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1. Short Film
Unit 22: Single Camera Drama Production
Unit 24: Writing for TV & Film
Single camera techniques 7.11.15
Short filmresearch 18.12.15
Short filmscript pitches 9.12.15
First draft scripts 18.12.15
Short filmpre-production 17.3.16
Short filmproduction 9.6.16

2. Brief
Over this unit you will look at a series of single camera productions and analyse the context and cinematography of a diverse range of single
camera dramas. You will then write an essay with your findings, using different examples of films and tv shows to illustrate your findings,
before beginning production on your own single camera drama in small production groups (no more than 3 people to a group).
You have been asked to produce a short single camera drama for the VOD TV service City Pictures, who want to increase their offerings of
engaging and exciting dramas. Working as part of a production team you will develop and produce a short film (of no more then 10 minutes
run time). You will need to work in small groups, show intrinsic motivation and a high degree of independence and professionalism.
Learning outline
The assignment gives learners the opportunity to use production skills already gained from previous units, and develop them further to
produce a production using single camera techniques.
Set design, cinematography, lighting, use of sound and editing techniques will all be part of the skills learners develop through following this
unit.
Health and safety issues will also be addressed in both location and studio shoots, with learners producing risk assessments priorto any
production work.
Theory:
You will learn and demonstrate an understanding the features of single camera production.
Practical skills:
You will learn how to conduct research from a variety of sources, to aid you in your report.
You will learn how to communicate and present ideas and information confidently and with consistent clarity.
Evaluative skills:
You will learn how to collate research, and present your findings in different formats – acting on feedback and continue to improve your work.
You will learn how to proof read and correct documents to improve their clarity

3. Assignment 1: Single Camera Techniques
Through a series of lectures and workshops you will learn about the formats of a single camera production.
You will then need to write an essay explaining single camera dramas and the techniques used to create them, using well thought out
examples to highlight your findings.
What you need to include (at a minimum);
You have been asked to explain the following areas (with illustrative examples):
- Definition: What is a single camera drama? How is it differentfrom other formats?
- Single camera genres: What differentgenres of single camera productions are there?
- Single camera formats: What is the difference between mini-series,series, serial & single drama (standalone)
- Narrative structures: What is a script (and its individual components) and is it used to create meaning? What is the difference betweenlinear
vs non-linear narratives? How are flashbacks used withina single camera drama? What are open and closed endings, and how do they relate
to the stories meaning and concept?
- Creating meaning with filming & editing techniques: How do directors use camera angles, camera movement, lighting, sound, editing to
create meaning, mood & pace? How do these things helpto build up the scene and the story.
Remember to use examples to help you explain everything.
Evidence:
By the deadline you will need to produce:
- An written report, either as a PDF or .DOC
Deadline:
7.11.15 – end of lesson 1
Submission details:
You will need to submit your report to moodle under the assignment “Single Camera Techniques”

4. Grading Criteria:
Unit 22 – P1, M1, D1