Acting for Screen

Modules

Visual Storytelling (30)
In this module you will engage with moving image as a specifically visual medium; drawing on traditions of art, photography and theatre. This module will foreground the importance of narrative sequence, with emphasis on framing, staging, and syntagmatic storytelling.

Screen Studies (30)
This module focuses on the study of films from multiple perspectives, including thematic, narrative structure, genre, ideology, and the relationship between style and technology. A number of critical responses to cinema – including genre study, auteur theory, and feminist critiques, will also be applied to featured titles both fiction and documentary.

Acting 1 – Acting for Camera (60)

This module facilitates the learning of the methods and approaches to develop the skills, techniques and understanding needed to be able to act in front of the camera. In this module, you examine the techniques of different practitioners and how to apply their approaches to character and scene. Through individual and group work, you develop the necessary skills required of a naturalistic Stanislavski-based approach such as improvisation, textual analysis, practical realisation of contemporary text and reflection. Movement and voice sessions support your understanding of technique and its application.

The Virtual Actor – Voice, Action & Motion (30)
This module is a project-based exploration of acting craft for motion capture, animation and voice-over, in which you apply learning from core acting modules, as well as movement and voice, to execute a recorded scene. You apply learning from core acting modules, as well as movement and voice, to execute a recorded scene. You adapt and adjust your learned techniques, exploring the nature of audience engagement and reception of motion capture. You collaborate with students from other disciplines, working on group projects to produce a ‘virtual’ piece of visual storytelling.

Character Development (30)

In this module, you will further enhance your ability to develop characters for  visual storytelling. This module builds on the foundational theories and techniques established in the previous semesters, particularly Acting 1. Students will lean further into script analysis, focusing on units (or beats) and learning how to employ personalisation and substitutions. You will acquire knowledge and critical understanding of the role that analysis and research play in the development of compelling characters. You will also have the opportunity to examine the importance of cultural context and practices such as non-traditional and integrated casting, and how this impacts inclusion and diversity in the Screen industries.

Modules

Acting 2 – Episodic Storytelling (60)

This module sees you develop a polished level of confidence in the methods, approaches, techniques and understanding needed to be able to act in front of the camera. The importance of technique and styles will be emphasised in this part of your studies and demonstrated through a filmed performance. There will be a focus on workshopping and character development. This module builds on the technical screen acting and camera skills acquired in Acting 1. You also look at the nature and significance of different roles and communication processes in a studio environment. You will focus this learning towards the creation of a substantial, collaborative production. You will devise, develop, shoot and deliver an edited, multi-episode Web Series. You will have the opportunity to explore production roles alongside performance and you will be expected to contribute at least one major performance and crew role to the productions.

Self Scripting (30)

This module supports your understanding of the scriptwriter’s intentions and practice while providing you with the skills to develop your own script and story writing, as well as understanding the construction and theories of narrative and authorship. This module offers you the option to continue to develop your writing skills for specific mediums, such as camera and audio, applicable to different media platforms and mediums. You analyse narrative forms, devices and technicalities used in dramatic writing with specific considerations for camera and audio. You will learn how to use your written materials practically. This will include how to get your work produced, schemes to help fund script development and how to effectively leverage your screen industry contacts to realise your projects.

The Professional Screen Actor (30)

In this module, you prepare for your next steps after graduation. With links to your performance-based work, you focus on presenting yourself to the industry. You cover essential elements including audition and interview technique, creating a digital showreel, building a website for self-promotion and developing other marketing tools. You are encouraged to improve your entrepreneurial and project/event management skills by taking on a production role in the management of your work. You will now learn how to produce competent, high quality self tapes and experience, through workshops and seminars, advice on preparation and execution of a variety of casting scenarios from industry professionals, including commercials casting. In addition you will be encouraged to start thinking about your casting range and researching what materials you should be preparing for your showreel.

Acting 3 – Final Major Project (60)

This module aims to allow students to utilise their learning across the programme in order to deliver a major project. You assume full responsibility for your own process and production work to meet professional standards. Specialist workshops will be offered throughout the module, informed and delivered by our wide-reaching connections and specialist lecturers in the creative industries. Through the module, you consolidate your experience with recorded media, taking part in both the production and performance of a short media project in film, voiceover, radio, ADR or gaming. You research and fulfil the pre/post-production requirements and expectations of an assigned role, and work within high-pressured and challenging environments which match the real world. As well as your final, edited media project, you are assessed on your professional engagement and reflective analysis of your work.

Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

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