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.
- Study for a 4-week period during the summer, with plenty of free time to explore your surroundings and practice your English outside of class.
- No prior film experience is necessary.
Key Facts
- 24 June, 22 July and 19 August 2024
- Lower Intermediate (Kings Level 4)
- 20 lessons (15 hours) English and Filmmaking
Included in the price:
- 20 lessons per week (15 hours)
- Welcome Information Pack
- Course materials
- 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
English and filmmaking lessons
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.
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.
Assessment
- Assessment is based on weekly assignments, group participation, tests.
Filmmaking equipment
Vacation Plus Film students have access to the following at Kings Los Angeles:
- Classrooms 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 changes.
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Mon
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Tues
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Weds
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Thurs
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Fri
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09:00 – 10:30
(Lessons 1 & 2) English and Filmmaking
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Film terminology and skills quiz
Group review and feedback
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Vocabulary
Screenwriting vocabulary to describe story and structure
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Reading
Small group analysis of sample scripts
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Instruction
Framing lessons and practice with cameras
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Editing practice
Fundamentals of editing a narrative
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10:30 – 11:00
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Break
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Break
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Break
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Break
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Break
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11:00 – 12:30
(Lessons 3 & 4) English and Filmmaking
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Video
Introductory scenes: how to visually introduce locations, characters and plot. Group discussion.
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Writing
Practice writing a short story using the structure introduced in class.
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Speaking
Sample acting scenes: practicing dialogue, body language and movement.
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Filming practice
Filming short stories: 'Where are my shoes?'
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Discussion
Presentation of edited stories. Group discussion of work.
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