Student Handbook 2021–22 Contents

1. Welcome to MetFilm School 3 2. MetFilm School Contact List 4 3. MetFilm School – Campus 6 4. Your School: MetFilm Mission, Philosophy and Values 8 5. MetFilm School Student Support 13 6. Student Representatives and the Student Senate 16 7. Teaching and Learning 18 8. Your Facilities 23 9. Your Career 25 10. International Students 27 11. Rules and Regulations 30 12. Health and Safety 34

2 1. Welcome to MetFilm School

We are delighted to welcome you to MetFilm If you are on an undergraduate or postgraduate School, where we look forward to you becoming courses, you will receive a specific course part of a community of students aiming to handbook as well as module study guides at succeed in the dynamic and ever-evolving world the start of each module. If you are on a short of film, television and screen content production. course, you will receive a student guide. All handbooks and guides are updated regularly Through your course, you will gain the core and the latest version is always posted under the creative, practical and business skills needed relevant programme and module site on Moodle. to succeed in today’s screen industries and join a community of MetFilm school students and The rules, regulations and policies alumni of whom we are justifiably proud. contained and referred to in this handbook form part of the agreement between us and All of our courses are demanding. You have should act as a guide for you throughout already declared yourself ready for the your time at the School. challenge, and we’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. We MetFilm School requires that all students have expect you to be self-directed, committed, and to read and understood this handbook. If you have seek answers beyond the classroom and we, for any questions then please do not hesitate to our part, will do all that we can to make your time contact your programme leader or course team, with us productive, enjoyable and stimulating. or come to the Help Desk in A-Block, where the Education and Student Services Team who will Above all, we look forward to supporting endeavour to answer your queries. your personal and professional development, encouraging you to collaborate with your fellow Good luck! students and get the most out of your time at the School. The MetFilm School Team This document sets out important information which you need to know as a student whilst you undertake your studies with us. Please read the handbook carefully. You should refer to this guide throughout the course of your studies. This handbook is for students on all MetFilm School (MFS) courses – both short courses and degree programmes. You can download this document, but please refer to the latest version of this handbook which can be accessed on the School’s website.

3 2. MetFilm School Contact List

Director Registry Officer Jonny Persey Siobhan Breitsprecher T 020 8280 9124 T 020 8832 1956 E [email protected] E [email protected] Dean Senior Systems Administrator Katharina Koall Marco Cosentino T 020 8832 1921 T 020 8832 1931 E [email protected] E [email protected] CEO General Student or Administrative Queries David Howell E [email protected] T 020 8832 1940 E [email protected] Marking and Assessment Queries E [email protected] Deputy School Director Rachel Wood International Student Immigration Queries T 020 8832 1943 Pre-arrival queries: E E [email protected] [email protected] Post-arrival queries: Deputy School Director & Post Graduate E Programme Leader [email protected] Steve Pinhay Student Wellbeing T 020 8832 1951 E [email protected] E [email protected] Counselling Service Senior Manager – Curriculum E [email protected] Clarissa Newman T 020 8832 1922 Complaints E [email protected] E [email protected] Quality Manager General, Facilities, and Operations Sandra Bekvalac Reception T 020 8280 1264 T 020 8280 9112 E [email protected] E [email protected] Head of MetFilm Futures Kit Room / Kit Enquiries Sarah Winstanley E [email protected] T 020 8832 1932 Maintenance, AV, Health & Safety Queries E [email protected] E [email protected] Head of Planning and Development Room and Equipment Bookings Muhammad Obaidullah E [email protected] E [email protected] Student Services & Administration Head of Student Services & Administration Joanna Bott T 020 8280 9113 E [email protected] Disability & Wellbeing Advisor Nicole Bassett T 020 8092 4027 E [email protected]

4 Undergraduate Courses MA Directing Senior Tutor BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking Simon Shore Programme Leader T 020 8832 1949 Matt Wake E [email protected] T 020 8832 1938 E [email protected] MA Screenwriting Senior Tutor Jamie Nuttgens BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking T 020 8832 1949 Deputy Programme Leader E [email protected] James Davis E [email protected] MA Cinematography Senior Tutor Martin Bray BA Practical Filmmaking Course Manager T 020 8832 1949 David McDonald E [email protected] T 020 8832 1938 E [email protected] MA Post Production Senior Tutor Michael McHugh BA (Hons) Screen Acting Programme Leader T 020 8832 1949 Justin Trefgarne E [email protected] T 020 8832 1938 E [email protected] MA Film and Television Production Programme Leader BA (Hons) Screen Acting Justin Trefgarne Deputy Programme Leader T 020 8832 1949 Krishna Dubasiya E [email protected] T 020 8832 1938 E [email protected] MA Film and Television Production Course Co-ordinator BA (Hons) Screen Acting Stephan Mirre Course Coordinator E [email protected] Christabel Clark E [email protected] Short Courses Head of Short Courses ScreenSpace Courses Veronique Sambe Head of Screenspace T 020 8280 9114 Lisette Johnston E [email protected] T 020 8832 1953 E [email protected] Garden Studios Garden Studios Centre Manager ScreenSpace Deputy Programme Leader Hannah Fawcett Alexandra Ferguson T 020 8092 4038 T 020 8832 1953 E [email protected] E [email protected] Postgraduate Courses MA Producing Senior Tutor and MA Programme Leader Steve Pinhay T 020 8832 1951 E [email protected] MA Deputy Programme Leader Alice Guilluy E [email protected] MA Course Manager Natalie Jeans T 020 8832 1949 E [email protected]

5 3. MetFilm School – London Campus

6 7 4. Your School: MetFilm Mission, Philosophy and Values

Mission

Since its launch in 2003, MetFilm School has been committed to educational excellence with powerful links into industry. To date we MetFilm Futures is our student and graduate have educated over 12,000 students with a opportunities team, focused on providing support, high proportion of those on courses of six industry advice, and employment opportunities months or longer now working in the creative within the curriculum and after graduation. screen industries. Our mission is to inspire a new generation of screen professionals, educating them for today’s world of multi-platform storytelling and ever-expanding opportunities. Our goal is to nurture smart thinking, sharp skills and talent, MetFilm Production is an award-winning creating a great school with students at the production company creating high quality heart of all that we do. fiction and documentary films for theatrical audiences worldwide. The MetFilm Ecosystem

MetFilm Sales is a boutique agency, MetFilm brings together passionate, experienced specialising in the financing and sales of and creative specialists at the forefront of the single documentaries and series, in close screen industries. It is comprised of individual but collaboration with MetFilm Production. mutually supported teams, united by a collective interest in the growth and development of the Unique Educational Approach screen industries. MetFilm School has taken the lead in screen education by bringing learning into an industry setting, encouraging smart storytelling and technical excellence. MetFilm School’s goal is to select students with the passion and tenacity to succeed in the creative screen industries, and to prepare them for the opportunities that lie ahead. MetFilm School’s education is complemented by: MetFilm School has campuses in London and Our location – a working studio with historic Berlin. Under the tuition of experienced, award- • and contemporary significance winning tutors, students learn how to become employable and engaged professionals within a Dedicated tutors who are industry wide range of contemporary media. • practitioners An innovative graduate opportunity • programme

8 Our Values MetFilm School Student Charter

MetFilm School is committed to the values MetFilm School’s mission as an educational of equality, diversity, fairness, academic and institution is to provide students with a practical, personal integrity, collegiality, ethical behaviour, high-quality learning experience grounded in and welfare of individuals within the MetFilm professional industry practice and preparation. School community. To achieve these values, Our courses equip students with the knowledge, we call upon students and staff to carry out skills and mindset to prepare them for careers their activities in an environment of mutual within the screen industries. respect, inclusion, professional practice, and a positive attitude towards work. We seek to foster an inclusive environment in which creative, mature, focused, and MetFilm School is committed to promoting considerate individuals are valued as equality of opportunity for students and staff from members of a dynamic community. We believe all backgrounds, and nurturing an environment collaboration is the bedrock of professional which is free from discrimination based on race, practice that is reflected across the creative disability, gender, age, religion, belief, sexual screen industries, and students are required orientation, or gender reassignment. to treat each other with respect and to work To foster a stimulating, exciting and rewarding together in a professional manner. environment, the School has established a clear set of expectations for students and staff. Our aim is to support student learning and personal development actively, respecting the • Inspire: we live what we teach and lead rights and dignity of others, within an atmosphere by example. that encourages creativity, intellectual rigor and Deep Practice: a curriculum built on freedom of expression. We want our students • industry practice, reflection, and enterprise. to demonstrate an open-mindedness that fuels innovation, and a passion that drives them to Developing Attitude and Voice: excellence in everything they do. • educating professional creatives and creative professionals. • Driving Entrepreneurialism and Employability: cultivating graduates who are smart screen creatives equally at home in creating content for the big screen or the mobile phone. Excellence: we want and expect our • graduates to succeed in industry, and they do.

