University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised October 2005)
Code: UATPG4-40-M Title: Assistant Director – Radio / Television Version: 3
Level: M UWE credit rating: 40 ECTS credit rating: 20
Module type: Professional Practice
Owning Faculty: FCA/ BOVTS Field: Acting
Valid from: February 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Postgraduate Diploma in Drama Directing
MA Drama Directing
Pre-requisites: none
Co-requisites: none
Excluded combinations: none
Learning outcomes:
On satisfactory completion of this module students will be able to:
• assist the director of a recorded media (radio or television drama) production in all aspects of planning, casting and scheduling a successful recording together with acting as liaison with all other creative contributants including, as appropriate, studio/location management, design, costume, props, carpentry, lighting, sound, special effects, production management/budgetary control and to facilitate the smooth running of rehearsals and recordings.
• conduct rehearsals and recordings alongside or in the absence of the director.
• assist in editing and post-production aspects of the recording to a successful broadcast-standard outcome.
• manage a production team under the supervision of the director.
Syllabus outline:
The module begins with attendance at classes introducing the students to the relevant vocabularies and disciplines of the wide range of skills and knowledge necessary to television and radio production. These classes will include the specialist classes run by the School for acting and technical students.
In liaison with the tutor, the student will then become the designated assistant director on the recording of:
a. a television production
b. a radio drama
The designated director will brief the student on the concept of the production and involve the student in all discussions and decision-making processes including meetings and briefings with the appropriate departments and specialists.
The student will conduct rehearsals and recordings alongside and in the absence of the director and will be made responsible for selected scenes.
The student will liaise with all other departments at the instigation of or in the absence of the director.
The student will be present at and participate in all pre and post production meetings and processes.
It is expected that the student will take full advantage of the ‘producing house’ environment in which all performance and technical skills are being taught and exercised to work closely with actors at all stages of their training and to strive to improve his/her knowledge, skill and understanding in all departments.
Teaching and learning methods:
The syllabus for this module is delivered through a variety of teaching methods, including individual tutorials, practical workshops and classes, and self-driven research, action, reflection and evaluation.
Tutor-led subject classes are given prior to the commencement of the module to allow time for full exploration of projects and tasks. The main body of the module will be delivered through practical attachment to the director in all aspects of realising the recording. At key points individual tutorials take place, to promote self-evaluation and action planning.
Reading Strategy:
Students are encouraged to become familiar with the subject area, and texts specific to the module, through reading lists and reference material provided in the course handbook. Lists are updated annually to maintain currency and relevance. Each department holds texts and reference material, as well as the general access provided to the Schools library and access to the Internet. The specifically vocational nature of training and study, combined with the project based nature of learning on the course, may require that students are guided to reading and research material in the first instance by the module leader.
NB: BOVTS students do not have access to UWE Libraries and UWE OnLine'
Indicative sources:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms
A. Conroy & P Wilby - The Radio Handbook (Routledge, London, 1996)
P. Holland - The Television Handbook (Routledge, London, 1997)
K. Chater - The Television Researcher’s Guide (BBC TV Training London 1992)
M. Uren - Illustrated Dictionary of the Moving Image (BKSTS, London 2000)
R. Gates - Production Management For Film and Video (Focal Press, Oxford 1999)
P. Miller - Script Supervising and Film Continuity (Focal Press, Oxford 1999)
A. Rowlands - Continuity Supervisor (Focal Press, Oxford 2000)
P. Jarvis - Essential Television Handbook (Focal Press, Oxford 1996)
Robert Mayer - Location Scouting and Management Handbook (Focal Press, Oxford 1994)
S. Llewellyn - Career Handbook for TV, Radio, Film, Video & Interactive Media (Skillset,
London 2002)
C. Jones & G. Jolliffe The Guerilla Film Makers’ Handbook (Continuum, London 2002)
P. Ward Picture Composition (Focal Press, Oxford 2002)
R. Thompson Grammar of the Edit (Focal Press, Oxford 1993)
Publications:
Broadcast – Weekly TV Industry Journal
The Knowledge – Annual Industry reference – (CMP United Business Media, Tonbridge, Kent)
Assessment:
This is a Professional Practice Module.
Assessment outcome: Pass / Fail
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Assistant Director – Radio / Television
Assessment of the process and execution of the role of assistant director on a radio and television drama recording.
In assessing this module, judgements relate back to the learning outcomes but specific attention will be paid to the process elements of the work. In particular a full understanding of their role, conduct and rehearsal and production etiquette, combined with the ability to take responsibility and work sensitively with others is a key aspect of the judgements to be made.
Frequent contact with the director of the production ensures that the student has a professional mentor. As such the director will provide the main source of evidence and judgements on the student’s talent, conduct and ability.
Assessment Strategy
Conducted through tutorials at specific points in the process by the head of course or designated tutor. The results of these tutorials combined with feedback from other staff involved with the production (specifically the director of the production) will allow a cumulative judgement to be made at the end of the module.
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)
AS FOR FIRST ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.
AS FOR FIRST ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)