Media Studies Conference 2008

Wed 25 - Fri 27 June 2008

BFI Southbank, London

Introduction

This Conference offers all media and film teachers in the 16-19 sector an opportunity to discover new approaches, find essential resources through a variety of workshops, seminars and presentations as well as offering teachers the chance to meet one another. The programme is designed for maximum flexibility to enable each participant to construct their own route through the event, taking into account particular needs, knowledge gaps, level of professional experience and the demands of specification taught. 

Keynote speakers:

• Roly Keating, Controller of BBC 2 and Acting Controller of BBC 1 (until May 2008)
• Steve Blandford,  Professor of Theatre and Media, University of Glamorgan
• Ed Richards, Chief Executive Ofcom
• Surprise speaker

In addition there are four conference strands: teacher-led workshops sessions; how to teach the key concepts; Inside Industry slots where media professionals talk in some detail about their jobs and the Strand Four slots.

• Teacher-led sessions in which experienced teachers will share their approaches to teaching a particular topic or area of the curriculum.  These are informal sessions, supported with documentation, including worksheets, bibliographies and resources information.
• How to Teach … introduces the key critical concepts of Narrative, Genre, Institution, Audience and Representation.  Designed for those new or newish to the field of Film and Media Studies, these sessions can also offer a useful refresher opportunity to the not-so-new teacher.
• Inside Industry are sessions in which practitioners from a range of media industries talk about their work, giving a view from the inside of, for instance, magazine editing, designing computer games, film production and advertising. After a brief introduction from the speaker there will be ample time for questions and discussion. 
• Strand Four gives teachers the opportunity to catch up on some recent academic research in film and television in a seminar context.  This year the selection on offer includes Masculinity and Popular television, American Independent Cinema, the Representation of Race in Music Videos and Celebrity Big Brother.  Please note that Strand Four sessions aren't designed to assist you directly with day-to-day teaching.

The programme is designed for maximum flexibility so that you can miss out the 'Inside the Industry' and 'Strand Four' options and only attend the teacher-led sessions.  Alternatively, you can make a more varied selection. It's up to you! Although we try to give first choices wherever possible, the earlier you apply the more likely you are to get them.

With confirmation of your registration we will send you joining information and list of local hotels.  You will receive session allocation lists in your conference pack when you register. 

After you have read through all the information in the PDF file, please complete the application form and return to the BFI with a cheque or credit/ debit card details.  The fee covers tuition, refreshments (but not lunches), all the workshop papers and the reception.

Programme changes

Paul Watson, renowned documentary film-maker (The Family, Sylvania Water, The Fishing Party and the recent Malcolm and Barbara), has agreed to offer an Inside session on Wednesday 25 June from 15:45 - 17:15.

» Full Programme, FAQs and Application Form (PDF)