Film & Digital Media-Swansea college of Art-UWTSD

Film & Digital Media

www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Swansea College of Art UWTSD Fine Art / Photography Photojournalism / Digital Film & Television Production / Computer Animation / Computer Games Design / Music Technology / Film and Visual Culture / New Media Production Product Design / Automotive Design Transport Design / Glass Surface Pattern Design Textiles Advertising and Brand Design Illustration / Graphic Design Certificate of Higher Education Art & Design Foundation

For information on other courses we run please see the back page or email us on artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk

Swansea College of Art Rag Float 1960’s B | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Contents Why choose Swansea College of Art UWTSD Location and Facilities Our Students Our Teaching Our Research Things to do in Swansea and Carmarthen 3D Computer Animation

2

Music 40

BA/MMus Tech Music 2 Technology 42 6 MA Creative Sound 7 Production 48 8 Film Swansea 56 10 BA/MArts Digital Film & 58 16 Television Production

Film & Media Carmarthen 72 BA / MArts 3D Computer Animation 18 BA Film and Visual Culture 76 BA New Media Production 90 Creative Computer 92 Games Design 28 Student Support Accommodation 92 How to apply 94 BA/MArts Creative Computer 94 Games Design 30 Contact Details Other courses 98

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change as part of the University’s policy of continuous improvement and development.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 1

It’s an art school Experience in a Contemporary University...

Our location Swansea is a seaside city a great place to live and study: big enough to offer you the space you need; small enough to make you feel that you belong.

spectacular and inspiring, and all on your doorstep. And its history…

Swansea was the birth place of Dylan Thomas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Actors Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael There are all the amenities and Sheen grew up near by. Swansea cultural activities that you would expect to find in a modern, vibrant, was also the first place to have a university city – theatres, cinemas, passenger railway and some of the earliest photographs were made excellent galleries, museums, in the Swansea bay area by Fox restaurants, bars and great Talbot and friends. student nightlife.

We also have an award-winning maritime quarter, a multi-million pound Waterfront Museum and the Wales National Swimming Pool. And what’s more, the cost of living here is very reasonable compared with most other university towns and cities.

Just on our doorstep, beyond the Mumbles, lies the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first officially designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” and also great for surfing.

Swansea has real people, real personality and is probably one of the most exciting cities in the UK to be in right now. We are just three hours from London and 2.5 hours from Birmingham.

We have excellent motorway (M4) and mainline railway links.

You will find bays and beaches, surfing and sailing, climbing and canoeing, swimming and cycling – it’s all here. With soaring limestone cliffs, small “smugglers’ coves”, castles and historic buildings and breathtaking stretches of long sandy beaches, the scenery is both 2 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Carmarthen Rural landscapes, beautiful beaches and modern shops in a historic town centre are all close at hand for Carmarthen students.

The original 1848 building lies at the heart of the campus, a clear symbol of the site’s long history as a centre of education.

Now UWTSD Carmarthen offers a friendly, welcoming location for learning with a range of excellent facilities, including a well-stocked library and excellent learning and teaching spaces, a fully equipped theatre and workshops, media and music suites as well as IT facilities which include open access areas and rooms for students to undertake group work.

It has a real community feel and with accommodation, learning facilities, sports, entertainment and renowned arts and cultural programme all within a few hundred yards, everything you’ll need is within easy reach. www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 3

Our Facilities We work with some of the most up to date and extensive resources available for undergraduate and post-graduate students, with a number of bespoke studio and workshop areas that are used for lectures and for a student’s personal development.

The School of Film & Digital Media invests heavily in resources in three broad categories, namely software and hardware facilities, dedicated spaces for production work and production equipment such as cameras, portable lighting and sound recording devices – all of which can be loaned out by the student.

As well as our IT and workshop resources, students have access to a substantial array of film and digital media production equipment for project work. We currently have a large range of HD and 4K video cameras for student use, Nikon digital SLRs for still photography plus access to the latest Adobe CC suite networked across all machines.

Importantly, technicians and academic staff are on hand to show students how best to utilise these resources; making certain that ideas aren’t squashed by the technology - rather being improved by it.

Specialist workspaces are available to students in the School; an extensive motion capture suite, TV studios, photographic and digital darkrooms and two green screen studios. In addition we have professional level recording studios with a full sound stage that can accommodate orchestras.

4 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 5

Our students It is due largely to our students and our graduates over 160 years that we have built the reputation that we have. Many have gone on to distinguished careers in the arts, some have established multimillion pound design companies, or are working as freelance artists. Others are working for Double Negative, MPC, iCreate, Oysterworld, Aardman, The Mill or well-known filmmakers and media producers, including the BBC and ITV. Our students are continually winning awards and are given the opportunity to exhibit throughout their courses. Graduate shows take place in Swansea and London with students showcasing their work at prestigious exhibitions including New Designers, Free Range and New Blood.

Our teaching All our programmes benefit from a team of highly qualified staff who are research active, are exhibiting both nationally and abroad and are often involved in projects with Industry.

The amount of contact time students get with our staff is among the highest in the country.

Our links / employability We have designed modules that will help you gain employment skills and have excellent links with the creative industries and major manufacturing companies so that when you graduate you already have a ‘foot in the door’.

Other students protect their ideas at this stage with design registrations or patent applications with the support of the University.

We have an excellent range of visiting lecturers and the Faculty regularly holds conferences and symposia that give you a much broader understanding of art and design. Most recent were two exhibitions and symposia in Illustration and Fine Art/Drawing that attracted international artists and speakers.

In the third year you are encouraged to enter national and international art and design competitions and undertake external projects that apply your individual creativity, extend your portfolio and your professional profile.

Live projects with external clients are also an important part of each course and every student will leave with experience of projects that demonstrate their ability to do it ‘for real’ (see programme details for examples).

In the Professional Promotion, Marketing and Exhibition modules students develop their own ‘brand identity’ to promote themselves and prepare for professional employment. Some arrange interviews with high-level professionals from organisations such as The Photographers’ Gallery and Saatchi & Saatchi, often resulting in employment and placements.

6 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 7

More Opportunities During your time with us you will have the opportunity to study abroad with the Erasmus exchange programme - currently running with universities in Norway, Barcelona and Finland.

Our research Swansea College of Art has a long and established record of excellence in research in Art, Design and Media. Each of our Schools has an established and vibrant postgraduate culture that embraces a dynamic MA/ MSc taught master’s portfolio, MPhil/PhD research programmes and post-doctoral research of the highest standard. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) categorised 95.8% of our research as being of world renown or internationally excellent.

The College’s Creative Industries Research and Innovation Centre (CIRIC) acts as a catalyst for developing and maintaining our strong international partnerships and industry links. CIRIC is an innovative, entrepreneurial and commercial centre that fosters knowledge transfer between the University and the private sector.

The College of Art has four integrated research hubs covering Contemporary Fine Arts, Contemporary Crafts, Life-Science & Health and the Digital Creative Industries. These hubs cover a wide and growing number of specific research centres such as CLASI (The Centre for Lens Arts and Science Interaction), ISD (Institute for Sustainable Design), IPCRES (The International Project Centre for Research into Events and Situations) and ATIC (Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre).

We hold regular public symposia and research forums with speakers of international renown.

The research and practice of all staff in the College enriches our postgraduate programmes and ensures their currency. Staff are invited to exhibit at prestigious international events and venues such as the Venice Biennale and the Three Gorges Museum in China.

The combination of location, cutting-edge facilities and internationally recognised research profile makes Swansea College of Art at UWTSD a leading centre for research and postgraduate studies.

Image: Michael Sheen in the Port Talbot Passion filmed by students on work experience with Moving Image Wales

8 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 9

Things to do in Swansea

Things to do in Carmarthen

In town Visit the many art galleries and museums, including the Mission, Elysium and Glynn Vivian, the National Waterfront Museum and Swansea Museum. Try the slides at the LC, Wales’ biggest indoor waterpark.

Have a go at kite surfing, volley ball or paddle boarding at the beach. Enjoy a big night out in Wind Street. Buy a warm Welsh cake in the largest covered market in Wales. Go to the top of Wales’ tallest building. There are also plans for a £1bn transformation of the city centre and a tidal lagoon.

