LFA Filmmaking Diploma is a multi-disciplinary hands-on course, designed to enable students to make creative decisions and receive constructive feedback in a safe, nurturing environment. Over three terms, the Filmmaking Diploma progresses naturally from a basic introduction to aesthetic and technical aspects of filmmaking to wider, more complex problems posed by film production.
Screenwriting
Students explore, in depth, the narrative short film format, from concept and character to dialogue. A proportion of student scripts are selected to go through intensive workshops (script editing and written feedback) until they are ready to go into production. Students learn early on in the course that, in the film business, “writing is rewriting” and so modelling industry practice takes priority during the development period.
Directing
Students learn the fundamentals of directing, from looking at the script to pre-production, production and editing. Students are encouraged to take on the role of a storyteller and team leader. A number of individual projects (visual narratives) are set, and the finished film analysed in the class. Students work with actors to understand staging, text analysis and casting. During the pre-production of graduation films students have one-to-one feedback and advice from a film or TV industry director.
Producing Students are trained in both line producing, production management and creative producing to maximise their opportunities for work in the film & TV industry. Students acquire a working knowledge of industry standard EP Budgeting & Scheduling software, contracts, copyright, distribution and the basics of financing for independent filmmakers (for both short and feature films). Students also receive pre-production and on-set support.
Cinematography
Students cover a number of roles: director of photography, gaffer, camera operator, 1st and 2nd camera assistants and grip (track and dolly). Predominantly, students work with a range of camera from Super 16mm film as well as broadcast-quality high-end digital cameras, to thoroughly understand the nature of light, framing and the mechanics of film. Students are exposed to the highest standards of practice by some of the world’s leading directors of photography.
Production Sound Recording
Students learn: the definition of sound and the physics behind it, the physical recording of production sound on digital recorders with a range of microphones including radio mics, working to a frame, multiple tracks, and the craft of sound design and track mixing. Some practical sessions are combined with cinematography and all graduation films are recorded with live sound.
Editing & Post-Production
Sound Students work with existing drama materials and rushes from their own individual projects to learn to use Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premier. These practical sessions are woven together with theory lectures that include cutting techniques; filmic time and space; editing styles; setting audio levels and foley; a brief history of music in cinema and the aesthetics of film music; and a practical guide to working with a composer. Individual Film Projects Throughout the course students are given an opportunity to direct and work on a number of projects. Tutors guide and assess students through a formal shooting experience on Super 16mm film and/or digital formats with professional actors. This supportive environment is where students discover their strengths as they perform selected crew roles. Constructive feedback is an on-going process throughout the course. Written assessments cover technical, creative and collaborative capabilities.
Production of Graduation Films
Students pitch to secure a head of department role, such as Director of Photography, Producer or Director, and work as a team across a number of films while rotating through a variety of crew roles. Role allocations are decided based upon student pitches, previous assessments and careers guidance. Students are given autonomy in their decision-making and manage a several-thousand-pound budget.
Students decide what proportion is spent on film stock, locations, actors and other production costs. Each crew role has its own clearly defined function and responsibilities, giving students an experience of the industry roles in conditions emulating those of a professional film set. A director works with a writer to develop the script and with an editor to edit the film.
We provide pre-production and on-set professional technical support. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a supportive environment and to find their own creative voice.
Film Festival Attendance
Students are encouraged to attend events and screenings at places such as film festivals throughout the duration of the course. LFA is involved with a variety of film festivals both within the UK and Europe. In addition, students may be invited to attend workshops held at these festivals and facilitated by the LFA. Where possible, students will be issued with a delegate pass for relevant festivals, where we actively encourage attendance at screenings or networking events. Such festivals may include the Encounters Film Festival or Aesthetica Film Festival (BAFTA and OSCAR qualifying festivals).
Enhancing
Students Film-School Experience Together, students form lasting professional and personal relationships. LFA is a filmmaking community that operates like a production company. Students from all courses regularly support one another, thus enhancing their film-school experience: for example, the MA Screenwriting students have collaborated on projects and join the sets of the Filmmaking Diploma students’ films.
Graduation
All the excitement of seeing your work projected on the big screen is shared by your friends, family, cast and crew, at the LFA annual Graduation Ceremony & Awards which usually takes place at the BFI. You are presented with your Filmmaking Diploma from the hands of industry personalities, previous guests have included: Baroness Kidron, Nicolas Roeg and Roger Greaf.
To learn what some of our graduates are doing now you can read our Graduate Stories.
