  What would you improve on?

Learning from Masterclasses

(Industry speakers will be asked to give details about their role and their personal progression.)

Industry Speaker 1:

  • What is their job? What does it involve?
  • How did they start working in film/media?
  • What have they done in their career?
  • What have you learnt about working in film/media?
  • What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?

Industry Speaker 2:

  • What is their job? What does it involve?
  • How did they start working in film/media?
  • What have they done in their career?
  • What have you learnt about working in film/media?
  • What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?

post screening day wrap up

hello all,

this saturday will be the screening day for your short films and a critical point in your academy training.

after this point, we will no longer be meeting with you, but please continue to work on your potfolios so that we can submit you for the qualification. you’ve worked so hard and it would be a shame to let go when you’ve come so close. remember, if you’re struggling, please email me or Sam as we are here to help you.

the modules to be completed this week pertain to personal progression and routes into the industry.

2.3       Outline the potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector

What have you learned about potential progression routes into film and connected creative industries? Research the following routes:

Apprenticeships

Entry-level jobs

Studying at university

Online opportunities (e.g. entering competitions, sharing work, networking)

Film festivals

BFI Film Academy progression (residential courses, BAFTA mentoring and Future Skills)

Personal Progression Plan

What areas/ specialisms in creative media would you like to work in?

Would you like to further study film / creative media?

What courses interest you? Give reasons

Which local media companies would you be interested in working with? Give reasons

What are the options for making your own content?

What would you make and how?

What are the options for funding and distribution?

What networks will you join?

What do you hope to gain from these networks?

Are there other opportunities you are interested in?

What are your next steps?

Learning from Masterclasses

(It’s worth briefing the industry speaker in terms of giving detail about their role and their personal progression.)

Industry Speaker:

What is their job? What does it involve?

How did they start working in film/media?

What have they done in their career?

What have you learnt about working in film/media?

What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?

week seven

3.2       Identify the qualities needed to work well with others

What are the most important qualities for working well as part of a film production team?

How did you show the following, give examples:

Good timekeeping

Being reliable

Sharing ideas

Good communication

Safe working

3.3       Describe how you worked with others collaboratively on your film production

How did you work with others in the crew?

Give an example of when you worked well with your team.

Were there any problems you needed to overcome? Give examples

How could you improve your ability to work with others?

week six

1.3       Gain feedback on how you performed your role

Ask tutors and/or other Academy participants the questions below, you can write your answers, film them or record the audio

What did I do well?

What were the challenges and how were they dealt with?

How did I work within my team?

Do you have any advice or areas for development?

1.4     Review own technical skills and use of equipment

What did you do in your role?

Do you agree with the feedback? Give reasons for your answers.

How well do you think you carried out your role in production?

What were your strengths and what were your challenges?

In what ways did your technical filmmaking skills develop over the course of film production?

How far has your knowledge and understanding of film production developed? (Consider your knowledge of technical equipment, on-set processes, production documents, post-production)

week five

this module is to be completed by 18/12/19

3.1     Explain the importance of teamwork when working on a film production

What are the different teams in your production?

How do they work together? For example, how did your team work together to prepare for the shoot? Also, during production and post-production?

Why is it important that production teams work well together?

Give an example of when your production team/s worked well together.

What can happen if there isn’t good teamwork?

Was there an example of when teamwork could have been better on your film production? How did this affect the production process?