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Visual storytelling: the magic of the movies.


This is a Film studies Subject Spotlight with Nicholas Glean from the University of Sunderland. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Film studies.

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In this insightful Subject Spotlight, Nicholas Glean takes you on a journey through the world of filmmaking, focussing on visual storytelling. In episode 1, Nicholas introduces the concept of visual storytelling, and how it is used to create powerful stories. Nicholas also discusses the visual grammar that filmmakers use when composing their shot. In episode 2, Nicholas introduces the frame as a concept. He discusses what a frame is in filmmaking terms, the balance of a frame, and the way that filmmakers dissect the frame to create meaning, looking at the planes of action. In episode 3, Nicholas continues his explanation of the visual frame, this time discussing eye room and movement room, how it is created, and how it can be manipulated by filmmakers to create a variety of meanings. In the final episode, Nicholas recaps some of the knowledge you have learned in the Subject Spotlight so far. He then sets you an activity which encourages you to create your own simple, visual story using the tools readily available to you.

About University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and a global institution which offers life-changing opportunities for over 20,000 students across its four campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, placement opportunities and the option to study full or part-time, there’s something for everyone at Sunderland. The University of Sunderland has also received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is in the top 10 UK universities for social inclusion (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

Meet the academics

Nicholas Glean

Nicholas is a Senior Lecturer and teaches BA (Hons) Film Production at the University of Sunderland. Nicholas has been involved in media production, digital media and film for around 25 years. He has worked on feature films, international television programmes, international media corporation projects, international documentaries, and interactive media. Nicholas has supervised award-winning student filmmakers, and runs his own digital media company Mikkigarmi.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!