Filmmaking
Filmmaking is the craft and art of creating moving image work, from the development of an idea and the writing of a script through shooting, directing, and editing to the completion and distribution of a finished film. It is a discipline that draws on storytelling, visual design, sound, performance, and the technical expertise to translate creative vision into a work that communicates with audiences. The range of filmmaking forms is wide, encompassing narrative fiction, documentary, artists' moving image, and new media, and the skills developed through the practice are increasingly applicable across many creative and commercial contexts.
At Manchester Metropolitan University, this three-year full-time BA in Filmmaking is delivered through the School of Digital Arts, which sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and innovation. You will develop your individual voice as a filmmaker across narrative fiction, documentary, artists' moving image, and new media, working in a creative community that spans photography, animation, music, and sound design. The programme incorporates both art school and film school philosophies, supporting you to develop original ideas from your own perspective with the backing of expert staff.
A sandwich year and work placement are included, giving you direct professional experience in the film and screen media sector.
Filmmaking graduates move into careers across the screen and creative industries. Directing, producing, editing, cinematography, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, music video, advertising, online video content, and broadcast production are all common destinations. The creative and technical skills developed through the degree are also applicable in fields including corporate video, game cinematics, virtual reality, and arts education.
Many graduates build portfolio careers as freelancers across multiple types of production. Postgraduate study in filmmaking, screen studies, or producing is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or move into research and academic practice.