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Section 1: Overview

Is this course for me?

  • This course is perfect for students who want to combine English language with an introduction to filmmaking and film theory.
  • In addition to learning practical filmmaking skills, students develop their language skills and knowledge through a dedicated Special Interest Group exploring the Hollywood film and TV industries.

Key Facts

Available in

  • Los Angeles

Start dates:

  • 12-week course: 25 September 2023 and 8 January, 1 April and 23 September 2024
  • 4-week course: 24 June, 22 July and 19 August 2024

Entry level:

  • Lower Intermediate (Kings Level 4)

Age:

  • 16+

Duration:

  • 4 or 12 weeks

Class size:

  • Maximum 15

Lessons per week:

  • 28 lessons per week total (21 hours). 20 lessons (15 hours) English and Filmmaking + 8 lessons (6 hours) Cinema, TV and Popular Culture

Included in the price:

  • 28 lessons per week (21 hours)
  • Welcome Information Pack
  • Course materials
  • Visits to iconic film locations, studios and industry-related venues
  • Red carpet screening with special awards ceremony (12 week course only)
  • Acting workshops
  • Placement test on arrival, weekly assignments, group participation and progress tests
  • Use of Computer Learning Center and film production equipment
  • Free Wi-fi at school
  • Full access to Kings social programme, with at least two free activities per week
  • Full access to join Kings’ school clubs and societies
  • Optional weekly lecture programme
  • End-of-course certificate (90% or higher attendance required)

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

Sample timetable

Please note: sample timetable is subject to change.

Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri

09:00 – 10:30
(Lessons 1 & 2)

English and Filmmaking

Film terminology and skills quiz
Group review and feedback

Vocabulary
Screenwriting vocabulary to describe story and structure

Reading
Small group analysis of sample scripts

Instruction
Framing lessons and practice with cameras

Editing practice
Fundamentals of editing a narrative

10:30 – 11:00 Break Break Break Break Break

11:00 – 12:30
(Lessons 3 & 4)

English and Filmmaking

Video
Introductory scenes: how to visually introduce locations, characters and plot. Group discussion.

Writing
Practice writing a short story using the structure introduced in class.

Speaking
Sample acting scenes: practicing dialogue, body language and movement.

Filming practice
Filming short stories: 'Where are my shoes?'

Discussion
Presentation of edited stories. Group discussion of work.

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Cinema, TV and Popular Culture

Acting or improv practice

Writing short scripts or skits

Performance - role-play; scene re-enactments

Tropes, motifs, archetypes, clichés, “rules”; colloquialisms used in filmmaking and writing

Scene analysis: group discussion and identification

Classic or contemporary plays, TV shows and films

Critical and theoretical accounts of emerging technologies and media

Los Angeles culture and history

Recommendations of local sites to visit outside of class, such as museums, art galleries, film festivals, and events related to film and LA lifestyle

Free time

Thank you for your enquiry.
We'll be in touch soon.
The Kings Admissions Team