Film Industry Studies

The course is a freestanding course.

Admission to the course requires the completion of courses totaling at least 180 higher education credits, equivalent to the requirements for a bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school or the equivalent level on an internationally recognized test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, is required.

This course explores the conditions and challenges of the global film and television industry through a combination of theoretical explorations and case studies. Students will critically engage with economic, cultural and artistic value creation, financing and production technologies, distribution strategies, audience analysis, and sustainability in film production. The course incorporates academic texts, industry reports and research-led discussions to provide a comprehensive insight into contemporary media production.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe the global film and television industry, including its economic, cultural and artistic dynamics,
• describe the technical, financial and logistical processes that underpin contemporary film and television production,
• demonstrate an understanding of the environmental challenges of film production and explore sustainable practices in the industry,

Skills and abilities

• apply theories and methods to analyse contemporary film and television drama production,
• critically evaluate different distribution models and their impact on local, regional and global markets,
• identify key audience engagement strategies and evaluate their effectiveness in different media environments,
• present complex industry analysis both orally and in writing to academic and professional audiences,

Evaluative skills and attitudes

• critically engage with and evaluate the sustainability of different production models,
• develop a critical perspective on contemporary media production and its socio-economic and cultural implications,
• evaluate the ethical and political dimensions of industry practices, including working conditions, representation and environmental impact.

The course consists of seminars, group work and individual assignments which are developed throughout the course.

Language of instruction: English.

Case Study Analysis - In-depth examination of the production, distribution or reception of a selected film/TV drama, e.g. in the form of a poster or video essay.
Group Project - Proposal of a sustainable and innovative production strategy for a new film/TV series.
Final Paper - A research paper on an emerging challenge or trend in contemporary media production.

In the case of absence from an examination component, a substitute assignment may be given.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Aspects of gender equality and equal treatment will be considered in the content, the literature, the teaching, and the evaluations of the course.

This is a translated version of the Swedish original. In case of differences between the Swedish version and the English translation, the Swedish original shall prevail.