The first 10 pages of the screenplay assessing learning outcome 1 and 2 (50%)

Five-page treatment for a feature film or TV drama series assessing learning outcome 3 and 4 (50%)

This module builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the level 4 Ideas Development and Pre-production module. It allows you to develop longer form writing for film and TV drama and includes the following subject areas:

Advanced concepts in script structure, character and conflict. Writing treatments and script packaging. Understanding the industry in terms of using agents, working as a screenwriter and breaking into the industry.

The lectures will cover the use of alternative script structures, dialogue and action writing and the use of story devices. Tutorials will be used to develop your ideas and your skills developing and writing for the screen.

• You will develop skills for the conception and development of long form script projects
• You will engage with peer review and critique of work
• You will gain an understanding of placing ideas and scripts in the contemporary commissioning outlets

Scheduled learning activities
Lectures
Development tutorials

Guided independent and group study activities
Independent study time should be utilised to develop idea generation and writing skills
Advanced Independent research and study
Group and individual practical work

Mckee, Robert: (1999) Story, Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting, Methuen Publishing Ltd, ISBN: 0413715604
Maras, Steven (2009) Screenwriting; history, theory and practice. Wallflower. ISBN: 1905674813; 9781905674817.
Field, Syd. (1984) The Foundations of Screenwriting, ISBN 0440576474
Zaza, Tony. (1993) Script planning; positioning and developing scripts for TV and film. Focal Press

General teaching rooms
IT facilities
Library facilities web, computer access, printing facilities.
Blackboard virtual learning environment

1. SHOW KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF LONG FORM SCRIPT STRUCTURE AND ADVANCED STORY PARADIGMS.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE STRENGTHS OF EXISTING SCRIPTS AND LONG FORM DRAMATIC CONTENT AND PRODUCE SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMATIC AREAS IN THESE SCRIPTS.
Problem Solving

3. COMMUNICATE A LOGICAL AND STRUCTURED STORY WITH ADVANCED CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND CLEAR CONFLICTS IN THE FORM OF A SCREENPLAY.
Communication

4. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MAIN PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF ENQUIRY IN SCRIPT ANALYSIS AND DEMONSTRATE APPLICATION OF THE KEY PRINCIPLES IN THE FORM OF A TREATMENT AND SCREENPLAY.
Enquiry

This module builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Level 4 Ideas Development and Pre-production module, allowing you to develop longer form writing for film and TV drama. You will examine advanced concepts in script structure, character and conflict, writing treatments and script packaging, understanding the industry in terms of using agents, and working as a screenwriter and breaking into the industry. The lectures will cover the use of alternative script structures, dialogue and action writing and the use of story devices. Tutorials will be used to develop your ideas and your skills developing and writing for the screen.