Videography at Solent
By Bethany Harrison
What is videography?
The core of the Media Production course is storytelling. It is a powerful tool that is used in every industry within media. Videography is about the art of filmmaking; it’s about creating a story and being able to illustrate ideas in an audio–visual manner.
Is videography a big part of the media production course?
Videography is a big part of the course as there are modules available across all the years that focus on different aspects of videography, particularly filming documentaries. The students are trained on a wide range of equipment that can be used to construct and output very high-quality products. But also, are taught to help students prepare for opportunities such as filming at festivals in the summer with the university. Furthermore, learning videography also helps the students to improve their editing skills when putting together their films.
Why is it helpful for your career?
Not only are the technical skills that are learnt in videography helpful for students who wish to work in that industry but also, the soft skills that are taught can be transferable into industry. For example, the video production modules enable students to learn the essential skills of project management, teamwork, and the ability to communicate with professionals. In Level 4 (Year 1), the students in this module are asked to work with the Mid–Hants Railway to create promotional content for their YouTube. Here, the students are required to learn essential skills such as professional communication and collaboration. Another example would be how in Level 5 (Year 2), the students are given a theme and tasked with creating documentaries that encompass that theme. Here, the students not only hone their skills but also enjoy more creative freedom by being given a chance to create a product about their interests, strengthening ideation skills and overall videography skills.
If you want to find out more about the Level 4 videography module, check out this blog post: https://www.solent.ac.uk/blogs/solent-media-blog/mid-hants-railway
Student work
Here are some examples of past student work that received high grades!
Project title: The Edge of Freedom (2021)
Synopsis
Sparked by extreme and unprecedented changes in the law, citizens turn to the streets to find some common ground and protest against recent regulations. There are two main characters being introduced in this film, 40-year old Beata Konarska, a mother of two and a successful artist and 78-year-old Malgorzata Wolynska, a proud grandmother and activist. Two incredible women who are actively changing the world and making their country, Poland, a better place for their descendants. Additionally, the documentary focuses on how the Polish government is changing the law and creating new rules that everyone is expected to abide by.
A film by Anna Zatorska.
Project Title: It’s a Mini Thing (2021)
Synopsis
The Mini celebrated its 60th anniversary in late August 2019. As a child and growing up, I have always been fascinated by Minis and classic cars as a whole. I purchased my very own classic Mini in 2018 and ever since, my heart has grown fonder for these little cars. With my love and obsession for these diminutive cars well and truly cemented, I decided to produce this documentary short film, despite the challenges of lockdown, paying homage to the Mini brand. From visiting the very first Morris Mini, to the last one off the production line, a trip to the remains of the Longbridge plant and a delve into the minds of a range of fellow Mini enthusiasts – all will be revealed. Reminding us just how special the Mini still is today in the world of motoring. I made this film in between lockdown and with a challenging lack of access to standard broadcast equipment, making it all the more rewarding.
A film by Kieran Lee.
