About BA (Honours) in Film and Television Production

The central purpose of this programme is the education, training and development of students as practitioners in cinema, film, television and video to meet and inform the demands of contemporary media practice. The programme provides a stimulating education in all aspects of film and television production.

Aims and Objectives

The programme seeks to establish a framework that fosters experimentation, enquiry, critical awareness, discourse, collaboration and innovation, facilitating an integrated approach to programme delivery. You will also have an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental concepts underlying your specialist field and therefore be able to understand, initiate and adapt to new developments taking place within it.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Opportunities exist in areas such as director, producer, scriptwriter, editor, production manager, film/video/studio cameraperson or sound designer.

Further studies at postgraduate level including the MA in Screenwriting (DL051) at IADT.

What subjects will I study?

Cinema & Television History, Critical Thinking, General & Specialised Craft, Production & Practice, Industry Focus

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or an equivalent educational qualification) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects of the Leaving Certificate Examination to include English
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
• Applicants with the following FETAC (NCVA level II) awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. Please refer to the Admissions pages to see the FETAC Links for this programme.

What should my Portfolio include?

A portfolio is a sample collection of your best work, well presented in a tidy manner.  It is not necessary to include all of the items listed below.  We are looking to see an interest in the medium and to find out what skills you possess. 

• Film/Video work is to be presented on VHS (PAL) or DVD (Region 1 PAL) only – at least four minutes of your footage will be screened by the panel.  Quality is more important than quantity.  Let us know what your role(s) on the production is (are).  Line up the tape properly and have it clearly labelled with your name, CAO number, title(s) and timecodes.  If you have a lot of work, feel free to cut a short montage sequence although we should still be able to refer to the full version(s).
• Photography – include a ­selection­ of your best work in black & white and/or colour.  Please supply all images on print (if work is digital, then print in high-quality mode).  Try to explore composition, light, colour, texture and characters.  Photo-storyboards are also interesting
• Written Work – screenplays (watch format), short stories, plays, poetry are all acceptable.  We are looking for a good command of language (watch spelling) and good storytelling ability.  In the case of screenplays and short stories, please synopsise the story on a cover sheet and indicate what section you would like us to read
• Audio Work (on Audio CD only) – radio plays, music that you have composed and interesting soundscapes are all acceptable
• Drawing or Concept work – drawings and paintings that indicate that you have a good eye and imagination. Storyboards, production design sketches and costume designs are all interesting
• Notebooks/creative sketchbooks or diary indicating your interest in the discipline

General Portfolio Tips:

• Be selective, highlight you best work
• Include a general CV with details of other interests, hobbies, technical skills and involvement in any team related activities.  Outline any relevant experience in film or related disciplines
• We acknowledge that some may have difficulties securing equipment and facilities for the video work etc. This could be mitigated by good strong photography or script work.

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

The typical cost of materials for the programme is as follows: €1700 (year one), €1400 (year two), €1800 (year three) and €2000 (year four).  This covers photographic materials, camera equipment, basic production-related expenses, tapes/DVDs, transport, event attendance, books/publications, phone costs and various consumables. It does not include the cost of additional items that some students may find useful, such as a personal computer, specialist software for personal computers, personal digital video cameras, specialist items of personal equipment etc. Additional costs will also be incurred in the production of graduation films, and students are advised to budget for this over the four year programme.