Skip to content

Creative Digital Media Production: TV and Film

BTEC / 2 year Course / Pearson

This qualification provides an introduction to the study of creative media production, offering hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the media production process. You’ll gain valuable skills in film and TV production, from concept development to post-production, covering areas such as directing, camera work, editing, sound, and lighting. This course is ideal for students wishing to move on to practical media and film production courses at university, as it lays a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of media production.

More on this course

Media Representations (externally assessed screen-based examination): In this examined unit, students will study a range of media from different sectors, such as music videos, short film extracts, animation, news programmes, websites, digital games and print adverts in order to explore how meaning, messages and values are constructed through formal and stylistic elements across the media production.

Pre-Production (internally assessed coursework unit): This unit will enable students to develop their understanding of the essential pre-production work which takes place as part of a creative media production. Students will gain an understanding of the requirements of the planning stage, from finance and logistics to regulations.

Film Production (internally assessed coursework unit): In this unit students will investigate how conventions of narrative storytelling are used by filmmakers, looking at formats and generic conventions. Students will then prepare to shoot and edit their own short film, by preparing the cast and crew, and filming the footage, using camera equipment and single camera techniques. Students will then complete post-production as part of the editing process, and will screen their film in our cinema room.

Responding to a Commission (externally assessed word-processed portfolio): In this examined unit, students will understand how to respond to a commission brief with ideas based on the required content, style, audience, purpose and approach proposed by the client. Students will work within the requirements and constraints of the client’s specification and consider their response in terms of ethos, format, budget, platform and duration.

Teaching and learning methods

BTECs embody a fundamentally learner-centred approach to the curriculum, with a flexible, unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project-based assessments. They focus on the holistic development of the practical, interpersonal and thinking skills required to be able to succeed in employment and higher education. As an extra curricular opportunity, students will be able to take advantage of our industry standard TV Studio, housed in the new state-of-the-art Digital Media Centre, and take part in Film Club.

Assessment

The Extended Certificate is equivalent to 1 A Level, and must be completed as a full, two-year programme. This can not be studied alongside TV and Film. The course is assessed by a combination of internal (40%) and external (60%) assessment.

Skills and Careers Insight

BTEC Creative Digital Media Production: TV and Film equips you with the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic media industry. You’ll learn about filmmaking, cinematography, editing, sound design, and directing, while developing a strong understanding of the creative processes behind TV and film production. The course encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and project management, all essential for working in the media field. Career opportunities in this sector are vast and include roles such as film director, camera operator, editor, scriptwriter, sound designer, and production assistant. Whether you want to work in film studios, television networks, or even in freelance roles, this course provides a solid foundation for a creative and rewarding career in the media industry.

Subject Combination

This subject and its content would be ideally suited alongside the following subjects.

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I thoroughly enjoy this subject as I have a passion for it and always enjoy my lessons. There are always interesting, fun and creative aspects about the subject that keep me engaged with tasks that are thought-inducing and allow for my influence, inspiration and creative drive to take over.

Chay Barrie

Former DSFC Student from Southmoor Academy

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

I love studying tv & film. It allows me to be creative but also explore skills that are necessary for working in the industry. The lessons are always engaging and give real depth of knowledge for the subject as a whole.

Esther Bennett

Previous school - Park View School

Copyright © 2025 Durham Sixth Form