9 What we expect from you What you can expect from MetFilm School MetFilm School expects you to: You can expect MetFilm School to: • actively engage in your studies, attend teaching sessions, submit your assignments provide accurate information on all aspects on time and ask for help when you need it; • of your student experience and equip you with appropriate and relevant information regarding behave in a responsible manner, treating the School’s services and support; • staff, fellow students and visitors with dignity and respect; support you effectively through all stages • of your engagement with the School from uphold the School’s reputation by adhering to initial enquiry through to the completion of • the rules, regulations and conduct codes; your studies; make effective and safe use of all facilities that work with you to develop your career • the School provides to support your learning;  • aspirations and strategies towards employment; take responsibility for your own personal provide a creatively and intellectually inspiring, • development, utilising the various formal and  • safe and friendly learning environment; informal support mechanisms within the School; help you identify and set your individual • learning goals and expectations; • be familiar with student information available (in print and online) related to your course, provide clear information about the various academic policies, procedures and assignment • forms of feedback you will receive on your deadlines; progress at the School; • participate actively in the School’s student offer regular opportunities for you to provide representative system; • feedback on your student experience; • work hard and manage your time effectively; ensure you are kept fully informed of any • changes to your study and/or support; • foster an environment of inclusion, open mindedness and respect for different actively seek your participation in the School’s backgrounds, experiences, opinions • governance and decision making processes; and beliefs; • ensure student views are taken into account • provide us with appropriate evidence about and provide appropriate support and training to any changes to your personal circumstances elected student representatives; and as soon as possible; and treat you with fairness, respect and dignity as be clear, concise and respectful in your • an individual at all times. • communications with the school in person, by email or telephone.

10 Your Contact Details Premises, Security and Access

It is a School requirement to maintain up-to-date It is both a privilege and a responsibility to study records of your term-time and permanent address at Studios. Please remember, however, as well as your telephone number and email that there are productions and other businesses address. Please ensure these are kept up to date operating on the studio lot as well as private at the School, should these change following residents living just behind the school. It is registration on your first day. therefore essential that we all show consideration for others around us, and in particular keep noise You can log in to your student record to make to a minimum. changes at www.metfilmschool.ac.uk/me to update your records. Please also show a high level of respect for all personnel on the studio lot and follow the Any personal data will be treated in confidence instructions from any members of Ealing Studios in accordance with the General Data Protection staff and Security. Regulation (GDPR) and our Data Protection Policy which you can find here on ourPolicies As this is a fully functional film studio, the and Key Documents page. following specific rules apply: We respect the status of adult students at under no circumstances may any student enter MetFilm School and we will not provide a • any of the stages or production areas; parent, relative or guardian with information unless the student has given prior written • under no circumstances may any student permission. Next of kin information is provided approach Ealing Studios reception or for emergency purposes only. operations staff without consulting the Course Manager or Co-ordinator in the first instance; Students on accredited courses will be given a MetFilm School Student Identity Card and • the privacy of actors and crew is paramount; lanyard. This serves as an identity card for do not approach or in any way interfere with security purposes in Ealing Studios. their privacy*; students are not allowed to bring visitors to the YOU MUST WEAR YOUR LANYARD AT ALL  • School without permission. TIMES WHEN YOU ARE ON CAMPUS. *Please note that MetFilm School takes seriously Communication any invasion of privacy and a breach may result in a student’s expulsion in accordance with the We communicate with you weekly by email. We disciplinary procedure detailed in this Handbook. try to ensure that any relevant news essential for teaching and learning is included in this circular. It is your responsibility to ensure you read these emails carefully. The email contains work experience opportunities curated for you by MetFilm Futures.

We may also write to you directly in case of emergency.

11 MetFilm School Access Timetable Listings

To make sure that all students have secure You can find your timetable at access to our facilities we have set out the www.metfilmschool.ac.uk/me following guidelines to help you safely navigate your way around campus while you are studying This timetable includes information on the room with us. You have access to: booking, tutors and modules. For a detailed breakdown of the content of individual sessions, A Block ground, first and second floors (room you should consult your module study guide. • numbers beginning A0, A1 and A2); • B Block ground floor (B0); • E Block ground and first floor (E0 and E1); • and Stage 5. The School’s hours of operation are*: • Monday to Friday: 8am – 9.30pm • Saturday: 8am – 7.30pm For special permission to use the building beyond these hours, please consult the Operations Team or email [email protected] *subject to variation dependent on public health guidance and operational requirements

12 5. MetFilm School Student Support

Student Support and Guidance Mental Health & Wellbeing

MetFilm School seeks to provide a caring, Counselling supportive environment that recognises each Our dedicated student Counselling Service student as a unique individual and fosters offers a free and confidential service to any their academic, personal and professional student who needs it – including individual development. We are committed to each counselling, group sessions and general student’s wellbeing, and there are a range of wellbeing advice. support mechanisms in place to aid student progression through your time at MetFilm Sessions are delivered both online and in School. For accredited courses, pastoral care person, giving you flexibility and choice about and academic support is provided through our the way they access the service. These 50 academic tutorial and mentoring system. minute sessions offer a confidential, safe space for you to discuss and share whatever is going on in your life at the moment – a place for you to explore how you can improve some of the immediate challenges affecting your schoolwork or general wellbeing. You can book a session or simply ask for some advice via [email protected] Togetherall MetFilm School students can access Togetherall, our mental health and wellbeing portal. Togetherall is an anonymous community where members can reach out for support with their mental health. Access is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You will be able to access trained professionals, self-assessments and resources and a wide range of self-guided courses to complete at your own pace. You can join using their academic email address.

Register today for FREE Mental health support. 24/7. Confidential. Online Community.

13 Disability Support I have disclosed my disability – what happens next? Disabled and Neurodiverse Support If you have disclosed a disability or learning at MetFilm School support need, you will be contacted by the MetFilm School wants all students to have Disability & Wellbeing Advisor to discuss your equal access to their course and facilities. circumstances. They will ask you to supply The Student Services team and its dedicated evidence of your condition and any supporting Disability & Wellbeing Advisor provide information that might be relevant. This confidential, specialist advice to help address information is used to agree a support plan for any physical, study or communication barriers you. The information provided will be treated students may find in the learning environment. in confidence and used only for the purpose Student Services work hand in hand with of providing the appropriate support to your academic staff to support students with a wide circumstances. The adviser will also discuss range of disabilities including: whether you are eligible for Disabled Student Allowance support. neurodiversity and specified learning • differences (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, These bespoke Individual Support Plans (ISPs) ADHD) are developed in agreement with you, outlining recommended reasonable adjustments such as • mental health difficulties (such as depression, amended assessment arrangements, extensions bi-polar disorder) to library book loans, note-takers or campus long-term medical conditions (such as HIV, mobility support and the ability to request • cancer, multiple sclerosis) extensions to work if required. hidden disabilities (such as diabetes, Tutorials • asthma, epilepsy) sensory impairments (such as visual Tutorials play a vital part in the academic support • impairment, hearing impairment) structure offered to students. Students will be assigned a personal tutorial group, and can book • mobility or physical impairments (such as one-to-one sessions with the tutor as required. paralysis, arthritis) Tutorial sessions are a valuable opportunity for you to reflect on your progress and raise any You can register with the team during enrolment issues related to or affecting your course of or any time during your studies. Alternatively, study. These sessions are about your personal you can book an appointment with a member development and student experience, rather than of the team to discuss your circumstances and a space to discuss detailed aspects of delivery of support arrangements. individual modules, which you can raise with your We encourage you to disclose disability or programme leader. support needs as early as possible, so the correct support can be set up to help you reach your full potential. If you have disclosed a disability or learning support need in your application, you will be asked for further information during the online enrolment process. If you need adjustments for the induction and pre-induction periods, please let your admissions manager know or contact the school via the email address below. Students can disclose or discuss a condition at any time during their study by contacting [email protected]

14 MetFilm Community

We strongly encourage students to network with other students and alumni from MetFilm School. The café and communal areas are great places to meet other like-minded students and develop projects outside of your studies. The School runs workshops and guest speaker sessions outside of teaching hours that are intended to enhance student’s educational experiences with us. Ealing has a vibrant social scene, with many restaurants, bars, gyms, theatres, and clubs not forgetting you are in the heart of London, one of the most diverse and lively cities in the world with easy access to a range of cultural activities. Click here to find out more about Ealing: https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to- do/ealing-area-guide Find out more about West London here https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to- do/101-things-to-do-in-london-west

