Building on the groundwork laid by the AS Film Studies syllabus, "A2 Film Studies: The Essential Introduction" introduces students to the diversity of cinematic styles and to different film cultures as well as positioning film within wider political, cultural and artistic debates. The book is designed to support students through the transition from a focus on textual analysis to the consideration of the wider contexts that inform any study of Film. The individual chapters cover the following key areas: The Small Scale Research Project; Practical Application of Learning; Studies in World Cinema; The Film Text and Spectator; Producers and Audiences - Issues and Debates; and, Messages and Values - Critical Approaches. Specially designed to be user-friendly, "A2 Film Studies: The Essential Introduction" includes: Activities; Sample Exam questions; Further reading; a glossary of key terms and resources; and, case studies. Sarah Casey Benyahia currently works as a lecturer and examiner in Film and Media Studies and is the author of "Teaching Contemporary British Cinema" (2005). Dr Freddie Gaffney is Chief Moderator for Film Studies at AS/A level. He is also a screenwriter, filmmaker, and Senior Lecturer in Location and Studio Production at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. John White teaches Film and English at Cambridge Regional College, Long Road Sixth Form College, Anglia Ruskin University and Parkside Community College in Cambridge. The series Editor is Peter Wall.