On campus The Carmarthen Campus is located on the outskirts of the town. The campus has great facilities including the Sports Centre with a gym, indoor tennis and basketball courts, climbing wall, swimming pool, and a multipurpose dance studio.

Mumbles Take a trip to the beach - Langland or Caswell - for a sandwich and a surf. Get an ice cream from Joes.

Browse the shops in Newton Road Explore Oystermouth Castle.

Uplands Relax in the bars/restaurants. Visit Dylan Thomas’ childhood park, Cwmdonkin, for a cup of tea. Stroll around the monthly street market.

Gower Visit this spectacular peninsula, the first designated area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK, home to around 50 unspoiled beaches, coves and bays Feast your eyes on Three Cliffs Bay, voted one of the top four views in Britain (Britain’s Favourite Views, ITV). Picnic at Rhossili, voted one of the top 25 beaches in the world (The Sunday Times) and 3rd in the UK (2015 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards). Ride the waves at Llangennith, a top 10 UK surf spot. There’s also an airport for parachuting and paragliding.

10 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

In town Carmarthen, the reputed birthplace of Merlin of Arthurian legend and the oldest town in Wales, is a busy town which enjoys a good mix of traditional and modern shops, attesting to its unique charm.

It has some great ways to spend your spare time, it is home to national chains, boutique-style shops, as well as excellent indoor and outdoor markets. It enjoys excellent leisure facilities and boasts the first purposebuilt 4k digital cinema with six 3D screens. It also has a range of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a theatre, annual festivals, and a range of art galleries.

There is also the Parrot music venue which was sponsored by presenter and comedian Rhod Gilbert.

The town is served by major road and rail networks and is within easy reach of major cities, including Swansea and Cardiff, as well as ferry ports in West Wales.

The future S4C is also relocating to the town. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David led a successful bid to attract the provider of Wales’ Welsh language television channel, S4C, to Carmarthen. The S4C Authority is to relocate the broadcaster’s headquarters next to the University’s campus in Carmarthen, after UWTSD campaigned on behalf of the region to attract its headquarters to Carmarthenshire. It is expected to act as a boost to the region’s economy, attracting businesses and generating new jobs.

The school will be working closely with S4C, and the production companies that will form part of the new center, to provide a range of opportunities for students to develop their skills and understanding of the media industry.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 11

Marie Edwards 12 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 13

School of Film & Digital Media Our courses are delivered at our dedicated buildings in Swansea and Carmarthen, where there is a strong sense of community and access to a range of free networking opportunities, special events such as the SAND conference, enterprise and industry weeks, and guest lectures from industry specialists.

In Swansea the courses are delivered across three iconic buildings: the Dynevor Centre for Art and Design, the ALEX Design Exchange, and the BBC Building (home of Dylan Thomas’ legendary radio recordings).

On the Carmarthen campus, our degrees in Film and Media are delivered in a state of the art new building, in a beautiful rural location. Facilities have been purposely designed to offer students a creative and professional environment in which to work, while situated within easy reach of a variety of stunning external filming locations.

14 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 15

Christian Brown

3D Computer Animation 16 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 17

BA (Hons) / MArts (Hons) 3D Computer Animation The first inception of the BA/MArts 3D Computer degree was in 2000.

The first graduates were from 2003. It has retained the same BA 3D Computer Animation title throughout its whole existence and hundreds of students have graduated from the degree gaining successful positions working as animators, compositers and as a part or a lead position in visual effects.

It continues to have a strong brand identity and continues to attract potential students who want to study and develop 3D imagery and animation through the use of characters, scenes, environments and any culminations of these.

There have been a plethora of styles and visuals over the years.

Some of the final year projects have been narrative or storydependent; others that have been purely shot-driven or effects based, often purely 3D-based (ie only 3D components) and/or integrating 3D with live action or vice versa. The range of work and approach is often seen as an attractive quality for applicants and through the course of study students have ultimately directed their interests, consciously or not, to a particular field of 3D and computer animation by the final year.

The BA/MArts 3D Computer Animation course has been designed to provide its graduates with the technical skills, the creative abilities and the professional approach relevant to those wishing to work in the 3D, animation and creative industries.

The course aims to give students an understanding of the many roles in the animation production process, taking a multi-skilled approach, while giving students the opportunity to specialise in areas in which they would like to take their careers on later productions in the course.

BA UCAS Code: WGP4 MArts UCAS Code: D7X4 Location: Swansea Contact: Phil Organ philip.organ@uwtsd.ac.uk

“Had an awesome experience taking part in some Da Vinci’s Demons projects such as set work and motion capture animation. I feel like I learnt a lot during this time and gained an extremely valuable experience.�

Ian Mills, 2:1 Graduate, June 2015

18 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 19

3D Computer Animation (Course Structure) Year 1 / Level 4

Year 2 / Level 5

Initially, upon enrolment, students are introduced to the core skills, theories and techniques, working on a range of group and individual projects, while developing their understanding of professional working practices.

In the second year, students continue to develop their skills and techniques and begin to specialise in their areas of interest.

The BA3DCA degree provides optional modules for three distinct areas of study (as previously noted):

Via traditional and digital techniques the students will learn the foundations and principles of how to animate, plan/design shots and sequences, produce effective pre-production, animatics and previsualisations. They will take the preliminary steps in the analysis of motion, computer animation and production methods.

20 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Students will select a form of production to explore further from the worlds of character and story, visual effects or motion capture and will also take a module in Entrepreneurship related to animated film and the digital creative industries.

The second year of the degree will now have common (compulsory) modules but there will now be two 20 credits modules that are tailored to key areas of CGI and 3D design and animation 3D Story and Character-based modules 3D Visual Effects and Compositing module 3D Motion Capture modules

In the immersive environment of Level 5 students will be encouraged to learn from the other routes (all students are BA3DCA students) and will have opportunities to learn the wider use of these methods and how such techniques can be applied to their own study via Creative Practice and Contextual Studies content.

Modules are written specifically to cater for the art direction and narrative directives in short animated film production, to retain the quality of work produced from 3D visual effects via effects animation and compositing modules and to address the emerging trends of motion capture animation applications.

Eno Esin & Kevin Muhirwa

Students begin with an introduction to a variety of 3D terms, methods and principles in 3D design, modelling and animation. Underpinning subjects in musculoskeletal systems and anatomy will be provided in the modelling work (inc. Organic Modelling).

The ‘Character and Creature Animation’ module is compulsory and advances the animation level from Level 4, raising the quality of visuals and motions directed towards developing character animation and TD style animation material, cinematic presentations and visual effects. All students will do this Level 5 animation module.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 21

Year 3 / Level 6

Year 4 / Level 7 (MArts only)

In the third year, students create work for a portfolio, as well as working together to create work informed by relevant festival and industry funding opportunities.

Throughout the three years of the course, theoretical work underpins and invigorates students’ practical work, giving a deeper cultural and critical context, challenging preconceptions and providing inspiration. The final year culminates in the production of a major piece of technically innovative 3D computer animation, whether story/narrative in nature, effects-based or derived from motion capture innovations.

As individuals they develop their ideas from initial conception via programming knowledge to the final render, simulation and sequencing.

The new MArts year will help to provide the final stage in the process as students advance their course of study, aiming to extend and propel their skills with students encouraged to work directly with industry or to form entrepreneurial groups that generate IP. If the student goes on to complete the Integrated Master’s degree (beyond the BA) we would expect an ongoing emphasis on self-directed learning, multidisciplinarity and collaborative creative work to be realised in an outward-facing project that effectively bridges the gap between academia and industry.

Rachel Piper, 2:1 Graduate, June 2015

22 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

(The MArts allows you to study on a four-year course that allows you to to achieve a Master’s award within a single fee structure.)

Raj Joshi

“I went from knowing next to absolutely nothing about 3D Computer animation to feeling quite accomplished in the field.

The course let me try my hand at a huge variation of skills such as photography and life drawing, as well as the 3D side of modelling and animating. It is a very interesting and stimulating course and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it for the past three years.”

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 23

10 Fascinating Facts about 3D Computer Animation at UWTSD 01

In the very first graduate year one student went on to work on the new (CG) Batmobile for the new Batman-reboot with a film called BATMAN BEGINS (released in 2005).