15 6. Student Representatives and the Student Senate

Student Representation Student Representation on Academic Committees Students are encouraged to play a full part As part of MetFilm School’s commitment to in the decision-making processes at MetFilm enabling students to provide feedback on School and are provided with a number of formal their educational experience, in addition to the opportunities to shape the future of MetFilm Course Committees noted above, many of School and to develop and enhance the quality of the other formal committees that make up the their educational experience at MetFilm School. governance structure of the School are attended by student representatives. The key committees Student Representatives with student representation include Academic Students on MetFilm School courses are Board, the Learning, Teaching and Assessment represented by their peers in formal meetings Committee, the Screen Enterprise Group, the (normally a course committee meeting) that meet Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee and 3-4 times per year. the Ethical Approval Committee. Attendance Each course has a formal meeting process on these committees allows students insight to engage with student representatives and into key School decisions and ensures that the gather feedback. These meetings are called School can take the student voice into account in Course Committees. everything we do. Course Committee Meetings Student Surveys, Module Evaluation The function of the Course Committee is to and Feedback provide a platform to consult and gather feedback All students are invited to complete module from student and staff representatives to enhance evaluations and an annual student satisfaction the student experience. A formal record of survey. This feedback informs decision making at the Course Committee Meeting will be made the School. available to the Education Team and Student The annual National Student Survey is a Serices teams for committee effectiveness and census of all UK students in their final year of an annual monitoring purposes. undergraduate course. The results are published Student Representatives will be elected (or on the Office for Students website. selected by the student body where no election As well as student feedback, external feedback is held). There will be two student reps from each from higher education and industry sources is cohort of each course in London and from each integral to the MetFilm School’s teaching and cohort or each course in Berlin. learning strategy, management structure, and Training will be provided for all Student core philosophy on a number of levels. MetFilm Representatives. A handbook for Representatives School tutors are all recruited from practising is available on the Moodle Student Support Site. industry and/or academic backgrounds. Their feedback on the programme feeds directly into the continual assessment and design of the delivery of the programme.

16 Commitments and Principles Student Senate

Generally, MetFilm School will: The Student Senate is made up of the elected student representatives, and is lead by the • provide opportunities for students to engage in Student President, and two Vice Presidents the quality of their education experience or VPs (one for London and one for Berlin). provide opportunities for students to In addition to this the Senate also has a VP • engage in the development, assurance Women’s Officer and a VP Equality and Diversity. and enhancement of the quality of their The Senate acts as a general sounding board for educational experience student opinion. Operating across courses, the Senate will be chaired by the Student President • ensure that students can speak freely, and provides a forum within which students can and views are treated with due seriousness present views on any non-course-specific matters and respect affecting them. • offer students the opportunity to become a Issues raised, and actions arising from said student representative. issues, are raised via the appropriate committees Programme leaders will: by the Student President (or Vice-President) for discussion and action. ensure that dates for the meeting and agendas • will be published in advance of the meeting We hope that the Student Senate will be a valuable source of feedback on MetFilm School ensure that students can speak freely, wide issues and a key opportunity to discuss and • and views are treated with due seriousness refine MetFilm School’s development plans with and respect Student Body representation. ensure that feedback gathered from Course Specifically, the Student Senate: • Committee meetings, and from informal receives reports from student representatives interactions is used to plan and manage  • on good practice and areas for improvement at improvements to the student experience. institutional level Student Reps will: • updates the student cohort on progress made • attend Course Committee meetings against “Your MetFilm School, Your Voice” communicate the voice of their peers receives reports from student representatives • • on any matters affecting them relating to • be proactive in suggesting improvements to Facilities, Student Services or other MetFilm the course School functions • take feedback processes seriously • communicates key updates to the encourage students to participate in student body. • feedback activities.

17 7. Teaching and Learning

This section is designed to help you understand Types of Teaching and Learning how best to navigate life as a MetFilm School student. The following information sets out certain MetFilm School delivers its programmes through expectations and guidelines, which will help you a diverse set of educational processes and get the most out of your course. It also indicates experiences including: the principles by which all our courses operate. Further specific information can be found in your Lectures module study guides or course syllabus. These are sessions for bigger groups and usually introduce key concepts or theories Moodle of a variety of subjects. Seminars and Workshops Moodle is MetFilm School’s Virtual Learning Seminars and workshops are usually taught Environment (VLE) platform where students, in smaller groups and are designed to analyse staff and tutors can access information and and practice some of those key concepts resources about MetFilm School, its modules and theories. You will collaborate in an array and support processes. It can be accessed of practical activities ranging across various through any computer connected to the Internet creative and technical disciplines. Practical or local MetFilm network via web-browser at exercises may include making screen content, http://www.metfilm.me/moodle pitching an idea or project, script-writing, editing, Moodle’s three main functions are: working with camera and lights, carrying out pre-production tasks, or collaborating with fellow to provide a platform to store official students on a team project. • documents relating to programmes and modules such as Module Study Guides and Tutorials timetables that can be quickly accessed by Tutorials are small group or individual sessions staff and students; between students and tutors and are designed to give more specific feedback or support. to store learning resources for quick and easy • access by students and tutors – this could Mixed Delivery Teaching include web-links, documents, video etc; and The majority of teaching is in person but there will be occasions when you may be given a mixed • to allow a centralised environment for students style of teaching depending on circumstances to submit work for assessment as well as for which may be related to Covid-19. Mixed teaching tutors to access and mark. means some physical (i.e. workshops, seminars, Students will receive training on how to use productions) and some online (i.e. lectures, Moodle during induction at the MetFilm School. programme meetings, tutorials), where it is either impossible to do physically safely or it is more If you have any questions relating to Moodle, effective to do online. If you cannot be there please go to the Student Help Desk or contact for health or travel reasons you will be able to the Student Services Team on 020 8832 1931. engage with teaching online, usually through For further information on Moodle students can Microsoft Teams. access the Student Guide to Moodle available to download from MetFilm School Support Site on Moodle.

18 Peer Review and Feedback An essential practice that encourages and • Secondary: This is where you will be promotes your development is peer review and investigating information gathered by other feedback. Being able to critically reflect on your people in books, pamphlets, on radio, own work and the work of your fellow students television, in the newspaper and in magazines. in a constructive, meaningful way, both verbally All of these sources are excellent for finding and in written form, demonstrates good practice background information, statistics, interviews, and enhances your learning experience. Not only collected research details and so on. This does this help you look more objectively at your will form the majority of your research. Some own work by learning to engage with constructive of these will be generally available (in public feedback from your peers, but it also broadens libraries for example); others such as press your awareness of screen practice and develops releases and trade press may only be available your collaborative skills. through specialist libraries. Practice • Other Media: When considering one area Self-directed work is an essential element of the media or one particular product (e.g. to all MetFilm School programmes. Practice a film) or type of product (e.g. a genre), it is sessions are times when you are expected to very important that you compare it with others make independent progress on the work for a which are similar. You will need to be able to module. This may be through homework or self refer to these comparisons in some detail so directed learning such as research and you are it is not enough to simply watch a film. When not required to be at the School unless requested examining a film, you should read about your by your tutor. These sessions are for you to subject, make notes, concentrate on one or manage your time so that you can demonstrate two scenes which seem particularly relevant independent work and keep up with your studies and write all of this information up so that you and assignments. can refer to it when you need to. Research and Referencing • History and development: Having an Whether preparing to shoot a film or writing understanding of the history and development an essay, all work done at the school requires of the subject which you are researching will research. It is at the heart of everything that you provide a firm foundation and context for will do at the school and beyond. contemporary analysis. There is a difference between generally accepted facts and how Independent research may include the following theorists use these facts. elements: • Theory: This is the body of work of other critics • Primary: This is first-hand research. In other of the media. Most of the books and periodical words, it relies on you constructing and articles which you will read for research will conducting surveys, setting up interviews with be written by theorists who are arguing a key people or keeping a diary or log of data particular viewpoint or position about an issue (known as quantitative information). This type within the media. It is this which forms the of research can be difficult to acquire but is debates surrounding the study of the media, often very valuable. But if you are preparing for in which you, as a media student, are now an extended essay, then it is exactly this type becoming involved. of research which, if well used, will make your work distinctive and impressive.

