PORTFOLIO (100%).
All individually assessed.

Your portfolio may include:
A SCRIPT [Learning Outcomes 1,2,4 ]
This script will have a running time of between 45 minutes and 60 minutes (further requirements – e.g. on cast size – may also be specified).

A TREATMENT/SYNOPSIS [Learning Outcomes 2,4, 5] This will take the form of a written proposal for your script

A IND PRESENTATION (rehearsed reading) [Learning Outcomes 2,3,5]
This will take the format of a Scratch Night where you will facilitate a performed reading of a representative extract of your piece in front of an invited audience and assessors.

A REPORT [Learning Outcomes 2,4]
A 200 word report on the development of your script following the Scratch Performance.

This module enables you to undertake a sustained piece of creative work in the form of an original short drama for stage or screen (e.g. one-act play, one-off TV drama). Initially, you will be asked to present a treatment/synopsis and then you will develop a first draft under the supervision of a module tutor, from which a short extract will be presented at the Scratch Night. The feedback you will receive as a result of your extract being performed in front of an audience will allow you to further develop your work. This will result in a final script for theatre or film/television that can then be submitted for assessment.

The first phase of the module will involve you in tutorials and workshops on the theory and practice of writing original drama. You will examine and explore notions of action, dialogue, character, structure, genre and dramatic/cinematic devices through script and/or scene analysis, texts and practical exercises. You will also be required to undertake research in relation to the subject or theme of your script.

You will then have a number of supervisory tutorials, either personally or via distance learning, which will help you develop your ideas and writing skills.

Along with the other students on the module, you will be responsible for the planning, presentation and delivery of a Scratch Night, when a rehearsed reading of your work will take place.

After the scratch-night and feedback from your tutors and student peers, you will be expected to critically reflect upon your text and work independently to further develop your script.

Blackboard
IT Software
Library
Drama studios
Also, many internet sites provide free access to commercially produced screenplays. Many others provide sound professional advice and guidance by writers, editors, agents and producers.

Writing for the theatre:
Ayckbourn, A. (2004). The Crafty Art of Playmaking. London: Faber and Faber
Edgar, D. (2009). How Plays Work. London: Nick Hern Books
Fountain, T. (2007). So You Want to be a Playwright? London: Nick Hern Books
Gooch, S. (2004). Writing a Play. London: A&C Black.
Waters, S (2010) The Secret Life of Plays. London: Nick Hern Books
Wood, D. (2007). Theatre for Children: A guide to Writing, Adapting, Directing and Acting. London: Faber and Faber
Journals: The Stage; UK Writer; Mslexia

Writing for film/TV:
Blake, C (1999): From Pitch to Publication, Pan
Booker, C (2005): The Seven Basic Plots, Continuum International Publishing Group
Field, Syd (1984): Screenplay, DTP
Froug, W (1992): The New Screenwriter Looks at the New Screenwriter, Silman-James Press
Goldman, W (2001): Which Lie Did I Tell?, Bloomsbury
Lumet, Sidney (1995): Making Movies
Mackendrick, A (2005): On Film-making
Mamet, David (1992): On Directing Film
McKee, R (1999): Story, Methuen
Pope, T (1998): Good Scripts, Bad Scripts, Crown Publications
Rabiger, M (2005): Developing Story Ideas, Focal Press
Rabiger, M (2003): Directing - film technique and aesthetics, Focal Press
Tierno, M (2002): Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters: Storytelling Secrets from the Greatest Mind in Western Civilisation, Hyperion
Journals: Sight & Sound; Scriptwriter; Empire

1. CREATE AN ORIGINAL PIECE OF DRAMA WITH A SUSTAINED UNDERSTANDING OF HOW NARRATIVE STRUCTURES, CHARACTER, DIALOGUE AND OTHER DEVICES WORK WITHIN A THEATRICAL/TELEVISUAL/CINEMATIC CONTEXT.
[Creativity]

2. DEVELOP YOUR OWN WRITING FROM AN INITIAL TREATMENT, FIRST DRAFT, SCRATCH NIGHT PERFORMANCE AND FEEDBACK; CULMINATING IN A FINAL DRAFT FOR ASSESSMENT.
[Application]

3. WORK PRODUCTIVELY TO PLAN, PRESENT AND PRODUCE A SCRATCH NIGHT FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.
[Creative Collaboration]

4. LISTEN AND RESPOND CONSTRUCTIVELY TO CONTRIBUTIONS AND CRITICISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLETION OF YOUR WORK
[Problem Solving]

5. MANAGE YOUR OWN LEARNING WITHIN A RESTRICTED LEVEL OF GUIDANCE
[Learning]