06

Students on the programme have won awards for their animation work and alumni have gone on to work as animators and 3D artists on numerous prestigious tv and feature film productions.

02

The programme has consistently used Autodesk’s MAYA software for 3D modelling and animation work.

07

03

There is a growing number of graduates now working as Technical Directors in the industry and some have left the degree to work as character animators, games animators, multimedia managers, 3D visualisation artists and to set up their own companies.

Some of the best features on the programme are the opportunities that it provides to develop production-style showreels consisting of 3D character models, animated characters expressing life and emotion and engrossing technical effects sequences.

08

The programme is all about design and using the technology to bring your 3D creations to the screen. The best work to emerge from the degree has always managed to evoke excellent animation elements, with imaginative design, and an engaging and/or a challenging, provocative 3D style.

09

Animated film is over a hundred years old.

The first computers constructing wireframe models emerged in the 1960s. Toy Story was released in 1995. The 3D industry really only began in the late 1990s. And........at the turn of the century......the BA3DCA degree started in Swansea.

10

The SAND Conference, organised by the School since 2000, attracted speakers and CG companies from across the globe to cover the latest films, trends and techniques in 3D animation, games and effects.

04

Staff in the School have animation, games and film credits and continue to work as practitioners, as well as academics, devising their own designs, 3D work and animations.

Eno Esin

05

Assignment briefs have been set on everything from Architecture to Zombies, asking students to conjure 3D models and animations from a diverse and eclectic mix of subjects. Students have a lot of input on these and they are continually challenged to push their thinking, designing and animation skills.

24 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 25

Ryan Dunne

Kristian Wangen

Graduate Employment Directions

26 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

iCREATE (based in Swansea) was set up by one of the BA3DCA graduates (after 2003) and the company has contributed a lot since then, continuing to offer internships and job roles for current students. Several of the BA3DCA alumni trade from their own 3D design companies and have visited as guests to see existing students, including TOMODACHI ISLAND and PIXEL SHED. Others now work across various countries and continents and links are being made with animators in Europe, Africa, Canada, Ireland (BILLY GOAT ENTERTAINMENT) and across the animation community. Recent engagement with the Head of 3D Visualisation at AREA SQ. has resulted in a visit and to discuss internship opportunities for students to apply and work in 3D modelling, environment modelling and 3D visualisation. Visualisation is a well-established side to 3D design and production and other liaisons have recently been made with the Head of 3D at GINGER MONKEYS.

The number of contacts with these leading effects companies is considerable, from across all of the years, from both the BA3DCA and the different versions of the BSc Visual Effects degree. BA3DCA alumni have done very well and are now attaining lead technical director and 3D specialist job roles. These links continue to be an essential part of the production web with UWTSD very much at the centre of this network.

Recently, correspondence with Double Negative has resulted in another internship distributed to the graduates.

Several of the graduates from the course have worked with these companies.

The team have also initiated contact with the London-based production and post-production house, THE IMAGINARIUM, specialising in motion capture performance, data acquisition and project realisation. The Imaginarium is owned jointly by Andy Serkis and John Cavendish. It provides a development and production platform for filmmakers worldwide.

The team have forged new links with ‘Animators’ at several famous and prestigious companies including METHOD STUDIOS (with Offices around the world) and SONY IMAGEWORKS (with graduates that have worked on Hotel Transylvania #2 and many other features).

Students and graduates from the BA3DCA can also consider work in The degree has had a lot of industry the Games industry (working on animation) and more links have connections with some of the recently been made with animation biggest production companies in personnel and animators at London that include: FACTORY CREATE, OYSTERWORLD GAMES and STUDIO GOBO DOUBLE NEGATIVE (environment design, Disney’s MOVING PICTURE COMPANY INFINITY 3.0 title).

FRAMESTORE

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 27

Creative Computer Games Design 28 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 29

BA (Hons) / MArts (Hons) Creative Computer Games Design The School of Film & Digital Media has excellent links with games production companies both locally and nationally. Through dialogue with industry and the application of the latest developments in games, graduates from this programme are suitably equipped to enter their chosen industry as practitioners in this global revolution.

The MArts Creative Computer Games Design course introduces students to the essential skills and practices used within the Games Industry along with the ability to academically analyse and evaluate their own game ideas and designs.

The modules all feed into a single game idea over the first two years of the course, allowing students to work within a production group to develop game-related content using a simulated development cycle. The first year of the course will have the students working within their teams to produce all concepts, characters, assets and game documentation.

The second year of the course sees each student (still within their production teams) implement all work from the first year into a game engine environment and eventually into the creation of a working game demo.

The third year develops these ideas further with the students producing a game demo/proof of concept, based on their own specifications, as part of their final major project.

30 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Academically the students evaluate their work in the form of reports and analytical documents throughout the three years of the course as well as a Dissertation and Critical Review in the third year.

This programme focuses priority on the creative exploration of computer games design in the modern world. Students are given all the necessary knowledge to develop new and innovative work in the fields of image creation, 3D Graphics, animation, environment modelling, texturing, character concept, design and modelling.

They are encouraged to explore and develop their ideas utilising the latest computer technologies and software.

Student learning is through practice; the degree is at least 80% practical and culminates in a series of personally directed projects which allow the students to direct their studies towards a preferred specialist area with an emphasis on personal expression.

The majority of assessments on the course are practically based assignments with the taught part of each module typically comprising tutor-led exposition with supported practical/seminar sessions.

“Terrific course with plenty of opportunities to create fun games, push creative skills and get a taste of working in the games industry. “ James Ceri Penhallurick

Students are strongly encouraged to interact with the lecturer during the taught sessions to ensure that they fully understand the material.

Problems that require a significant amount of thought or further reading are set as exercises to be discussed within a subsequent session.

On the days where there are no taught modules students review the material from previous lectures and undertake further studies based on the recommended reading lists.

Areas of employment include: Level Artist; Environmental & Asset Modelling; Character Artist; 3D Character Modelling; Texture Artist, Traditional/ Digital Concept Artist and Games Technical Artist.

BA UCAS Code: W283 MArts UCAS Code: 8B2K Location: Swansea Contact: John Carroll john.carroll@uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 31

Creative Computer Games Design (Course Structure)

Year 1 / Level 4 Game Design & History Visual Studies for Film & Digital Media Character Design & Animation Ways of Thinking Ways of Perceiving Creative Practice 1 Creative Practice 2 Environment & Level Design Year 2 / Level 5

The Game Designer’s Context Creative Practice 3 Creative Practice 4 Entrepreneurship Creative Research Research Practices Game Design & Asset Creation 1 Game Design & Asset Creation 2 Year3 / Level 6 Dissertation SFDM Major Project Stage 1 SFDM Major Project Stage 2 Game Design & Critical Analysis Critical Review Year 4 / Level 7 Research Methods and Communication Creative Enterprise and Practice Creative Venture 1: Development Creative Venture 2: Realisation

32 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 33

Graduate Employment Directions

•

Five students from the 2013- 14 graduating year formed the XD Studios games development company in Swansea.

• One student from the 2013 14 graduating year gained a placement through “Go Wales” as an animator and has since been taken on permanently as a Junior Animator with “Think IPM”.

• One student was hired by Creative Assembly / SEGA for Q&A on the Alien: Isolation game.

• One student was hired by the out-sourcing company Super Massive Games to lead a small team of games artists on several projects.

• Six students have been working on various projects through Wales Interactive which resulted • Three students from the 2013-14 graduating year joined in two IOS and Android games.

A further eight students were three students from the 2012- 13 graduating year at the Oyster involved with game testing sessions at Wales Interactive World Games Company in Cardiff working on concept art, after graduation in July 2013. modelling and animation.

• Two students were been hired

by Tonto Film studios in • Two Students went on to co- found the local Swansea games Swansea to work on VFX, Concept Art and Animation. company Chaos Trend along with two students from the BSc • Three Students have moved Games Development course. on to continued study on postgraduate degrees or PhDs. • Five third year graduates were employed by Chaos Trend as games artists resulting in three published IOS and Android The course has links with games games. companies such as: • One Student was hired by • EA Rockstar North in Edinburgh • Rockstar North to join the Q&A department for • Rockstar Leeds the Grand Theft Auto series.

