Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Documentary Development
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: LMD11800
Module leader: Sana Bilgrami
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

You will advance your techniques for documentary research, observation, interviewing, storytelling, creative visualisation and structure. You will develop your documentary camera, sound and editing skills. You will explore a range of cinematic approaches to documenting and interrogating reality. You will be encouraged to interpret the concept of documentary representation in very broad ways and to continually rethink and rework your own creative approaches to documentary. This emphasis on lateral thinking and imaginative interpretation of a brief will give you creative tools to enhance your creative filmmaking practice. You will continue to research, develop and produce your documentary film, and will complete it in Trimester 3. You will create and present a professional teaser and pitch package for this film. Through the trimester, you must engage with one or more aspects of your local film industry and share your experience(s) with your peers and tutors.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically engage with key theoretical and philosophical debates, and the relationship between subject and form, by experimenting with different modes of documentary.

LO2: Demonstrate creative and technical skills and techniques involved in documentary film production.

LO3: Produce evidence of your ability to convincingly present research and creative ideas in written form.

LO4: Evaluate a professional approach to orally proposing research and creative ideas.

LO5: Create an engaging teaser that demonstrates your ability to cinematically present research and creative ideas.

LO6: Evaluate your own professional engagement with the documentary film industry.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sana Bilgrami
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 12 Your developing awareness of diverse creative approaches to documentary representation and debates will be supported by lectures, screenings and discussions.
Independent Learning Seminar 15 Seminars will enable interaction, peer support, community building, discussions and knowledge exchange around keys subjects and the development of your projects.
Online Demonstration 12 You will be able to access recorded lectures and demonstrations on key skills and techniques that will develop your documentary film practice.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 8 Online synchronous workshops will support your development of relevant skills for this module.
Independent Learning Tutorial 15 In tutorials, you will receive verbal feedback at regular intervals to support the development of your documentary film ideas and practice.
Online Fieldwork 78 With guidance and support from tutors, you have to independently carry out research, development and production for your documentary film project. You also have to engage with some aspect of your local film industry.
Online Guided independent study 260 You will work independently to research, develop and produce your ideas, and to complete coursework for this module. You will be given the opportunity to either meet in-person or participate online at an international documentary film festival for in-person tutorials, and industry screenings and networking.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 30 1~2 Week 13 , WORDS= Upto 15 minutes You will create a portfolio of 2 to 3 film sketches, responding to particular briefs, to experiment with and test out different possible approaches, 'voice', and modes of address, for your documentary film. There will be staggered deadlines for these submissions.
Report 30 6 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500 words You will submit a report that explains and critiques how you engaged with some aspect of your local (documentary) film industry and the resources that you were able to access.
Practical Skills Assessment 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= 1200words/8min The pitch package includes a written synopsis and treatment (1200 words), which convincingly and descriptively proposes your ideas and themes for your documentary film, an engaging recorded 5-minute pitch, and a well-crafted 2-minute film teaser.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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