BA (Hons)

Film Production FAQ

1) Do I need a Foundation Diploma?

A Foundation Diploma is not a formal requirement but it is highly recommended that you undertake a Foundation Diploma prior to this course.

2) What do you need to see in my portfolio?

We need to see breadth and depth within the portfolio. Images may include photographs, storyboards, visuals, life drawing and pre-production work. We also expect to see a 5 minute showreel capturing the best of your work – preferably on DVD.

3) Will I have a chance to direct my own films?

A small proportion of students will specialise within the area of Directing – this may be in either fiction or documentary. The Film Production course encompasses the specialist areas of Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Production and Sound in addition to Directing. Students specialize at the end of the first year in one of these areas.

4) What work experience is available? Is there help obtaining this?

Students can undertake work experience either within the vacations or by negotiation with course team during term time. Course staff will endeavour to help students to find opportunities but cannot guarantee this and will aid the process with their contacts and extensive relationships within the industry.

5) What are the employment prospects?

Good. The course is part of the well established Bournemouth Film School. Recent graduates have gone on to work on such productions as ‘Hurt Locker’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Special Relationship’, ‘Sherlock Holmes’, working with Paul Watson on a BBC documentary and a host of BBC dramas. Other graduates are employed at companies such as Framestore, Dreamworks and King Rollo. In the last few years we have also had two graduates accepted at NFTS for the Directing MA.

Amongst our alumni are Simon Beaufoy, writer of ’127 Hours’ and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’; Chris Dickens, editor of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Submarine’; Chris Jones, co-author of ‘The Guerrilla Film Makers Guide’, Mark Blaney, producer of ‘Africa United’ and Nick Love, writer and director whose recent credits include ‘The Firm’ and executive producer of ‘Monsters’.