• Codemasters The student has since moved • Rare onto the environmental Art • Lionhead Studios modelling team.

• Microsoft Studios • Traveller’s Tales • One student was hired by • Creative Assembly Traveller’s Tales for their Q&A • Chaos Trend department working on the • XD Studios Lego Star Wars series.

34 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 35

10 Fascinating Facts about Computer Games Design at UWTSD 01

The Creative Computer Games Design course has been running since 2005.

02

In 2014 50% of the students from the third year graduated with a 1st Degree.

03

100% of third year students since 2013 have graduated with a degree with no failures.

04

05

Students from the 2013-14 cohort formed a limited company before they had even finished their third year.

Students from the course have worked on a number of critically acclaimed games over the past few years including; Grand Theft Auto 5, Alien: Isolation and Lego Star Wars 3.

36 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

06

One of the lecturers on the course worked on a 2013 Bafta award-winning game with another working on a 2013 Bafta nominated game.

07

Second year students from the 2015 academic year worked on QA testing for the game “Street Fist 2”, to be released late 2015, as part of their module assessment.

08

XD Studios in Swansea regularly participate in live design briefs with the students on the course.

09

The students use the awardwinning game engines “Unreal Engine 4” & “Unity Engine 5” to build and publish their game projects.

10

Graduating students have also worked outside of the games industry on the TV series Da Vinci’s Demons at Bay Studios in the fields of concept art and animation.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 37

MA 3D Computer Animation The MA 3D Computer Animation programme is designed to furnish graduates and other entryqualified applicants with an experience which will encourage and develop their creativity, expand their practical capabilities, and sharpen their critical faculties. The course is designed to simulate a typical production pipeline with modules in core animation skills, pre- and post-production techniques (including VFX), and production management.

The student will also extend their intellectual abilities to become an effective academic researcher, developing an awareness of the social, ethical, technological, and cultural implications of their work.

Critical thinking and analytical approaches to creative projects is encouraged. But, above all, students will become much better animators.

The Part II Major Project provides an opportunity for the student to undertake a deep and systematic study into a particular aspect of 3D computer animation, and is often in the form of a completed original short film. It is usually completed as a team, and provides a vehicle to further advance the innovative and creative skills of the student and to integrate the material taught in Part I. As such it aims to prepare the students for life-long learning by fostering an investigative approach to complex problem-solving.

Henry Lutman henry.lutman@uwtsd.ac.uk

38 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Contact:

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 39

Music 40 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 41

BA (Hons) / MMus Tech (Hons) Music Technology The BA (Hons) Music Technology programme aims to cultivate wideranging technical and aesthetic skills associated with the subject area. Our practice-based degree offers an opportunity for the student to develop the key skills necessary for employment in the creative and cultural industries.

Since we are within the School of Film & Digital Media, students have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines with animation, game and film students. Students can make use of PC and Macbased computer labs equipped with industry-standard software from Avid, Adobe, Autodesk, Apple, and many, many, more specialist developers.

Although originally designed to record orchestras, choirs, and large jazz ensembles the space has wonderful acoustics and has been used successfully to record everything from Death Metal to solo harp: a magnificent resource, much loved by students.

Its control room features a Pro Tools system and surround sound capabilities. We also use it as a performance space.

BA UCAS Code: J931 MMus Tech UCAS Code: 5P2Y Location: Swansea Contact: Simon Kilshaw simon.kilshaw@uwtsd.ac.uk

The Music Technology course is primarily based in the BBC Building and includes three studios and a large hall. Studio 1 features a Pro Tools digital audio workstation, an analogue Soundcraft Ghost mixer, outboard gear and PMC & Genelec monitoring. Studio 2 is a fully-soundproofed and self-contained complex, again with a Pro Tools system and surround-sound. Studio 3 is a large BBC-designed recording space.

42 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 43

Music Technology (Course Structure) The Music Technology course is designed to cover a wide range of topics, from studio engineering to sound design for games. The course also offers specialisms in Music, Film & Television Production, Game Audio and Music Business.

Year 4 / Level 7 Creative Enterprise and Practice Research Methods and Communication Creative Venture 1 - Development Creative Venture 2- Realisation

Year 1 / Level 4 The Studio Engineer Creative Practice 1 & 2 Music Systems Programming Ways of Perceiving Ways of Thinking Sound Design Specialisms: Film & Television Production 1, Music 1, Game Audio 1, Music Business Year 2 / Level 5 Spatial Audio Creative Practice 3 & 4 Creative Research Research Practices Audio Post-Production Entrepreneurship Specialisms: Film & Television Production 2, Music 2, Game Audio 2, Marketing Music Year 3 / Level 6 Dissertation Major Project Critical Review Specialisms: Advanced Film & Television Production, Music 3, Game Audio 3, Networking & Self Promotion

44 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 45

Industry Links and Graduate Employablilty Music Technology can be applied to many industries, for example Film & TV, Live Sound, Studio Engineering and Music Composition & Performance. Here are some examples of suitable positions for the graduates from this programme: - Recording engineer.

- Tonmeister.

- Film, television, and new media sectors.

- Games development companies, mobile application development, and new media sectors.

- Live sound, installation and retail sector.

In addition, it is the School’s experience that its graduates have an excellent range of technologically advanced transferable skills that enable them to gain employment in a diverse range of contemporary media companies as well as becoming directly employed in the music industry.

The school holds industry days, industry experts’ workshops.

46 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 47

MA Creative Sound Production The MA Creative Sound Production offers participants the opportunity to extend their technological and compositional skills in a variety of musical genres and contexts, and provides a unique opportunity for the student to develop important and rare skillsets at postgraduate level suitable for local, national, and international employment in the creative industries.

It is anticipated that applicants for the programme will have a passionate interest in audio engineering, sound creation and manipulation, sonic art and so on. It is expected that you will already be familiar with generic principles related to the subject area and be proficient in the use of audio recording technologies and digital audio workstations. However, detailed knowledge of specific software packages to be used on the course is taught where appropriate (for example, Pd or Unity).

A crucial element of the course is that it provides numerous opportunities to collaborate and interact with other disciplines and practitioners within the School: filmmakers; animators; new media producers; and, game designers.

This allows them to relate their own musical and technological approaches to current practice within the creative industries and to develop a dynamic and rich portfolio of work using cuttingedge practices and techniques.

Contact: Paul Hazel paul.hazel@uwtsd.ac.uk

Students who wish to pursue a more technical slant in their work are free to do so as long as they also satisfy the creative aspects of the learning outcomes.

In this sense, an assumption of the programme is that “creativity� is an integral part of innovative technical solutions to real-world problems.

48 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 49

Digital Media Staff 3D Computer Animation

Computer Games Design

Music Tech/Sonic Arts

John Hill An experienced senior academic and a trained Fine Artist with particular interest in ideas generation and the visualisation of concepts, my work centers upon the relationship between empirical investigation and digital mediation, manifesting in a range of new media objects.

Phil Organ Phil has two animation degrees.

Worked as an Animator on tv, feature, freelance and devising his own workshops.

Devoted to animating, concept design work, screenwriting, story development and film-enthusiast.

Senior Lecturer with an extensive library of animations, writing and imagery that he uses for all of his 3D animation classes and lectures.

John Carroll John currently teaches in the field of character concept, character design, character 3D modelling, texturing and Character animation as well as environmental modelling, texturing and level design in Unreal Engine 4. He also has a background in Graphic design, illustration, Photoshop Digital design and painting.

Simon Kilshaw As a lecturer and researcher in Music Technology at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Simon explores the exciting potential of technology to teach, compose, perform and create music. His varied research and practice primarily relates to interactive gestural performance of electroacoustic music, the sonification of physical modelled structures, acousmatic and electro-acoustic composition and spatial diffusion..

In attempting to make explicit the creative and exploratory nature of new media, my teaching sets out to accentuate the development of problem-solving, experimental approaches to new media design, communications and contextualisation. My students will be able to approach their work in an open and informed manner with increased engagement and room for personal development.Â

Richard Morgan Richard is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Thesis (A Critical Appraisal of Commercially Available Game Engines) to be published by 2016. He also has an Interest in developing future research papers relating to the application of industry practices in education and simulating professional working environments for student projects.