19 Referencing Assessment Types Full details of assessment types per module It is important that students demonstrate their can be located in both the Module Study Guide breadth of reading and understanding on subject and Assessment Guidelines published on each matters. This is best done through the use of module’s home page on Moodle. referencing, where views, quotes and findings Formative Assessment are accredited to their original author. When Students on accredited courses at MetFilm School referencing books, we require that all students receive ongoing formative assessment throughout use the Harvard Referencing System, as per the each module, which is designed to help students following format: learn more effectively and find ways to maintain Author Surname, Initial(s). (YEAR OF and improve progress. Formative assessment PUBLICATION). Title. Place of publication: is designed to give in-delivery feedback on a Publisher. student’s performance or contribution, and is a valuable tool for enhancement of student work. e.g. Katz, S. (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot. Formative assessments must be completed by California: Michael Wiese Productions. all students and form an integral part of the For more information on Harvard Referencing learning experience. and producing bibliographies, quotations and Summative Assessment citations please refer to Student Guide to citing Summative assessment measures student and referencing in the Harvard Style on the learning at specific points through the course MetFilm School Support Site on Moodle. of study, and provides students with indicators You should also consult the section on of their progress and a summative mark Plagiarism and Academic Offences on that contributes to the overall module mark. page 33. Summative assessments generally include a combination of practice and reflective work. Assessment All assessment marks are indicative until ratified and approved by the relevant Module Accredited courses only Award Board and Progress Award Board at the All MetFilm accredited programmes are validated University of West London. by and subject to the University of West London Academic Regulations. Non-Submission If a student does not submit any element of Currently, these regulations are supplemented by assessment for marking for a module on Moodle, the UWL COVID-19 (Emergency) Regulations, then the assignment will be marked as a non- which apply across accredited courses. They submission (NS). The non-submission will be allow for significant flexibility to some of the notified to the University of West London Module rules set out below and have been introduced to Award Board who will record the non-submission. ensure that students impacted by the COVID-19 The student will receive an automatic zero mark pandemic are not unduly disadvantaged by the for that element of assessment. pandemic. They are in place temporarily, and may not apply for the duration of your studies, so you should still familiarise yourself with the rules below which apply under normal circumstances. You can also find a summary of therules that will apply while the Emergency Regulations remain in force. The regulations that apply under normal circumstances are detailed below.

20 Re-sits Circumstances that might warrant a claim for Failure to achieve a pass mark in any element mitigation include: of assessment will require the student to re-sit the failed element. For undergraduate students, • ill health – physical or mental; the pass mark for an element of assessment severe financial hardship; is a minimum of 40%. Students who are • undertaking re-sits will receive a maximum • emotional/personal difficulties i.e. available mark of 40%. bereavement; For postgraduate students, the pass mark for an • special needs i.e. where the student’s disability element of assessment is a minimum of 50%. comes to light for the first time at assessment; Students who are undertaking re-sits will receive unavoidable absence from domicile – i.e. a maximum available mark of 50%. • eviction; or Re-Take other serious circumstances which could not If a student fails a re-sit opportunity and does • be foreseen by the student. not receive a sufficient overall module mark to secure a pass then the student must re-take Any student presenting a case for mitigation the entire module, including teaching and must provide appropriate evidence in the assessment, at the next available opportunity. form of medical certificates, statements from The cost for a module re-take is £1000 per professionals etc. Claims for mitigation should be 20 credit module. If you have queries about submitted no less than 10 working days before retakes you should discuss these with your the date of the assessment deadline. course manager or programme leader. Students should approach the Student Services Progression Team, who will provide the student with a Academic credits are achieved when a University of West London Mitigation Claim Form student passes a module. You must achieve to complete. Students must also speak to their an appropriate number of credits to be able programme leader and or module leader so they to progress through the course. You should are aware you are claiming mitigation, as they be aware that resits and re-takes can have may be able to advise further and /or grant a 10 implications on your ability to continue to day extension if applicable. the next level of study and complete your course within the usual timescales and Students must complete the first section of the the eventual graduation date. The regulations form and attach any relevant documentation, with related to progression can be found in the supporting evidence and submit to a member Academic Regulations (click here) of the of the MetFilm School Student Services Team. University of West London. MetFilm School Student Services will then act as liaison with the Mitigation Team at UWL. Full details of the assessment regulations can be Students must ensure all relevant documentation found in the Academic Regulations. is included in the application. If documents are missing or incomplete the claim will be Mitigating Circumstances automatically rejected by the University. Mitigation is the taking into account of any circumstances that were not within the foresight The University of West London holds a Mitigation and control of the student and which the Boards periodically. These boards can approve or School believes might adversely affect the reject a mitigation claim. Once a claim has been academic performance of a student. Mitigation reviewed by the Mitigation Board, the student is a serious process and should not to be will be notified in writing of the outcome and any initiated by the student unless their ability to adjustments that will be made as a result. work and study has been affected by serious circumstances beyond their control. For further information, please refer to the University of West London Mitigation Policy. The mitigation process is not a substitute for completing assignments and does not allow for the ordinary challenges of student life, such as personal relationships, balancing work and study, or computer failure. 21 Extensions Following internal moderation, feedback may The School recognises that in some be released to you but before your mark circumstances a student may request to receive is finalised for a module, a representative an extension on an assessment deadline for sample of assessments is also normally unforeseen and unpreventable reasons. The moderated externally, by an external examiner circumstances in which extensions will be granted from another UK higher education institution are tightly monitored and the reasons given for an and formally approved by a UWL Module extension request must be evidenced. Assessment Board. This ensures that the mark you get is fair and that it is comparable and Some examples of legitimate reasons for reflects standards not just at UWL, but across requesting an extension may include (but is the UK. not limited to): bereavement, illness, financial hardship, loss of accommodation, technical issues where MetFilm School is at fault, etc. Submitting Assignments Examples of insufficient or unreasonable Students on accredited courses need to submit requests include: poor time management, their assessments for each module via Moodle, IT or connectivity issues experienced whilst the School’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) uploading off-site, illness not supported by unless advised otherwise by course teams. Each medical evidence. module has its own Moodle page with links for each assignment to be submitted. An extension request form is obtained either on the MetFilm Student Support Side on Moodle Instructions for uploading the correct files, here or by emailing admin@metfilmschool. accepted file types and sizes can be found next ac.uk. Students must complete a request form to the submission links on each module page in in full before it is sent to a senior member of the Moodle. Files that are not in the accepted file Education Team for consideration. An extension type or size will be deemed a non-submission can normally be granted up to a maximum of and will receive a zero mark. 10 days. Ethical Approval for Graduation All extension requests must be made before the assignment submission deadline; requests and Master’s Projects made after this point may be rejected. Requests for extension will usually require external Research and creative artefact production should verification or documentary evidence (eg a be undertaken under the basic principle that it medical note from a registered GP). does not cause harm, allow harm to be inflicted, or otherwise damage the interests of any parties Marking and Moderation involved. Ethical approval is an essential part of Before marks for assessment are released to the greenlight process for projects undertaken you, they have to go through a rigorous quality as part of any final BA 40 credit or MA 60 credit assurance process. Work is first marked by project module. staff who are trained in assessment processes. Usually, a sample of student work is then You can find the ethical approval form and internally moderated to ensure that there are no guidance around it on Moodle and in the issues with the marking. This is a process that relevant module study guides. operates in a similar way across most universities in the UK. Graduation Projects and Master’s Projects are all normally fully double marked.

22 8. Your Facilities

The guidelines below have been set out to Personal Projects ensure that all students are able to take full advantage of the School’s facilities. Students are encouraged to do personal projects to practise their filmmaking skills. In order to take Kit Room kit out and have your shoot covered by the MFS insurance these projects must be made under The Kit Room is situated on the 1st Floor, A Block the school’s production and professional practice opposite the café. The kit room staff are able to guidelines. Non-commercial means you don’t help you with kit, kit care, personal projects as get paid for the work but also you don’t confer a well as audiovisual support commercial benefit on anyone else. You must In line with the school’s Covid Protocols, the Kit retain the rights to any work you do. This means Room is accessible by appointment only. You you must be credited and the work’s integrity is can find information, policies, and forms on the respected, so it can’t be cut, reused or distributed without your permission. It should also not take MetFilm Student Support Site. you or any crew members away from any school classes or delay module work. Booking a Shooting Space Students can book equipment for personal Students can book with the timetabling • projects where the kit is available. Kit allocated department via email at for personal projects can be found on the [email protected]. Student Support site on Moodle. Please note that: Request for equipment must be submitted • to the School’s Kit Room to approve. These You can book the shooting spaces up to two forms are available on the Student Support • weeks prior to the required date if available. Site on Moodle. All requests for personal Students should note that weekends are much projects are subject to kit availability with kit more likely to be available than weekdays. priority first to curriculum delivery. Priority goes first to teaching requirements, All student personal projects must be • second to student bookings (booked prior to • accompanied by a completed Production and 2 weeks before the date). Covid risk assessment, which will need to be Students are not allowed to build sets on approved by the School’s Kit Room. This is • the shooting spaces using the flats without also on the Student Support Site. discussing with the Head of Operations. • If a student has returned kit in an Students must always leave the shooting unacceptable condition, damaged kit in any • spaces in a tidy and professional manner. way, or failed to adhere to the agreed pick up and drop off times then the student may no longer be able to access MetFilm School Kit for personal projects. If a student contravenes our attendance • and engagement policy, this may have a detrimental effect on the ability to use equipment for personal projects.

