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This module will develop understanding of the principles of writing for film, television and online media. A script concept will be 'pitched' to a group of peers before being developed. The specific format and length of the script will be agreed with the tutor, according to the chosen genre.

This module is intended to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the theory and practice of screenwriting. With a clear commercial focus it will cover the processes of originating an idea for a targeted market to the production of a script that can be taken to the marketplace. It will focus on screenwriting for a wide range of programmes and platforms: fiction to news, television to writing for the web. Therefore the skills it will impart are transferable across all genres and platforms in that the basic art of the screenwriter (and the programme maker) is that of storytelling, The use of industry standard forms, processes and terminology will be taught. The module will be delivered using a combination of talks, workshop exercises, visiting lectures from current practitioners and the discussion of existing short scripts and screen works. It will begin by looking at the commercial imperatives of a screenwriter and how these guide the generation of ideas. The expression of a script concept in short premise form will be considered and this will form the basis of a story or series outline to be developed in workshops with tutor and peers. The processes and considerations of 'pitching' a concept will be discussed and students will then pitch their concept to an audience. Subsequent development sessions and workshops will enable the completion of a draft script to be discussed in tutorials. Commercial opportunities for the writers and their ideas will be researched before the completion of an industry standard script.

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

i. thoroughly demonstrate a detailed understanding of key concepts and practices in the screenwriting industry
ii. show an informed awareness of emerging commercial opportunities in screenwriting
iii. research and critically assess new developments in writing for a range of media platforms
iv. precisely utilise industry standard terminology in the production of screenwriting documents
v. work individually and cooperatively in the production of screenwriting concepts and documentation

Staff/student contact: 30 hours
Independent Study: 120 learning hours

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.