Julian Hainsworth Julian currently has over 10 years’ experience in 3D modelling, animation and programming, and he utilises this both academically and professionally. Julian can utilise both common modelling methods and 3D digital sculpting methods throughout his teaching practice.

50 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Jenn Kirby Jenn is a composer and music technologist. She has qualifications in Software Development, Music Technology and Music Composition. Her teaching interests are primarily focused on music technology and composition, including: studio engineering; programming music systems; psychoacoustics; live electronics and contemporary instrumental; and, electroacoustic composition.

Gethin Woolcock Gethin, BSc, MA, is a musician, experienced recording engineer/ producer and a former student of UWTSD. He has a solid body of release credits, having worked with artists as diverse as Heavy Metal bands and male voice choirs. Gethin has many active projects including the rock band Prosperina, who have released two critically acclaimed selfproduced albums.

Mike Johnson Mike is a former graduate of the MA Creative Sound Production course at UWTSD. He joined the Music Technology team in 2013 and has a particular specialism in object-oriented audio programming systems which includes the authoring of two user guides delving into audio programming and game audio programming.

John Hill

Digital Arts

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 51

The Digital Film & Television Production courses embrace the demands of the contemporary film and TV industries, looking forwards to future developments yet steeped in traditional filmmaking techniques.

Building on close industry connections, the course aims for students to develop the technical, creative and professional skills necessary to forge careers in film and television.

56 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Film Swansea www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 57

BA (Hons) / MArts (Hons) Digital Film & Television Production The BA (Hons) Digital Film and Television Production programme has a strong practical approach to the moving image that is underpinned by a solid theoretical basis, and explores both the creative, technical the aspects of filmmaking. The course combines the main aspects of production, screenwriting and film theory, and creates graduates with the creative, technical, critical and entrepreneurial skills required to begin on a career in the film and television industry.

The course provides training and guidance in the fundamental technical skills of current digital film and television production from camerawork and sound recording to editing and postproduction. The course also provides students with an understanding of the many roles in the production process by taking a multi-skilled approach while also giving students the opportunity to specialise later on. As an established Avid academic partner with an in-house Avid certified instructor, we are able to offer students the opportunity to gain certification in professional editing packages for those preparing for careers in high-end film and television editing.

You will be encouraged to develop your personal voice within digital filmmaking through the continual production of short film projects throughout the degree course. To support this, you will be provided with formal tuition and guidance to help develop your writing and directing skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake placements on professional 58 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

productions. In the past year, for example, selected students have had work experience on major US TV drama Da Vinci’s Demons, on several features, including the films The Machine and The Convenience, as well as on documentary productions for the BBC. In addition, students also have the opportunity to attend film and television festivals where they can network with directors, producers and other industry figures.

The course has also been carefully developed in parallel with related programmes within the School of Film & Digital Media (SFDM), the Faculty of Art & Design, and UWTSD as a whole. Within SFDM all courses have a Creative Practice module that is timetabled at the same time, allowing for productive collaborations with courses in Music Technology, 3D Computer Animation and Visual Effects.

Within the Faculty, students from Digital Film & Television Production work collaboratively with those from BA Advertising & Brand Design on live briefs, such as those provided by D&AD, and with students from BA Graphic Design on posters and design work for film and television projects. In the wider University, there is an ongoing connection with the BA Performing Arts course whose students frequently work on projects with our Digital Film & Television Production students.

BA UCAS Code: W610 MArts UCAS Code: 4S8X Location: Swansea Contact: Robert Jones robert.jones1@uwtsd.ac.uk www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 59

Digital Film & Television Production (Course Structure) Year 1 / Level 4

Year 2 / Level 5

Students learn primarily through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, and there is an emphasis on the teaching and acquisition of key skills. The modules Film & TV Production 1 and Post Production 1 introduce key concepts and begin developing craft skills in these areas. In addition, a module in Scriptwriting provides an understanding of storytelling for the screen as well as the craft of writing in this form.

While the continuing teaching and acquisition of keys skills remains important, students will be expected to take greater responsibility in directing their learning as their knowledge increases. The modules Film & TV Production 2 and Post Production 2 continue the development of key skills in these areas through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and exercises.

In Visual Studies for Film & Digital Media, students learn fundamentals of visual grammar including composition, lighting, mise en scene, together with important underlying ideas that will inform your practice. Having two semester-long Creative Practice modules allow students to create their own pieces of work under the guidance and supervision of Faculty staff. Two semester-long Contextual Studies modules provide students with wider knowledge of relevant philosophical, historical and theoretical themes that feed into students’ practical work.

60 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

A module on Entrepreneurship gives students an understanding of business and professional issues related to working in the film and TV industries.

The Commercial & Commissioned Filmmaking module, gives students the opportunity to make works such as music videos, title sequences, fashion films, idents and advertisements and gain an understanding of these different forms.

Having two semester-long Creative Practice modules allows students to create their own pieces of work under the guidance and supervision of Faculty staff.

Two semester-long Contextual Studies modules provide students with skills in research practices, in preparation for dissertation work and the major project in the third year.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 61

Year 3 / Level 6

Year 4 / Level 7

Students will continue to work increasingly under their own direction, discussing the development and creation of projects with advice and guidance from Faculty staff. In the first semester, the Advanced Film & TV Production module, students will work on projects that are aimed at industry, such as creating a short film targeting festivals, a teaser for a film or TV project or live briefs for student awards, while honing their specialisms. In addition, students will commence their Major Project, work originated by them, with support and guidance from Faculty staff. Also in the first semester, students will write a Dissertation related to their practical work. In the second semester, students continue and complete their Major Project and write a Critical Review, reflecting on their work.

This is an option for our undergraduate students who wish to continue working in digital film and television production to an integrated Master’s level (MArts). The year is student led, focusing on further enhancing the creative identity of the individual through research and innovation as well as a targeted employment or enterprise strategy for their future. The Research Methods and Communication and Creative Enterprise & Practice modules are designed to encourage advanced understanding of theoretical knowledge in research methods, entrepreneurial thinking, and to develop a deep understanding of contemporary film markets. In particular, students are encouraged to display resourcefulness, entrepreneurial skills, and the capacity to establish new and innovative ways of working. For the Creative Venture module the project outcomes are not fixed and students may wish to extend their professional standing in their chosen field through advanced practice, or they may wish to further develop existing IP assets generated at the undergraduate level. In either case, an outward-facing and industryfocused approach will be encouraged.

62 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 63

Facilities The course has excellent facilities and equipment for digital film & television production and postproduction. A fully equipped TV studio, with a production control room and green screen facility, gives students the opportunity to shoot anything from news and documentary interviews to drama, music video and special effects. For location production, students can use a wide range of HD, HD DSLR, XD-CAM and 4K camera kits, including Canon and RED cameras, with prime lens kits, along with Kino, Arri and Dedo lighting kits and sound recording equipment. Professional camera sliders, shoulder rigs, track & dolly and Steadicam systems can also be used to create fluid camera movements.

For post-production, computers across the Faculty are equipped with industry-standard film and television production software including Adobe Creative Suite (including Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects), Pro Tools and DaVinci Resolve. The Faculty is also an official Avid Learning Partner and has 24 Avid Media Composer seats. These editing systems deal with uncompressed high definition footage in real time. In addition, many computers are equipped with other industry-standard film and television production software including Final Draft, MovieMagic Scheduling and MovieMagic Budgeting. The department also has large plasma and 3D LED screen TVs and digital projectors for screenings.

64 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 65

Industry Links and Graduate Employablilty One month after graduating from the Digital Film & Television Production course in 2013, Laura O’Callaghan had already landed herself a job on a popular TV show in Cardiff. She is currently working as a floor runner on ‘Stella’, a Sky1 show written by and starring Ruth Jones of Gavin & Stacey. The series was filming its third series, which went to air in early 2014.

Since graduating from the university in 2012, Josie Morgan has worked on several feature films including Mission Impossible 5 and Fury.