23 Library MetFilm School E-library • MetFilm School gives students on The Paul Hamlyn Library in the main University undergraduate and postgraduate courses of West London campus offers an excellent in London and Berlin access to a series of range of books, journals and DVDs/videos. digital and physical libraries and you can log The library provides a wide range of services, in to find asummary of these resources. resources, advice and help to support teaching, These currently include the following: learning and research across the institution. • Proquest Ebook Central It is located at UWL’s main Ealing site in St – A range of 100 books especially curated for Mary’s Road and is open from 9am-8.30pm MetFilm School students including some of from Monday to Thursday, 9am-6pm on Friday your core texts and recommended reading. and 10am-6pm over the weekend. – Log in using your MetFilm School user name (check your Student Gateway if you All undergraduate and postgraduate students are not sure what this is) are automatically members of the Library. The UWL ID card is also the Library card, and • Bloomsbury Screen Studies Collection borrowing rights are automatically set according – Click above link for more information about to your course and student status. Self-service this dynamic digital platform comprising machines are available at all Libraries, allowing exceptional content from Bloomsbury and for independent borrowing when service desks Faber & Faber to support moving image are not staffed. studies, including instant access to over 315 critical, contextual and practical eBooks The Academic Support Librarians provide help on a diverse range of genres, regions, and support throughout the learner journey, themes, as well as practical instruction on running training sessions on a regular basis on screenwriting and filmmaking techniques. topics such as Refworks and referencing, or – Log in using your MetFilm School user database search strategies, and offering one- name and password (check your Student to-one advice on finding detailed resources for Gateway if you are not sure what this is) assignments by appointment. Bloomsbury Drama Core Collection The subject librarians are: • – Click above link for more information • Filmmaking (BA/MA) – about this collection which includes video [email protected] content from the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s • Screen Acting – Globe Theatre, Hollow Crown, BBC Films, [email protected] and more; play texts from Methuen Drama, The Arden Shakespeare, Faber Please note that the information above may be & Faber, Playwrights Canada Press, subject to change due to COVID-19. Consult Nick Hern Books, & Aurora Metro Books; student services staff for the most up to date Audio plays from LA Theatre Works; and information before visiting. scholarly books from Methuen Drama BFI Library and The Arden Shakespeare You may also choose to go to the BFI Library – Log in using your MetFilm School user on the Southbank. The library is open name and password (check your Student Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am–7pm. Gateway if you are not sure what this is) Books at MetFilm School To supplement the Paul Hamlyn Library, the School hosts a small selection of books which includes most core texts and a number of other relevant resources. Students are invited to borrow books for limited periods of time, and to return them to the book shelves on which you found them.

24 9. Your Career

Built around the School, the MetFilm ecosystem Career Guidance for Students is designed to support your professional and career development. Career and professional development support for students is an essential part of the MetFilm School experience, and comes through a variety of sources: All modules are led by practising industry • professionals who are continually updating In particular, MetFilm Futures supports the delivery of their teaching in line with students and graduates in navigating their path contemporary industry practice. into industry in the following ways: • Through regular tutorial meetings students • Informing students and alumni about are encouraged to think, prepare, and permanent and freelance job opportunities, develop their learning goals in line with their internships and placements evolving career aspirations. • Organising professional industry guest The Education Team are available for additional speakers and career workshops • meetings where requested by students. • Helping raise student profiles by promoting Information and opportunities for students their short films, TV projects and web series • are regularly posted by the MetFilm Futures Advising on film and video strategy, festival team via student communications site on • logistics and entry requirements Moodle and on the Virtual Grindhouse. Developing career skills such as networking, • MetFilm Futures provide advice on careers, • pitching, showreel creation and social profile festival submissions and job noticeboard building. postings as well as links to Masterclasses and Seminars. Students can sign up for Career Advice • sessions and access up to the minute Career and Festival advice publications.

MetFilm Production offers 3-4 in house work experience placements per year for MetFilm School graduates. Selected graduates work on MetFilm Production’s films in a variety of capacities, such as award winning productions The Reason I Jump, How to Change the World, Sour Grapes, Swimming With Men and the recently released 23 Walks.

25 Virtual Grindhouse – Festivals Guest Speaker Sessions We help students navigate the festival Our guest speaker sessions feature a wide and commercial world of film to maximise range of industry-recognised guests from the opportunities for their films. We provide world of film, television, new media platforms, information and advice to our students and marketing and distribution, entertainment graduates on film, television and online business, production and post production. festival strategy. Recent guests have included: Roger Deakins, If you would like more information about MetFilm Cinematographer (1917, Skyfall, No Country Futures contact Sarah Winstanley by email on for Old Men); Jonathan Pryce, Actor (The [email protected]. Two Popes, The Crown); Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal, Actors (Normal People); Gurinder Chadha, Writer, Director (Blinded by the Light, Bend it Like Beckham); , Producer (Made in Dagenham, The Crying Game, Company of Wolves, Carol); Jon East, Director (Killing Eve, That Summer Day); Jack O’Connell, Actor (‘73, Money Monster); Lucy Banks, Head of Content Solutions, Google; Peter Czernin, Producer (3 Billboards, A Very English Scandal); Danny Mays, Actor (Line of Duty, Good Omens); Nicole Taylor (C Word, 3 Girls, Wild Rose); David Sheldon Hicks – Founder Territory Studio (Ad Astra, Bladerunner); Kevin MacDonald, Director (Whitney, Last King of Scotland); Asif Kapadia, Director, Screenwriter, Producer (Senna, Amy, The Warrior); Bryan Cranston, Actor, Director, Producer (Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle); Chung-Hoon Chung, Cinematographer (Oldboy, Stoker); Desiree Akhavan, Screenwriter, Director, Actress (Appropriate Behaviour, The Slope, Girls); Dan Sefton, Writer (Trust Me, The Good Karma Hospital); Frank Spotnitz, Producer (The X-Files, The Man in the High Castle); James Marsh, Oscar-winning Director (The Theory of Everything, The Mercy, Man on Wire, Project Nim); Valerio Bonelli, Award-winning Editor (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Philomena, Florence Foster Jenkins); IIene Starger, Acclaimed Casting Director (School of Rock, Sleepy Hollow, The Parent Trap); Bruce Daisley, Vice President, (EMEA); , Actor, Director, Author (Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, Planet of the Apes); , Writer/Director (Personal History of David Copperfield, , , , , Alan Partridge).

26 10. International Students

If you are a student coming to study from outside the UK, please read this section • Register with the police (if applicable) carefully. The checklists and guidance below • Open a bank account are a starting point for your planning. • Register with a doctor The UK Council for International Affairs Please note, you MUST arrive in the UK on (UKCISA) has an excellent website which or after the first day of your Student Route provides immigration advice for international visa permission begins. Arriving earlier will students coming to the UK. invalidate your visa and you will be required to leave the UK to return on a date that Preparing to come to MetFilm School complies with your Student Route visa. For example, if your Student Route visa begins General on 5th September you should not enter the • Make sure you have a valid passport UK before this date. • Arrange to sit the IELTS for UKVI Academic Biometric Residence Permit test (if applicable) It is crucial that you collect your Biometric Pay tuition fees and then arrange for Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of your • ‘maintenance/ living expenses’ so it is arrival in the UK. The BRP sets out your right to available to you when you apply for a visa residence and right to work. It also allows you Ask the school to issue you a CAS for your to travel in and out of the UK without additional • Student Route visa visas for the duration of your studies. Please take good care of your BRP. Replacements Have a TB test (check UKVI countries list  are expensive and you could be fined, have • where you need a TB test to enter the UK) your permission cancelled, and/or any future • Obtain Student Route visa immigration applications you make to come to Make enquiries and arrangements for the UK may be affected. • accommodation Where possible, please collect your BRP in Before You Leave advance of your first day at MetFilm School. You • Buy currency will be required to show your BRP during the Decide how to pay for accommodation registration process. This will allow staff to help you • meet your conditions of registration and identify Prepare the ORIGINAL documents needed  any errors that may be present on your BRP. • for Induction: – Passport, Identity Card (if applicable) International students with a Student Route visa – Academic qualifications mentioned in offer/ are entitled to work part-time, up to 20 hours or on your CAS statement (if applicable) per week. This will be stated on your BRP and will be required by UK employers as proof of – Visa (if applicable) your right to work in the UK. Read the welcome pack, reading lists and • pre-induction emails you receive from If you think there is an error on your BRP, MetFilm School please notify [email protected] Plan your budget immediately. BRP errors must be reported to • the Home Office within 10 days of collection. When You Arrive in London Errors reported after 10 working days will Collect your Biometric Residence Permit not be actioned by the Home Office. • (BRP) from the post office Attend all Induction and Registration • activities – if you do not correctly register at MetFilm School, you may forfeit your place and your visa be curtailed

