Module Information

The requested change in credit weighting (from 20 to 30 credits) will accurately reflect the academic nature and the practical intensity of the work involved in the module. The requested change is also in response to student feedback. The 10 x 2 hour sessions will remain as at present, but the preparation work which takes place outside of the studio will be specified and defined in terms of self-directed learning. This reconstruction will reflect the input of research, writing, set design, costume and make up design that will be involved in the new module.

Each age of broadcasting needs innovation based on instinct and research. The embryonic digital age is no exception, and this premise will be developed during each session. TF21520 (the pre requisite of this course) provides a basic TV studio grammar; this reconstructed module offers progression as to the use of that grammar.

The requested change should be applied in time for provisional registration in April and be fully implemented from September 2009-10.

The 10 studio workshops will be taught sessions. The examination will be in addition to the above and will take place during the University examination period.

Sessions will cover the the following:

1. Re-acclimatisation of studio resources. Personal tutoring following previous year's experiences so as to ensure an evolving teaching process. A short lecture on the history of Studio Production, Introduction to Blue Screen.

2. An introduction to Timing and Autocue. A prepared demonstration will involve the students' participation in recording one news item. Instigate the preparation process for Week 2. Each group will be given a specific brief which will involve (a) thinking individually and in an original manner as to the specific requirements of the following week's project (b) convening as a group for two hours so as to devise a working script. This will involve compromise and an understanding of teamwork (c) the meetings have to produce as many drafts as it takes to ensure that all aspects of the production are satisfactory to the group and to the course requirement. This pattern of preparation will be repeated each week prior to the studio workshop.

3 + 4. Two consecutive weeks focusing on a Current Affairs programme involving an interviewer and five guests. The skills gained in the previous weeks will be implemented. Each student will gain experience of all aspects of studio work.

5. A Sports programme with interviewer and five guests. Emphasis will be given as to the differences of genre, e.g. between Sport and the previous week's Current Affairs. Content, pacing and technique will be highlighted.

6 + 7. Two consecutive weeks based on two Drama scripts devised by the students, one of which will be a comedy and the other a tragedy. Casting will involve using no less than three actors.

8. A visit to BBC/Tinopolis/Barcud which involves being guided around a working live studio by programme professionals and gives an insight into realities of working in the broadcast media. Talks and Q and Q sessions as well as 'hands on' experience form the basis of these visits. (Students will be reminded during this visit for the need of a detailed analysis of their impressions of the visit. This will be included in their written log).

9. Music and Choreography. The disciplines of this session are in sharp contrast to the other sessions and will demand greater rehearsal time due to the nature of the performance.

10. An intricate News programme (in contrast to session 3). This will combine all the skills that have been learnt e.g. Chroma Key, Autocue, timing, fast camera shots and an ever changing running time.