Siri Vålberg Saugstad graduated from the Digital Film & Television Production course in 2012, and is now working as a news photographer and editor at Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) in Oslo.

Eoin McLoughlin graduated from the course in 2011. Since then he has progressed into full-time work in the film & television industry, first for Swansea-based Vibe Video Production and now as a freelance camera assistant, working on BBC dramas Casualty and Atlantis.

He recently worked at the Welsh independent film The Crow.

Richard Waters earned his higher diploma in Ireland before transferring to Swansea to complete his degree. In 2013, Richard directed The O’Briens that won the 2013 Newport Beach Film festival in LA.

66 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Ewan Donaldson graduated in 2012 and now works as a Multimedia Officer at Swansea City Football Club, creating films and other content for the club.

‘The facilities and opportunities for real life work experience have enabled me to develop my understanding and skills as a filmmaker’ Samuel Hinton “Paris was a great opportunity to put into practice previously taught skills and use them in a realtime scenario. The Paris trip was always going to be a challenge but one that was embraced and conquered. The team managed to get a good amount of quality interviews from a cross section of the population in Paris” Nick Perry 1st year DFTP “The Paris trip was a great learning experience where we had a say in all part of the production.

Taking part in the production from day one made it easier to analyse and see where we made mistakes and how to do better next time. For me the Paris trip was the best experience from this year.” Kristiane Korneliussen 1st year DFTP

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 67

10 Fascinating Facts about Film at UWTSD 01

Students have gained work experience on drama and documentary productions for BBC, ITV, Sky, BBC Worldwide/FX, S4C as well as a host of independent UK feature film productions.

02

We have strong links to Bay Studios, which is Europe’s largest independent production studio.

This is where they film Da Vinci’s Demons.

03

Many of our graduates now work across various areas of the film and TV sector around the world.

04

05

Students’ films are regularly nominated and win awards at film festivals around the UK and beyond, with dramas, comedies and music videos routinely picking up prizes in competition with films and filmmakers from other universities.

A former student directed an independent Irish feature film called ‘The O’Brien’s’ that won the 2013 Newport Beach Film Festival (Los Angeles) award.

68 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

06

In March 2015 students went to Paris to shoot a short documentary (Je ne sais pas pourquoi) on the aftermath of the terrorist attack that took place in January.

07

The School of Film and Digital Media provides industry standard facilities and equipment including green screen studios, motion capture, 4K recording cameras, editing and post-production suites for students to use during the course. Students also have access to industry-standard software during their time on the programme.

08

Students can take an editing exam to become an Avid certified user, a qualification that has led directly to previous graduates gaining employment opportunities in the film and TV industries.

09

As part of the School of Film and Digital Media, film students have the opportunity to collaborate as part of their studies with students from music technology, animation and visual effects.

10

All students have the opportunity to make an individual final year film.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 69

Film Staff Rob Jones Senior Lecturer

Dave Morgan Senior Lecturer

Kylie works as a Technician Demonstrator providing instruction on a wide range of equipment and software. Kylie graduated with a Video BA (Hons), is currently working on a Master’s in Philosophy and holds a PGCE/PCET qualification. Her personal creative work focuses on experimenting with mixed media, and installation, fusing film with other art forms. Kylie’s work has been screened at film festivals, and she has exhibited in the Mission Gallery, Swansea.

Rob is the Programme Director for the course. He has extensive knowledge and experience in visual effects and postproduction, which helps to extend the boundaries of filmmaking possibilities for students within the context of the programme.

His current research interests into realism and production rendering strategies for visual effects also further support the underlying aims of the course. Rob is also interested in the relationship between sound and the moving image, which derives from his time studying composition and sound design at Goldsmiths College where he wrote numerous scores for short films and documentaries.

Dave is an experienced senior academic and a trained photographer/cinematographer with particular interest in visual communication, new media and experiential learning. His professional development centre’s on the relationship between visual experimentation and practical competency in both the still and moving image. Learning through practice is his fundamental mantra, developing the key elements of professional practice necessary for image design in the union of sound and vision.

Chris Buxton Lecturer Chris’s primary interest is in the teaching of storytelling for the screen, from the initial ideas process and development, through scriptwriting and rewriting, to direction, editing and post-production. In addition, Chris is interested in using motion graphics techniques to create a new hybrid approach to narrative on screen and in web series as low-budget entry points to video distribution and exhibition. Chris is a writer/director, who has worked for BBC1, ITV, BBC Wales and various independent film and television companies, and his work has won the Welsh Bafta for Best Short Film. He has also been producer and a lighting cameraman on award-winning short films, and is co-producer and script editor of The HarriParris, a stage show and BBC Radio Wales series.

70 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Timi O’Neill Lecturer

Timi teaches on several modules of the Digital Film and TV Production course and is the Programme Coordinator for Historical & Contextual Studies (Art & Design).

Manolo is one of the few ACI’s His main passion is documentary (Avid Certified Instructor) in the UK. Manolo is an expert on Avid editing film production and he is currently systems, from ‘Avid Media Composer’ working on a film documenting the last years of the Irish to the most powerful hardware/ playwright Samuel Beckett. software based ‘Avid Symphony’.

Manolo has a wide range of knowledge in film production and post-production workflows. Past commercial projects include the making of documentaries around the world, including Finland, Holland, Spain and Africa. He is also proficient in technical project consultancy, which includes the design and development of a Television Studio for SCPV with Sony Europe. Manolo’s research interests include memory and sensation in site-specific filmmaking.

Manolo Lozano Senior Lecturer

John Hill Senior Lecturer

John is a highly creative and experienced senior academic. He is a trained Fine Artist with particular interest in ideas generation and the visualisation of concepts. His work centers upon the relationship between empirical investigation and digital mediation, manifesting in a range of exciting objects, proposals and treatments. In attempting to make explicit the creative and exploratory nature of film, his teaching sets out to accentuate the development of problem-solving, experimental approaches, communications and contextualisation. His students will be able to approach their work in an open and informed manner with increased engagement and room for personal development.

Manolo Lozano

Kylie Boon Technician/Demonstrator

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 71

There are two film and media degree programmes based on the Carmarthen campus. They are BA Film and Visual Culture and BA New Media Production. Each of these programmes offers you 72 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

the chance to hone your skills and talent to a high degree of professionalism. We believe that by working with media industries and creative communities, by analysing and

creating, and by being able to develop yourselves as individuals, you will be contributors and not followers.

Film & Media Carmarthen www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 73

Film and Media

On the Carmarthen campus, our degrees in film and media are delivered in a state-of-theart new building, in a beautiful rural location. Facilities have been purposely designed to offer students a creative and professional environment in which to work, within easy reach of a variety of stunning external filming locations. We have a Mac Lab with dedicated use for our students, along with a studio, and lecture theatre with full screen viewing facilities. We have a high ratio of equipment in relation to students, which means there are no long queues for students to access the kit they need. Staff offices are situated alongside these spaces to ensure you can access the support you need throughout the day.

74 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

BA Film and Visual Culture and BA New Media Production offer you the chance to hone your skills and talent to a high degree of professionalism. We have strong links with the film and media industries, and both programmes will offer you many opportunities to engage with companies beyond the University.

Entrepreneurship and business skills are also built into each of the programmes to enable you to operate effectively within your chosen field after graduation. Our students are currently enjoying the opportunity to work on international productions based in Wales such as The Crow and Da Vinci’s Demons, a direct result of our strong links with the film and media industry.

Both degree programmes offer students the capacity to specialise within their chosen areas, while offering you a complete grounding in the fields of film and media.

By their final year, students can choose to specialise in areas such as screenwriting, film production, interactive media, research, digital photography and design for digital platforms.

filmandmediacarmarthen

Adam Deacon- Cardigan Bay

The School of Film and Digital Media, based on the Carmarthen campus, offers two degree programmes designed to optimise your vocational prospects in the industry. Through combining practical and academic approaches, you can not only produce high quality work in your chosen field, but also develop the ability to make creative decisions about that work. The ability to think creatively and confidently has been flagged up by major media industry figures as the key quality that they are looking for when employing graduates.