27 Virtual Grindhouse – – Updates on any other changes e.g. an Guest Speaker Sessions extension to your visa. • Attend all of your classes and immediately The UK immigration rules affecting everyone inform us at attendance@metfilmschool. coming to live and study in the UK are available ac.uk if you will need to be absent for any on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) reason, even if you will only miss one class. website. You can also find relevant information from the British Embassy/or equivalent in your The School’s Responsibilities country. All students who are non-UK nationals Any education institution in the UK that wishes to and who will be studying in the UK for more admit students from outside the UK must hold a than six months will need to apply for a Student license from the Home Office. Route visa from overseas. As a licensed Student Route sponsor, MetFilm EU or EEA nationals with pre-settled or settled School has a responsibility to ensure that all status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not our students have the correct immigration require a visa. All other EU & EEA nationals permission which allows them to study with us. must apply for a Student Route visa. This means MetFilm School must maintain up to date records of the following: Assistance on UK Immigration Before you arrive, assistance on immigration • Your current passport and visa; matters and applying for a Student Route Your BRP card if one has been issued to you; visa is available from the Admissions Team. • You can contact the Compliance Manager at Your current address, telephone number and [email protected]. If you • other contact details; experience any immigration problems, please contact us immediately. • Monitoring your attendance; Whilst you are studying with us, assistance on • Monitoring progress during your studies; and visa matters can be sought from the Student Reporting to the Home Office if your Services Team. They can provide advice on • attendance is poor, if you interrupt your studies work rights, attendance monitoring and when for more than two months, if you change your circumstances might mean you need to interrupt programme or if you leave the School. your studies. Working Regulations How the Student Route Immigration Rules If you are on a Student Route visa, please Affect You remember that you must comply with the International students on a Student Route visa permissions stated on your visa and British have several specific duties and responsibilities Residence Permit. imposed by UKVI. Arriving in the UK You must: If you have been granted Student Route Comply with the conditions of your immigration permission, you should have no • immigration permission (eg, adhere to work problems coming through immigration control conditions, registering with the police, arriving when you arrive in the UK. We recommend in the UK on the correct date). that you carry a copy of your CAS Statement in your hand luggage, and evidence of your • Register at the education institution which finances such as a bank statement as these is printed on the visa in your passport and may be requested by an Immigration Officer. Biometric Residence Permit. The Immigration Officer will date stamp your passport to confirm that you meet all the At registration, provide MetFilm School with immigration requirements to study in the UK. • specific information including: During busy periods, it can take as long as – Your current passport and visa copy; three hours to clear immigration control. If you – Your BRP copy if one has been issued to experience problems at immigration control, you by UKVI; contact the School on 020 8280 9112 during – Updates on your current address, email and office hours. telephone numbers; and

28 Biometric Immigration Document Registering with the OVRO You must collect your Biometric Residence Permit You are required to carry the following documents within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Check your when you register with the OVRO: Visa decision letter. It will tell you to collect your BRP from a named Post Office branch. Police Registration Certificate (PRC) if you • hold one Registration with The Police Once you have been admitted to the UK, • Passport(s) nationals of some countries are required to Biometric Residence Permit (also known register with the police. • as BRP) Your visa stamp will say if you have to register. Home Office visa approval letter or email If it says nothing in this respect, then you do not • showing requirement to register (If BRP need to register with the police. If you are required applied in the UK) to do so, you must register with the police within seven days of your arrival in the UK. Information • Proof of address in London, for example a on how to do this can be found at The Overseas tenancy agreement or letter of confirmation Visitors’ Records Office (OVRO) website here. from your sponsor. You must visit the OVRO to register and • Proof of work or study details (confirmation collect your Police Registration Certificate letter from educational sponsor/CAS or (PRC) within seven days of arriving in London. employment contract) This is important, as failing to do so could £34 registration fee – We don’t accept cash. lead to a £5000 fine, a prison sentence, • Please ensure you attend with payment such recommendation of deportation or a 10-year as credit or debit card or mobile payment. ban on entering the UK. For further information, UCAS provides a useful resource.

29 11. Rules and Regulations

The MetFilm School community is committed The School considers the following inappropriate to the highest standards of openness, equal conduct to constitute misconduct that is likely to opportunity, accountability and protection for all lead to disciplinary proceedings. The list should its staff and students. With that in mind we have not be considered to be exhaustive: provided the below guidelines to guide all our students during their time studying with us. Failure to follow COVID-safe guidance or • instructions issued by MetFilm School staff You can find all of the regulations relevant to and tutors. you on your Moodle Student Support site and a number of our policies are publicly available on Failure to respect the rights of others to • freedom of belief, orientation or practices, our website. or freedom of speech. MetFilm School • Violent, disorderly, threatening, bullying, or Student Code of Conduct offensive behaviour or language whilst on School premises, engaged in School activity MetFilm School provides teaching and learning (including on set) or using School computers. to prepare its students for a successful career Serious acts of fraud, deceit, deception or in the film, TV and online screen content • dishonesty in relation to the School or their industry. We want our students to leave with a staff or students. professionalism that will be acknowledged by industry, the skills to effectively collaborate with Any action likely to cause significant injury or fellow creators, an open-mindedness that fuels • impairment of safety on School premises. innovation and a passion that drives them to excellence in everything they do. • Any action likely to bring the School into disrepute. To create an environment that allows • Disruption of or interference with other everyone the chance to achieve these students’ teaching and learning outcomes. aspirations, the School has established Disruption of the academic, administrative, a clear set of expected behaviours for its • or production activities of the School. students and staff: • Harassment of any kind towards a student, • To show mutual respect and an member of staff or authorised visitor to understanding of fellow students and staff, the School by any means including cyber- embracing equality, diversity and inclusion. bullying or cyber-harassment. You can find more information about the School’s commitment to equality and • Damage to, or defacement of, School property. diversity in our Diversity, Equality and Damage to the property of other members of Inclusion Strategy, our Equal Opportunity • the School caused intentionally or recklessly, and Diversity Policy and our Access and or misappropriation of such property. Participation Statement. Misuse or unauthorised use of School premises To take responsibility and be accountable for • and property, including computer misuse. • conduct that should be ethical at all times. Where a student has engaged in aggressive, To be fair and demonstrate integrity in all • abusive or other anti-social behaviour, if this • dealings both at the School, and outside as is as a result of the use of alcohol, or drugs, a representative of the School. this will in no way excuse the behaviour or To be committed and disciplined in their mitigate any potential disciplinary procedure. • approach to teaching, learning and The distribution of material that infringes or associated productions.  • ignores other people’s ownership of copyright. To be responsible citizens and leaders in a Minor misconduct, if repeated, may be regarded • fast-changing and complex world. and therefore punished as if more serious.

30 Disciplinary Procedure Social Media Guidance

MetFilm School seeks to create a community Social media technologies are an integral part of of learning, which fosters mutual respect and daily life for most of us. If used appropriately, they maximises the student educational experience. can be incredibly powerful tools for enhancing The Student Code of Conduct sets out the learning, networking and enabling us to engage expected standards of behaviour to promote an innovatively with the creative process. But using environment in which students can thrive. If a social media also carries some risks. Misuse of student breaches the Student Code of Conduct online platforms can cause harm to others and or other school policy MetFilm School strives yourself, and could even put you at risk of legal or to resolve the matter quickly and effectively disciplinary action. The full guidance document through informal means. However, there are can be found on your Moodle Student Support times when the nature of the breach requires a site, but you should familiarise yourself with the formal disciplinary process. rules of thumb below: There are helpful charts that explain the Do participate in discussion, share useful escalation of cases in detail available to • content and use social media for networking download on your Moodle Student Support Site. Do use social media creatively to engage Most disciplinary matters will be dealt with • with your learning internally by MetFilm School, with a right to appeal. The Disciplinary Appeals procedure • Do consider what you’re posting and its can be accessed on your Moodle Student impact on others Support Site. • Do treat other users with respect For academic misconduct, see the section on Do think about the impact of what you share Plagiarism and Academic Offences below. • (not just on fellow students but also on other It is important to note there is a separate individuals including future employers) process for academic appeals, which will be Do consider privacy and make your personal heard by University of West London. This can • profiles private where possible be found in the Academic Regulations. • Don’t be negative, aggressive or threatening Reporting Bullying, towards others when you post Harassment and Misconduct, • Don’t harass, bully, or defame individuals including Sexual Misconduct or groups and steer clear of potentially offensive language The School wants students to feel comfortable and safe reporting concerns, including bullying • Don’t reveal sensitive or personal information or harassment. MetFilm School has a Bullying about yourself or other people and Harassment Policy which you can find (e.g. in group chats) on your Moodle Student Support Site. This Don’t post links to content that is explains the behaviours that could constitute • discriminatory, illegal or that contains harassment or bullying and how to report these evidence of you breaking the law either by raising a student complaint (see also the section on Student Concerns, Complaints • Don’t share sexually explicit content & Appeals below) or by speaking to any trusted Don’t breach copyright or intellectual member of staff. You can find useful information • property on sources of support if you are experiencing harassment or bullying in the Bullying and If you follow these rules, social media use Harassment policy. can really enhance your learning and student experience. You can report concerns by writing to directly to [email protected]. Relevant staff can then advise you on issues such as support, anonymity and safeguarding.

