Course Resources Archive

This module will introduce students to the creative matrix of scriptwriting for either the small or large screen. It will focus on screenwriting for fiction but the skills it will impart are transferable across all genres of television programming and film in that the basic art of the scriptwriter (and then the programme /film maker) is that of storytelling, whether it be a documentary on a woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease, an episode of "Torchwood" or a short film about aliens. From an understanding of the development of a narrative structure, the dramatic arc, the 3 act principle and the importance of character/characterisation, the module will equip the students with the foundation of television and Digital Film Production that will feed in to later modules.

This module will explore all aspects of creating a story for the big and small screens. Working within the framework of what is possible to achieve within this medium, students will learn to research their stories, develop both believable characters and an ability to write narrative structure which shows an appreciation of the pace and visual aspect of the medium.

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

1. Describe and explain the key processes that are undertaken in the creation of a script

2. Show an appreciation of the constraints of the medium for which they are writing

3. Understand the importance of the relevant research for their original idea to authenticate the story.

4. Understand the need for clarity in scriptwriting in that the script is a means of communication with the director/production team/actors.

5. Demonstrate basic skills in research for screenwriting

6. Demonstrate the ability to create plausible characters

7. Demonstrate the ability to write a script for a visual medium

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