The academic dimensions of the courses in Carmarthen allow students to develop the capacity to analyse and critique film and media products, and to transfer this ability to the construction of their own work.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 75

BA Film and Visual Culture

Students will be invited to engage with a broad range of contemporary media (such as film, television, graphic novels, comics and video games) to focus their major projects upon the areas of their choice. Over the course of the programme, students will be able to combine the theoretical and academic analysis of film and visual media, with practical and creative approaches. Students will have the opportunity to engage in all stages of filmmaking, from conception, through preproduction and production, and on to publication and exhibition.

Over the course of these processes, students will gain an insight into those areas that they would wish to specialize in. By their final year, students will be able to opt for a major creative project in a production area of their

76 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

choice; this could take the form of screenwriting, filmmaking, or research, to name some of the options open to students.

This degree offers students the opportunity to gain insight into working in the film industry, and to gain the skills needed to work as entrepreneurs or as freelancers in this field. Practitioners and leading figures from industry, and local entrepreneurs with film and media businesses, will be regular contributors to modules across the programme. Students will be given the skills to express themselves professionally through their academic and practical work, and to develop confident, independent and creative approaches to projects.

Teaching is delivered via lectures and seminars, along with workshops and demonstrations.

As we move through the three years of the programme, with an increasing number of modules involving working for companies outside the University, students will work more independently. The third year culminates in a major Creative Project in their final year.

This will run alongside a module on Entrepreneurship in Film and Media, equipping students with the necessary business skills to thrive in today’s media world.

BA UCAS Code: P30H Location: Carmarthen Contact: Susan Drake S.Drake@uwtsd.ac.uk

Steven Clarey

The BA Film and Visual Culture is an innovative degree programme, which combines the creative production of individual pieces of work in specialised areas, with the academic study of film and other visual media. By combining theory and practice, students are encouraged to enhance their understanding of cinema as a medium through the creation of practical work. The programme has been conceived with an emphasis upon vocational skills and employability; over the course of their studies, students will assemble a portfolio of work to enable them to compete for employment in their chosen field of the film industry. Emphasis has been given to entrepreneurial skills, and to the skills required to publish and exhibit work to audiences beyond the university.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 77

Key features •

A wide-ranging programme covering film and television from their origins to the latest developments of the art form

• Expert tuition in high standard production facilities • Access to engagement with film and media companies

Lowri Bevan working on Da Vinci’s Demons

• Ability to customise your degree to suit your chosen field of specialisation

Typical modules: Year 1 • Reading Visual Culture • Writing for Visual Media • Film History • Digital Film Production Year 2 • Script to Screen • Adaptation • Professional Development • Live Project Year 3 • Creative Project • Documentary • Entrepreneurship in Film and Media • Genre Case Study

“The Work Placement module offered me a great chance to work in a large studio on a major international production, and to make lots of useful contacts. Through the work that I did, I have been given the chance for paid work this summer on the filming of The Crow in Pinewood Studios.

I’ve now got a real insight into working in the film industry, and have been given so much confidence in my own future career in film production.”

Lowri Bevan

78 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 79

BA New Media Production The BA New Media Production degree is a multidisciplinary programme that equips students with specialist skills and knowledge in content creation for the contemporary media industry. Students will explore a variety of creative production methodologies such as digital publishing, online filmmaking, animation, and interactive photography, as well as the underlying web technologies that define New Media. With an emphasis on interactive narratives, the programme puts the user at the centre of the action. It is this interactivity and 360-degree vision that makes the New Media Production degree so distinctive and compelling.

their expertise in postgraduate programmes or start their own business.

A hands-on programme, there is also a core theoretical strand, ranging from media theory, academic skills, and contemporary issues in the Creative Industries.

There is an emphasis on employability skills, with specific opportunities for work placement and business development planning. Teaching is delivered in hands-on workshops, lectures and seminars where students are encouraged to develop their analytical, conceptual and practical thinking. Ideas will be developed through pitches, workshops and presentations, and expressed in the production work and written critical appraisals.

BA UCAS Code: PH10 Location: Carmarthen

Teaching is delivered via lectures and seminars, along with workshops and demonstrations.

As we move through the three years of the programme, with an increasing number of modules involving working for industry outside the University, students will work more independently. The third year culminates in a major Creative Project in their final year.

This will run alongside a module on Entrepreneurship in Film and Media, equipping students with the necessary business skills to thrive in today’s media world.

Contact: Susan Drake S.Drake@uwtsd.ac.uk

As students progress through the programme they will produce increasingly complex work culminating in a final year Creative Project that will be their calling card when they enter the Creative Industries, further develop

80 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 81

Key features • Industry standard software in a state-of-the-art facility •

Creation of a body of production work using a variety of digital media technologies under expert tuition

•

Explore the creative options for delivering an interactive narrative in a variety of formats, such as interactive filmmaking, animation and app design

“I really enjoyed doing work for the National Trust through the Live Project module. I made some really great contacts while working there and I have had voluntary job offers during the summer time. Working with them also opened my eyes to the many different types of media which is used even at the National Trust” Dan Bailey

Typical modules: Year 1 • New Media In Practice • Writing for Visual Media • Introduction To Publishing • Digital Film Production Year 2 • Mobile Publishing: App Design • Interactive Media • Professional Development • Live Project Year 3 • Creative Project • Documentary • Entrepreneurship in Film and Media • Multi-platform Publishing

82 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 83

Industry Links and Graduate Employablilty Our students have worked with the following companies over recent years: The National Trust Bay Studios Audio Boom Lab Class Adventure Bike TV BBC Wales The Celtic Media Festival National Museum of Wales The Welsh Xtreme WWT- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust SkyTec Aerial Filming Boom Pictures Cymru Cube Interactive S4C The Celtic Media Festival Dyfed-Powys Police

Steven Clarey

Cara Davies

As an entrepreneur, recent Film and Media graduate Steven Clarey has worked with companies such as Drift Innovation, and FIA World Rally Cross. He has toured Europe filming major events promoting Drift’s latest HD video camera, and produced photography and film work for international sports broadcasting companies.

Cara Davies is currently VFX Line Producer for Aardman Animation.

Cara has recently finished animating vampires and werewolves on the latest Twilight films:

Current students have benefited from guest lectures from Steven, where he gave advice on getting into the industry and discussed his route to success, which started with a Film and Media course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Steven is currently European Ambassador for Panasonic and provides them with film and photography work to promote their latest DSLR cameras.

“There was always work experience and opportunities to help build up your portfolio at TSD. Where possible, I took up these experiences which definitely contributed to giving my CV a little added extra and landing me my first Job as a Production Assistant.

My role at Aardman is a VFX Line Producer. Prior to this I was a VFX coordinator and my CV includes Where the Wild Things Are, The Tale of Desperaux, Clash of the Titans and Avatar.”

Behind the scenes on Josie Barrett’s Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners promo film on St. Catherin’s Island

84 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 85

10 Fascinating Facts about Film and Media at UWTSD 01

Our location in Carmarthen offers a range of unique opportunities to filmmakers, with stunning landscapes providing ideal locations for filming the natural environment, wildlife or sporting events, while also being within easy reach of major production studios.

02

The degrees offer students the ability to tailor their studies to the area of industry they want to work in, while providing an analytical understanding of the creation of film and media.

03

04

05

06

On completion of their studies students will have gained experience of working in groups on productions, created their own individual projects, networked with industry professionals, had the opportunity to attend film and media festivals, and developed discipline, professionalism and confidence while working for external clients. This extensive range of experience, including life skills that are highly valued by employers, will give students a head start in gaining fulfilling employment.

07

There is a strong emphasis upon entrepreneurial and business skills, and engagement with film and media companies, again designed to equip you with the necessary skills for a career in the contemporary film and media industries.

08

The decision of S4C to relocate to Carmarthen, in a new building that will be right beside ours, is already creating exciting opportunities for our students for regular engagement with a major media company.

09

We are the only University to be a partner of the Celtic Media Festival, which offers our students the opportunity to attend the event, and directly engage with the major players in the film and television industry in the Celtic nations each year.

Technical skills are related to artistic and creative choices, producing students who are able to work independently and creatively.

The degrees have been designed after direct consultation with major industry employers and Creative Skillset, to reflect the contemporary skills that they require of film and media graduates.