31 Student Concerns, Complaints Attendance & Appeals Policy All students are expected to arrive at their MetFilm We make every effort to ensure teaching and production sessions in advance of students are satisfied with their experience the call time. Students who arrive late to teaching at MetFilm School, which includes a process sessions may be excluded from the active for dealing with any causes for concern, session until the next break so as not to disrupt dissatisfaction or complaint. We encourage all the teaching of those in the current session. students to raise any concerns with any staff We encourage all students to familiarise member in the first instance, with a view to themselves with the requirements around speedy and mutually beneficial resolution. attendance and absence policy and In the event that you are not satisfied with the procedures, and to engage fully with the School response, please familiarise yourself with our if there is any issue. complaints policy and procedures, so that we The Student Services Team is responsible can work together in the management of any for the management of the School’s areas of concern. attendance database. If you have questions Please click for the Student Concerns, around the operation of this policy and Complaints & Appeals Policy. This policy process within the School please email details the steps for raising a complaint, as well [email protected] or visit the as setting the expectations of how the School Student Services Team. They will be happy will manage any complaints raised, and the to clarify any issues. available appeal routes. Attendance is intrinsically linked with attainment Complaints are reported on to senior and successful outcomes, and MetFilm School management by the Quality Manager. expects full participation in all teaching and If you have any questions related to the production sessions. MetFilm School tracks policy or process, please contact student attendance on a weekly basis, and reacts [email protected]. accordingly to unsatisfactory levels of attendance which falls below the defined thresholds. Academic Appeals Process Full details of the attendance requirements, process and actions can be found in Appeals against academic decisions in relation our Attendance Monitoring and to the grading of student work are formally Engagement Policy. managed by the academic appeals procedure of the University of West London for all Attendance requirements for international undergraduate and postgraduate programmes visa students are managed to more stringent delivered at MetFilm School. Please see the standards, with details found in the Attendance University of West London Student Handbook Monitoring and Engagement Policy. pages 153 – 161 for information on the University’s academic appeals process.

32 Absence Plagiarism and Academic Offences

Full details of the process for authorised and Plagiarism is defined as the presentation by a unauthorised management of absence are student of work for assessment which is not his/ found in the Attendance Policy. Students must her own, in the sense that all or part of the work familiarise themselves with the rationale, process has been copied from that of another person and expectations for notifying the School of (whether published or not) without attribution, absence. All attendance matters and requests for or the presentation of another’s work as if it absence must be notified to the Student Services were his/her own. Any student who knowingly Team at [email protected]. permits another student to plagiarise his/ her own work will also be regarded as having It is expected that students notify the School breached the Academic Regulations. This of any absence prior to the start of the relevant can be a piece of written work, filmed artefact teaching session. Continued absence may require (moving image and sound), production portfolio, the student to provide documentary evidence to critical analysis, learning report, musical substantiate the reasons for persistent absence. composition, choreography, image or string of The School will work with students to understand computer code etc. and help manage issues with absence, and The term plagiarism is derived from the Latin provides a number of routes for support via Plagiarius, which means kidnapper. Plagiarism personal tutors, the school counsellor, and other in written work can occur intentionally (e.g. you procedural options to ensure a realistic and copy a section from a book without referencing achievable plan for improvement is put in place. it) or unintentionally (e.g. you paraphrase If unauthorised, un-notified and unjustified another person‘s work or ideas but fail to absence persists, the School will take the acknowledge them as the source). In either following steps to mitigate: case, it is unacceptable. Issue a letter of concern to the students It is important that all students are aware of the • requesting an explanation of attendance need to ensure that all work presented by them has in fact been produced by them alone. Require a meeting with the Head of Student • Services and Senior Academic staff to outline For more information on academic integrity and an improvement plan plagiarism, please refer to MFS’s guidelines or UWL’s Academic Offences Regulations (navigate • If persistent issues with attendance remain, to Section 12) which can both be accessed via the School ultimately may put you forward for the MetFilm Student Support Site on Moodle. withdrawal from your Course and the School.

33 12. Health and Safety

Our Health and Safety guidelines are designed to General Guidelines for Productions keep you and other students safe. It is important that you read, digest and follow these rules, as All students must be aware of health and well as using your common sense and awareness. • safety procedures and potential hazards and risks for filming before the start of a production. The School’s full Health and Safety policy is on This includes the completion and approval of our website. You should familiarise yourself with it. a risk assessment and the adherence to the findings of this assessment. See below. COVID-19 • All accidents must be logged in the ‘Accident COVID safe operating procedures may remain Report Book’ – held by the Reception team in operation on the MetFilm School premises on the ground floor of A Block. during your time at the School. You can find Students are requested to wear appropriate detailed information about them in the linked pdf.  • clothes when working on projects – There are posters up on site and the general especially when filming. Students must be principles relate to maintaining social aware of protective clothing – (i.e. gloves for distancing, wearing masks as apporpriate and work with hot lights). practicing good hygiene. • Hot drinks must be kept away from electrical On sets and during filming, and in some and film equipment and computer rooms. teaching scenarios, COVID production Film equipment should NOT be left protocols apply. • lying around. General Guidelines • Careful attention should always be paid to for when on Campus the safe storage and hygiene of food, drinks and snacks. All staff / students / users of MetFilm School The primary responsibility for health and safety premises should be aware of the emergency on any production rests with the Appointed procedures. Students will be taken through this Person. They may delegate tasks to various as part of their induction process. other crew members, but will remain responsible First Aid kits can be found: A Block at for ensuring that all such tasks are completed • Reception, 1st Floor Kit Room, 2nd Floor at satisfactorily. They are also responsible for Entrance door; B & E Blocks at Entrance door. adherence to the risk assessment.

All fire exits are clearly marked and free from General Notes • obstruction. Failure to do so may jeopardise your right to shoot at MetFilm School. Remember to consider your cast and crew, and No medication may be administered to any members of the public at all times. Take ample • students or employees. time to consider and plan your shoot. For more information on things like ethical approval and • With Covid protocols, due to enhanced module specific health and safety requirements procedures for visitors, Operations must be consult the module study guides and see the informed in advance of any visitors to campus. ethical approval section above. Any rubbish MUST be placed into the bins • provided, which are emptied regularly. All MetFilm School premises are • No Smoking or Vaping. No animals are allowed on the premises • except by prior arrangement.

34 Risk Assessment If you are unsure about any aspect of Health and Safety, you should seek guidance, A Production Risk Assessment and Covid legal or otherwise, as to your rights as an Risk Assessment must be carried out for each individual and team while working on a production. You can find therisk assessment project, insurance cover, regulatory practices, templates and guidelines on the MetFilm from your module leader. Student Support Site on Moodle. Covid You are legally held responsible for health and Protocols and guidelines can be found on safety on your shoots. If a student is negligent our website. in carrying out the safety procedures identified In completing the forms, assess both the within their risk assessments, the student could severity of the hazard (from negligible to very end up in court. Negligence will be determined by severe) and the likelihood of it occurring (from the courts but is likely to look at the circumstances unlikely to very likely). Then decide the action and ignore the student’s lack of inexperience. to take to mitigate against injury or damage. Module risk assessments are approved by the Insurance Module Leader or another suitable member of the course team. Shooting cannot commence MetFilm School insurance covers you whilst without confirmation that both these have you are a student. Curricula exercises, and been approved. Risk Assessments are vital productions require appropriate contracts and to filmmaking so you are advised to ensure Risk Assessments for insurance to be in place. that your Risk Assessments are discussed, completed and signed off well in advance of MetFilm School insurance does not cover: your shooting dates. If you are taking kit out from Filming in moving vehicles the school, it can only be released if you have • completed and approved Risk Assessments. • Filming on roof tops An essential part of the pre-production planning • Filming with external hired equipment process is to assess risk and being aware of Filming abroad health and safety. A film set is a temporary • workplace, and you are therefore responsible Aerial filming, including drones for the health and safety of your cast and crew. • You should demonstrate in your risk assessment • Extreme sports form that you have given proper thought to the Stunts, including underwater filming prevention of damage and injury. • There are three areas to Health and Safety in filmmaking: equipment, crew (and cast), the public. You must be aware of all three when you create your risk assessments. Covid Risk Assessments centre around the four pillars of risk management: social distancing, health monitoring, enhanced cleaning and personal hygiene. When shooting on location you must review the location before you shoot to check for any logistical and health and safety issues. You must also gain appropriate permissions for shooting from owners, the local council and the Police. Also, you MUST make sure when on a shoot that the proper authority knows where, when and what you are doing – and, most importantly, that you have written approval. Failure to arrange this may result in your future filming possibilities being curtailed and legal action being taken against you.

