Skillset Screen Academy Wales


Skillset Screen Academy Wales


Skillset Screen Academy Wales

Curriculum & Resources for Students

In addition to the existing BA and MA programmes available to SSAW students, the partners in the SSAW project are working to create a new collaborative postgraduate framework for a one-year Postgraduate Diploma and a two-year MFA. The courses will offer craft specialisms through core film business modules, as well as study in the critical appreciation of film.

Curriculum development

Students working for the Postgraduate Diploma and MA awards will choose to study one of the following specialist subjects:

The new framework will be taught across the partnership, according to specialism. It will become available from October 2010 and will provide opportunities for flexible progression through the programme, with options from part-time study and enrolment for individual modules to a 1 year MA, a 2 year MFA or 3 year professional doctorate.

International industry professionals are also taking part in curriculum development and in 2006 Mogens Rukov, screenwriter of The Idiots, Festen and many other Danish films, joined film students and tutors to discuss the development of screenwriting education. in 2008 and 2009 we welcomed international filmmakers from Spain, France and Canada to share experiences of how to teach film and animation.

Other industry consultants who have helped us develop our courses are Mike Kelly (producing/business skills), Alan Gardner (animation), Larry SIder (sound), Alan Trow (cinematography) and Mike Bradsell (editing).

Resources available to students

Substantial funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales has enabled SSAW to invest in new high level equipment that offers access to cutting-edge technology and ensures that students acquire a full range of hands-on experience as they pursue their courses.

Students will be able to work with professional High Definition Panasonic cameras and editing facilities, Super 16 cameras and VICON Motion Capture technology, which is used on many feature films to create special effects. They will also have access to DV Cam and Mini DV equipment and will gain experience with 35mm cameras.

In 2009, we have invested in new animation software and lighting kit as well as upgrades for our Super16 and HD kits.

The Academy's editing suites are fully equipped with the following resources:

Producing and writing software packages such as Movie Magic and Final Draft are also available.

The SSAW project also has access to large rehearsal spaces and gives students the opportunity to film on studio sets with comprehensive lighting and film studio rig.

Technicians at all campuses support and instruct the students in the use of this new technology and the equipment is available to students to create the best possible final films in collaborations across the partnership.