Through a variety of assessments that avoid traditional exams, students will learn to deliver professional pitches and presentations, create portfolios of work, and deal with figures from industry, providing the perfect basis for building skills and confidence for their own future careers.

86 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

10

We offer the opportunity for students to study in a relaxed but professional environment, in small class sizes, with direct and open access to staff.

“The Celtic Media Festival was an amazing learning experience. We felt like we were part of the industry, rather than just students, and really appreciated the opportunity to travel to other places and see what the other Celtic regions are doing in film and media. It has really given us a desire to stay working within the Celtic media industries.�

Aaron Davies 2nd year student, BA Film and Visual Culture

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 87

Staff profiles Brett Aggersberg Brett has been with the University since 2003 and has keen interest in emerging technologies and all forms of interactive media. As well as being a practitioner working with local artists and filmmakers, he is active in developing industry and community projects for the University, and is an Adobe Campus Leader. His research is focused on the intersection of creativity and technology.

Dr Susan Drake Susan has been lecturing with the University of Wales since 1993, and specialises in film and television theory. Her interests lie in contemporary film and media, with filmmakers such as Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers, alongside current television series such as Game of Thrones and True Detective. She is the Programme Director for both of the Film and Media programmes on the Carmarthen campus.

88 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 89

90 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 91

Student Support/ Cost of Living/ Accommodation Open days Study skills support is available to all students who need assistance with their studies, providing high quality information, advice, guidance, practical and emotional support to enable all students to reach their full potential. A drop-in study skills service is available every day of the working week.

The University’s Careers Service offers students help with identifying their career objectives throughout university. Staff provide appropriate assistance and support to enable students to implement these objectives.

We offer a wide range of financial support, including bursaries and scholarships which can provide some extra cash. These awards include departmental scholarships, support for students from low-income backgrounds, residential bursaries, Welshmedium / bilingual scholarships, support for care leavers, support with childcare costs, internships, educational bursaries and awards for part-time students, postgraduate students, disabled students and international students.

The University also manages the Money Doctors service which provides students with impartial advice on handling student debt, and offers all students money management guidance.

92 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

International Students Deciding where to study in another country is a huge decision, and is one that really will change your life! Not only is it an opportunity for you to get an international perspective on your studies, you'll also learn about a different culture, history and way of life.

Accommodation When it comes to accommodation, Swansea and Carmarthen are some of the cheapest places in the country for students to live.

Swansea has five halls of residence based on two separate campuses.

There is also a great range of private student accommodation in the city centre, including residential blocks and houses.

Accommodation at Carmarthen is located on the main campus our students benefit from a close community atmosphere with excellent sports facilities and leisure facilities located on site.

Visit Us The Faculty holds official open days, details of which can be found on our website, but we welcome students at any time of the year.

To arrange a visit please contact the relevant course tutor.

For further information or to request a main university prospectus please contact us.

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 93

How to apply

Interviews and Portfolios

University of Wales Trinity Saint David Faculty of Art & Design Dynevor Centre for Art, Design and Media De La Beche Street Swansea, SA1 3EU Wales, UK

University of Wales Trinity Saint David College Road Carmarthen SA31 3EP

Tel: +44 (0)1792 481285 Email: artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk www.uwtsd.ac.uk

2

Tel: +44 (0)1267 676767 Email: artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk www.uwtsd.ac.uk

Glasgow

Edinburgh

M6

Our interviews are friendly and informal and you will also be offered a tour of the Faculty and facilities. For most course interviews, you will be required to submit a portfolio of work.

As a general guide, portfolios should contain examples of work (both finished and work in progress) that showcase your particular skills and interests.

The content of a portfolio should be presented in a logical, ordered and simple fashion. We also love to see sketchbooks.

Leeds

2

M6

2

M4

M6

A5

Birmingham

M

50 M

Lampeter Carmarthen

Pembroke

M25

Swansea M4 Cardiff

M4

Cardiff

M1

Swansea

Fishguard

M5

Lampeter Carmarthen

Pembroke

Manchester

M1

Liverpool

Fishguard

94 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

M90

A74

If you are selected for interview you will find you have the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to your chosen area of study and show your selfmotivation. You will have a chance to discuss aspects of the course and to ask any questions that you many have.

Carmarthen Campus

M9

Please apply directly to the University forpart-time and postgraduate courses.

Swansea Campus

50

Applications for full-time art and design courses are made through UCAS. Further details can be found at: www.ucas.ac.uk

London

M4 Bristol

A3

6

A3

M2 Dover

M5

Southampton

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 95

How to find us in Swansea

Orchard Street NCP car park SA1 5AS Kingsway NCP Car park SA1 5JQ

11.

How to find us in Carmarthen

Dynevor Campus (restricted parking) SA1 3ES

10.

Alex Road Campus (no parking available) SA1 5DU

Carmarthen Campus SA31 3EP (Parking is available on site)

19.

Learning and Teaching Block Film and Media Courses

9.

Main Reception

Croeso i’r YDDS Caerfyrddin Welcome to UWTSD Carmarthen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

96 |

Prif fynedfa | Main entrance Theatr yr Haliwel | Haliwell Theatre Bwyty Myrddin | Merlin Restaurant Llety Noakes | Noakes Accommodation Swyddfa Llety | Accommodation Office Canolfan Chwaraeon | Sports Centre Derbynfa | Reception Y Gofrestrfa | Registry Cyllid | Finance Y Llwyfan Hen Goleg | Old College Swyddfa Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Desg Gymorth TG | IT Help Desk Undeb y Myfyrwyr | Students’ Union Pwll Nofio | Swimming Pool Llety Tŵr | Tower Accommodation Llety Myrddin | Myrddin Accommodation Llyfrgell | Library Stiwdio | Studio Gwasanaethau Myfyrwyr | Student Services Llety Non | Non Accommodation Capel | Chapel Adeilad Dysgu ac Addysgu | Teaching and Learning Building Ystafelloedd darlithio TL | TL Lecture Rooms Parry Ystafelloedd darlithio P | P Lecture Rooms Dafydd Rowlands Ystafelloedd darlithio DR | DR Lecture Rooms Rob Hunter Ystafelloedd darlithio RH | RH Lecture Rooms Norah Issac Ystafelloedd darlithio N | N Lecture Rooms Carwyn James Ystafelloedd darlithio CJ | CJ Lecture Rooms Emyr Wyn Evans Ystafelloedd darlithio EW | EW Lecture Rooms Y Gamfa Wen

Campws Mount Pleasant | Mount Pleasant Campus Coleg Celf Abertawe | Swansea College of Art www.uwtsd.ac.uk Campws Fusnes Abertawe | Swansea Business Campus

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 97

Other Books in this series This book is part of a series.

If you would like to receive another book please contact the faculty, artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk 01792 481285

Product, Automotive & Transport Design

Advertising and Brand Design Illustration Graphic Design

Surface Pattern Design Glass

Fine Art & Photography

PDF versions are also available on www.uwtsd.ac.uk/art-design www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk

BA/MDes Product Design BSc/MDes Product Design & Technology BA/MDes Automotive Design BA//MDes Transport Design MA Product Design MA Transportation Design MSc Industrial Design

BA /MDes BA /MDes BA /MDes MA

Advertising and Brand Design Illustration Graphic Design Visual Communication

BA/MDes Surface Pattern Design (Maker) BA/MDes Surface Pattern Design

(Textiles for Interiors) BA/MDes Surface Pattern Design

(Textiles for Fashion) BA/MDes Surface Pattern Design

(Fashion Object) MA Surface Pattern MA Textiles BA/MDes Glass:

Contemporary Practice BA/MDes Glass:

Architectural Arts MA Glass

BA/MArts BA/MArts BA/MArts MA MA Cert HE

Fine Art Photography in the Arts Photojournalism Fine Art Photography Art & Design Foundation

Certificate of Higher Education Art & Design Foundation

Celf a Dylunio

www.ydds.ac.uk

98 | www.uwtsd.ac.uk

www.uwtsd.ac.uk | 99

Further information www.uwtsd.ac.uk For further information, please contact: artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk / 01792 481285

@ArtSwansea

/swanseacollegeofart

/swanseacollegeofart

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change as part of the University’s policy of continuous improvement and development.