35 Stage Use Filming with the Public / on Streets and Roads The use of Stage 5 by students comes with certain pre-requisites. Students must return When filming near public roads crews MUST Stage 5 to the condition in which they found it. wear reflective high visibility waistcoats – If this has not happened students may lose the available with your kit or from the Kit Room. right to shoot on the Stage in the future. If you’re filming on a street, or any public area, • For personal projects, students must have remember that your crew may be aware of a either an appropriately trained person with cable, track or tri-pod, but a passer-by may not. them for the duration of the shoot period. If you cannot ensure obstructions are securely out of the way, employ a runner to direct the The fire exits must be clearly visible and public around it. • unobstructed at all times. If you have to shoot in the road itself you need All cables and other tripping hazards must to notify the police, the local council, and place • be clearly signposted or safely stored. appropriate cones and diversion signs around Students are not allowed to use the flats your shoot. If you are controlling traffic a • stored at rear of the stage without being member of the Police will need to be present. constructed by a qualified individual. Emergency Planning Students MUST get appropriately qualified • individuals to construct key props and sets. You must always have pre-set arrangements Students are not allowed to use the ceiling for emergencies to include an isolation area • mounted lighting rig. for anyone who falls ill during the course of the filming period. There should always be • Students are not allowed to use the video someone on set with authority to take charge in projector. emergency situations – the “appointed person”. Students must not climb up fixed stage This should be noted on the Call Sheet so all • ladders to the lighting rigs. crew and cast are aware of who to approach in the event of a Health & Safety incident. When filming on a set or on location it is the • duty of the First AD to ensure that there are Call Sheets for the shoot, which must go to all no trailing wires, cables, or any other tripping cast, crew and your Course Manager, must hazards or obstructions. include the details of the nearest hospital as well as the mobile number of all people with All cables need to be tidied away, stored under health and safety responsibilities. protective mats or taped down. All tripping hazards, including cables and wires, must be Wrap Reports must detail any on set Health & sign posted. Safety incident.

36 Cast and Crew – Medical First Aid/Appointed Person

Covid Production Protocols note that all cast, There is a First Aid box at the entrance to each crew and visitors to set must take Lateral Flow floor of the MetFilm School. This contains basic Tests daily and report as per the school’s first aid equipment and supplies. guidelines. Ensure you are familiar with any additional requirements as listed in the protocols When you are on location, you are responsible for nominating your “Appointed Person”. All crew In addition, all cast and crew should be asked members should be advised who the appointed if they have any medical conditions they think person is on the Call Sheet plus it should be they should tell you about. This should be done verbally confirmed by the First AD at the start in private and this information should be kept in of every day as part of the Health and Safety the strictest confidence. If, you have a cast or overview of the day’s filming. Their role is simply crew member with a condition you must find out to co-ordinate any first aid requirements and what to do for them in event of an emergency call the emergency services in the event of an – such as a nut allergy incident – and ensure accident or incident. that your on-set health and safety designate are aware of this. Fire Prevention

Cast and Crew – Equipment Handling You must take every reasonable measure to prevent a fire from happening. There must be Make sure all of your equipment is safe to use adequate firefighting equipment at each location, and make sure that all members of cast and and ensure that all cast and crew are aware crew use equipment safely and with care. When of a pre-nominated safe area where they will equipment is supplied with an operator checks assemble in the event of a fire. If a fire occurs, should be made into the competence of the you should follow a pre-determined process operator. If you are in ANY doubt as to the safety similar to Fire Procedure available also from the of a piece of equipment it must not be used until MetFilm School (although you should use these it has been checked by a relevant expert. in conjunction with any fire regulations of the Use of equipment should be in line with training. studio/location at which you shoot.) If you plan to hire in additional equipment you will need to prove competency. Any externally Filming at Night hired crew are required to send in a CV to the relevant Course Team for review. When shooting at night, take the following into consideration: Covid guidelines for handling equipment can be found in the Covid Production Protocols on the • Provide extra light on set and off set. A light Moodle Student Support Site. for working beyond the actually set, for any areas that greater care is needed. Cast and Crew – Extra Needs for Crew: heating, time, food and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • clothing, hot drinks. If you shoot wraps in the middle of the night you need to make ample Arrangements must be made to ensure that any provision for the cast and crew to get home. necessary safety equipment is available to those This may include a cab. who require it. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) covers all equipment that is worn or held • If the work is near busy canals, roads, railways, to protect against risks to health and safety – this the sea or airports, you’ll need to liaise with the may include flame resistant clothing, goggles and local council and with the Police. respirators, gloves and hard hats. PPE should be Working at night, individuals are prone to get provided to employees at no charge when a risk • tired. Tiredness is a major cause of accidents. requires it. PPE must be kept in good condition In your risk assessment, you will need to and working order. You should carry out a risk make provision for this. assessment regarding the suitable use of PPE.

37 Hazardous Items Aid. This means you have responsibility for contacting emergency services if needed and Before using a hazardous item, you must seek reporting the accident to the office the next time Specialist advice and have a completed and it is open. It does not mean you have to give first approved Risk Assessment. Always consider aid if you are not qualified. whether the hazardous item is really necessary to your production, and what the options of Fire Procedure simulation are first. In case of fire please read the fire notices in your Items that are hazardous include: any substance teaching room. that is hazardous to health; any substance or equipment that may cause an explosion or a If you hear the fire alarm fire; any radioactive substance; any bacteria, viruses or other infectious material; any drugs • Leave the building via the nearest fire exit and normally requiring a prescription; any high risk assemble on the green in front of the entrance equipment, e.g. lasers; any compressed gas; to Ealing Studios. equipment with exposed dangerous moving DO NOT put yourself or anyone else in any parts; equipment capable of producing very high • danger. or low frequency sound levels; equipment with exposed dangerous voltages. DO NOT stop to take your bags and coats – • leave IMMEDIATELY. Explosions and Firearms • DO NOT run. Explosions and pyrothechnics are banned on If You Find a Fire student shoots. If you are considering a project that requires these, think of creative ways you Do not attempt to do anything about it directly might be able to get the same effect without • yourself. Raise the fire alarm by activating creating real explosions or using pyrotechnics. your nearest alarm point (there are several Your course team and other members of staff around the School) and follow the evacuation can advise. procedures per the fire safety information. Firearms, whether loaded or unloaded, are This is normally located at the entrance and completely and entirely banned from the MetFilm exits of teaching spaces. School premises and within curricula filmed The designated Fire Warden on duty will exercises on location. • assess the fire. If it is assessed as an Dummy or replica guns can be used within emergency, or if necessary, the Fire Warden Graduation and Master’s modules. Dummy or will assign a member of staff to escort all replica guns must be used only with the full individuals in the building outside through the permission of the school with a completed and nearest fire exit (which is the main entrance approved risk assessment and with relevant to the MetFilm School site.) The Fire Officer police permissions. In some instances, you may will assign a different member of staff to be required to hire an armourer for the shoot. immediately call the emergency services 999. The Fire Warden will check that all the rooms First Aid • have been evacuated and will then join all other individuals at the Fire Meeting Spot. The Accident Book and a First Aid Kit is at Reception. On the 1st floor of A-Block there is a • If you cannot find a Fire Warden or member First Aid Kit in the Kit Room, on the 2nd floor it is of staff, please call 999. Leave the building in the Kitchen. In B and E-Blocks there is a First via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Aid Kit by the entrance door. nominated assembly point on the green in front of the entrance to Ealing Studios. If you are on site out of hours at a time when the office staff are not in the student who has NEVER RE-ENTER THE BUILDING requested access will be responsible for First FOR ANY REASON

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