This specification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units. It begins by drawing on students’ own knowledge of film, and personal interest is essential. The coursework at AS is both creative (either a short film sequence or a detailed outline of one) and analytical (see below); whilst the exam is broad-ranging and is based on study of production processes as well as individual British and American films. A2 broadens out to look at, for example, Japanese films and certain issues involved in making and watching films.

The creative project in A2 offers a choice between short film-making and screenwriting

Unit 1: (40%) Coursework Exploring Film Form

• one analysis of a chosen extract from a film of candidate's choice

• one creative project based on a film sequence or short film

Unit 2:  (60%) 2½ hours Written Paper - British and American Film

Three questions, one from each section: Section A: Response to stimulus material on producers and audiences of film; Section B: Topics in British Film.

Section C: US Film - Comparative study of two films

Unit 3: (50%) Coursework: Film Research and Creative Projects

• a small-scale research project (40)

• a creative project (60)

Unit 4: (50%) 2¾ hr Written Paper: Varieties of Film Experience

Three questions, one from each section: Section A: World Cinema topics (35);

Section B: Spectatorship topics (35); Section C: Single Film - Critical Study (30)