MA Editing and Post Production

University of Hertfordshire

This module aims to equip you with a range of research skills which can be deployed in academic and professional contexts within your chosen area of discipline. Focusing on both academic and industry research and presentation, key skills addressed include those of research management, critical evaluation, academic conventions, research methodologies, and a range of modes of contextual analysis. The module provides an opportunity for you to engage with a cross-section of people and environments from throughout the creative industries, seeking an understanding of how your own practice may be located within these contexts, locally, nationally or globally.

This module explores and applies the skills required to plan and prepare to work on and participate in the completion of a professional film production (documentary or fiction) or feature length script in readiness for application in one of the following Semester C modules: 7CTA2011 Major Project in Film Producing 7CTA2012 Major Project in Screenwriting 7CTA2076 Major Project in Film Editing and Post Production 7CTA2101 Major Project in Factual and Documentary 7CTA2102 Major Project in Cinematography 7CTA2103 Major Project in Directing It provides an overview of scheduling and budgeting for a professional film production, as well as protocols of working with cast/contributors and crew, story outlines and script planning (including synopses, treatments and beat sheets), scheduling, production management and budgeting, casting, preparing to direct and how a director works with their creative team, pre-production cinematography and lighting design, post production and editing considerations, post workflows, marketing and delivery, post-completion sales and the value chain. A pre-production pack, aimed to inform the writing of a feature script or production of a short film, is typically created in readiness for the major study.

This module covers film editing and post-production techniques, blending theory with practical applications. You'll learn assistant editing skills like sync maps, metadata management, and project organization, along with visual post-production techniques including motion graphics, visual effects, editing, and colour grading. On-set post workflows such as DIT processes and dailies are explored through studio workshops with MA Film Production students. The module also addresses sustainability in film production, focusing on reducing carbon footprints through BAFTA albert certification training and assessment.

This module supports the post-production of a 10-15 minute film project developed in 7CTA2020 Major Project Development and Planning, often in collaboration with a director. You'll receive mentoring throughout production and post-production, including edit reviews, to foster independent, advanced-level project work. The Major Project enhances creative decision-making while deepening your understanding of film style, technologies, the marketplace, and audience expectations. This experience prepares you for professional challenges by combining creative development with industry awareness.