English Plus Film factsheet

Section 2: Course structure and content

• 20 lessons (15 hours) per week of English and Filmmaking
• 8 lessons (6 hours) per week Cinema, TV and Popular Culture SIG (Special Interest Group)

Topics vary each week, but students receive in-depth instruction of pre-production, production, and post-production through lectures, interactive communicative activities, and hands-on participation.

Group work is an essential element of this course, so attendance is critical to students’ success.

English and filmmaking lessons

Lessons will cover the following:

• Screenwriting: story structure, concept development, visual storytelling methods, script formatting
• Acting basics: techniques for role preparation, working within a frame, playing according to shot size, expression through body and language
• Production: filming techniques, cinematic framing, lighting and sound
• Post-production: video editing techniques and practice, color correction, sound editing
• Contemporary filmmaking: the history of Hollywood — the business of making films, from blockbusters to independent film
• Production of a short film and preparation for a film screening event (12 week course only)

Cinema, TV and popular culture lessons

In the cinema, TV and popular culture lessons, students can expect to cover areas such as:

• Media theory: scene analysis, themes and concepts
• Group discussion: classic and contemporary films, TV shows and plays
• Los Angeles culture, history, and significance in the film industry
• Pop and celebrity culture, and references in the media
• Acting, role-play and improv practice
• Writing short scripts or skits

Assessment

• Assessment is based on weekly assignments, group participation, tests.
• There is also a short film project for students taking the 12-week course.

Filmmaking equipment

English Plus Film students have access to the following at Kings Los Angeles:

• Classrooms are equipped with an interactive projector or smart television for interactive learning experience
• iMac desktops with user-friendly scriptwriting program software installed
• Production equipment including prosumer DSLR camera, sliders and dollies, lighting tools, microphones, tripods
• Professional, up-to-date film editing software

Transfer agreements

• Kings LA offers transfer agreements with the New York Film Academy and the Musicians’ Institute.

Online content

• Student-produced short films and scenes can be viewed on the dedicated Kings YouTube channel.

Sample timetable

Please note: sample timetable is subject to change.