OCR A-Level Film Studies the Making Short Film NEA (Component 03/04): a complete overview

The Making Short Film NEA (Component 03/04) is the coursework component, worth 30% and assessed on AO3. It is the synoptic, practical heart of the course, where you apply the film form and styles you have studied in original work. This overview ties the module together; each section has a matching dot-point page. Always work from the current OCR requirements for your series.

The task and options

An individual production with two options: a short film of around five minutes, or a screenplay for a short film with a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section. Both are accompanied by an evaluative analysis of the production in relation to professionally produced set short films.

Producing the work

Work through pre-production (concept, script, storyboard, planning), production (deliberate cinematography, mise-en-scene and directed performance) and post-production (editing, sound design, grading). The principle is the exam principle in reverse: every choice should make meaning and shape the response, with the elements of film form working together to a controlled effect.

The evaluative analysis

The written element: a reflective, comparative analysis of your production against the set short films, in the language of film form. It evaluates your choices and their effect, rather than narrating the process, and makes the thinking behind the production visible.

How it is assessed

AO3 only: technical and creative accomplishment, control of film form to make meaning, the quality of original work, and a reflective evaluative analysis. Worth 30%. Always work to the current OCR NEA guidance.