Researching Film History

Module code: EN7300

This module explores how we can research histories of production and reception through the analysis of primary sources, including both published and unpublished materials. You will be introduced to a range of different source materials, including scripts, budgets, production records, censors' reports, promotional materials, reviews and box-office returns.

The module will show you how we can 'read' primary sources to shed light on the creative, commercial and ideological processes at work in the production of films, and to understand how films were regarded by contemporary audiences and critics. The assessment for the module is primary source analysis in which you will assess the 'value' of a selection of documents for film-historical research.