2025/2026
Professional Terminology of Filmmaking. Advanced Course
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
1 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Konstantin Khomutskii
Language:
English
Contact hours:
14
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The "Advanced Course in Professional Terminology for Film Producers in International Markets" offers an in-depth exploration of specialized terminology essential for professionals working in the global film industry. As the film market becomes increasingly interconnected, proficiency in industry-specific language is crucial for effective communication and collaboration across borders.
Learning Objectives
- To enable students to acquire specialized vocabulary (key terminology) and a set of lexical items with the highest frequency of occurrence in various professional contexts: script writing, directing, producing, etc.
- To master analytical and critical thinking/writing skills/to master writing skills in various stages of film production (pre-production, production, and post-producation)
- To upgrade skills related to the solution of diverse professionally oriented tasks both individually and in teams
- To improve media literacy and develop a creative approach applicable to a range of professionally relevant tasks (content creation; storytelling; film production)
- To master presentation skills related to the film production process: pitching, negotiations, case study discussions
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Listening: Understanding dialogues and polylogues on both familiar and unfamiliar topics Understanding lectures Understanding academic/ professional presentations which are linguistically complex Using basic listening techniques (predicting, understanding main ideas and details) Following extended speech and complex lines of arguments Note-taking
- Reading: Understanding specialised complex longer texts*/articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems (CEFR) Understanding text structure Using basic reading techniques, skimming & scanning (predicting, understanding main ideas, understanding details) *can use a dictionary occasionally to confirm his/her interpretation of terminology
- the student achieves competence in working with authentic textual and audio materials (and media products of various categories)
- the student is able to apply job-related linguistic knowledge in various job-related situations and tasks in spoken and written communication
- the student is able to apply relevant ethical principles to perform their roles as professional members of the media community
- To grasp the fundamental components of film, including narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements
- To learn the basics of crafting a screenplay, including formatting, dialogue writing, and storytelling techniques.
- To understand the key steps in pre-production, such as budgeting, casting, location scouting, and scheduling.
- To understand the basics of narrative arc (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
- To develop plot lines that maintain continuity and coherence across multiple installments.
- To create and evolving characters over a series.
- To master professional vocabulary related to the topic in a context-driven situations
- To understand how to identify and analyze different audience segments and tailor pitches accordingly.
- To gain experience in structuring and designing engaging pitch presentations that highlight key aspects of the project.
- To improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills necessary for delivering pitches persuasively and confidently.
- To develop the ability to conduct market research to evaluate industry trends, target demographics, and competitive films.
- To learn how to include visual elements, such as mood boards or concept art, to enhance the pitch and convey the film’s style.
- to articulate clear objectives and constraints for a film project, balancing artistic intent with budget, schedule, and distribution needs.
- to identify and explain key negotiation terms and clauses commonly found in film contracts, including rights, credits, and revenue sharing.
- to prepare and present a negotiation brief that outlines goals, concessions, and alternative proposals for potential partners or co-producers.
- to engage in practice negotiations using appropriate language patterns, terminology, and polite, professional nonverbal cues to maintain collaborative rapport.
- to assess cultural and organizational dynamics affecting negotiations in international co-productions, and adapt strategies accordingly.
Assessment Elements
- Classroom Written Assessment
- Classroom Oral Assessment
- Home Assignment
- Final Assessment
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 1st module0.25 * Classroom Oral Assessment + 0.25 * Classroom Written Assessment + 0.3 * Final Assessment + 0.2 * Home Assignment
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Communication in everyday life : the basic course edition with public speaking, Duck, S., 2015
- Cury, I. (2017). Directing and Producing for Television : A Format Approach (Vol. 5th edition). New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1486805
- English for business communication : a short course consisting of five modules: Cultural diversity and socialising, Telephoning, Presentations, Meetings and Negotiations: student's book, Sweeney, S., 1997
- English for international negotiations : a cross-cultural case study approach, Rodgers, D., 2001
- Voices, identities, negotiations, and conflicts: writing academic across cultures, , 2011