A RESEARCH FILE (20%) A film treatment of 1000 - 1500 words and 4 - 8 sample script pages (LO 1, 2, 4)

A PORTFOLIO (80%). A complete final draft script of 60 - 70 pages, plus a critical/editorial report of 750 -1000 words. (LO 3, 5, 6, 7)

This module provides a supervisory framework within which Level 6 students can work independently to produce a fully developed screenplay, for either an original feature film, an original feature-length one-off TV drama, or an adaptation from literary source material.

The module requires students to work in the same way a professional would normally be required to work in the industry, producing a full story Treatment and First Draft to a deadline, then receiving feedback from multiple readers before rewriting the Final Draft. Additionally, students receive guidance in the industry-wide practice of script assessment through the writing of editorial reports/reviews using an industry-standard format.

Students receive creative advice, feedback, constructive criticism and technical guidance throughout the year from a supervisor as well as the support of a reading/feedback group of their peers.

You will be required to attend a number of scheduled seminars and workshop group sessions at which individual work-in-progress will be presented and discussed, in preparation for peer review of first draft screenplays. In between, you will work alone, meeting with your tutor by appointment to give progress reports and receive creative feedback and technical guidance. This module is designed to give you the space, time and support required for a sustained piece of creative work, and you will be expected to undertake independent research and study in order to fulfil the brief.

The library.

Many internet sites provide free access to commercially produced screenplays. Many others provide sound professional advice and guidance by writers, editors, agents and producers.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Epps, J. (2016) Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision, London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Field, S. (2005) Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, New York: Delta.
Froug, W. (1992) The New Screenwriter Looks at the New Screenwriter, W. Hollywood, CA: Silman-James Press.
Goldman, W (2001) Which Lie Did I Tell?, New York: Bloomsbury.
Lumet, S. (1996) Making Movies, London: Bloomsbury.
McKee, R. (1999) Story: Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting, London: Methuen.
Rabiger, M. (2016) Developing Story Ideas, London: Routledge/Focal.
Tierno, M (2002) Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters, New York: Hyperion.

See the handbook for a full reading list.

1. EMPLOY A RANGE OF WRITING STYLES APPROPRIATE TO THE DISCIPLINE.
[Communication]

2. DEMONSTRATE A DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES OF SCREENWRITING IN THE FILM OR TELEVISION INDUSTRY.
[Practical And Professional]

3. PLAN, MANAGE AND EVALUATE A SUSTAINED PIECE OF CREATIVE WORK IN THE FORM OF A SCREENPLAY, EXPLOITING THE STRENGTHS OF THE MEDIUM.
[Enquiry]

4. LISTEN AND RESPOND CONSTRUCTIVELY TO CONTRIBUTIONS AND CRITICISM.
[Collaborative Working]

5. DEVISE STRATEGIES FOR RESOLVING COMPLEX NARRATIVE PROBLEMS; LOCATE AND USE ADVICE AND FEEDBACK CONSTRUCTIVELY.
[Problem Solving]

6. DEMONSTRATE AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO THE EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT OF A CINEMATIC NARRATIVE.
[Analysis]

7. MANAGE YOUR OWN LEARNING WITH A MINIMUM OF GUIDANCE.
[Learning]

The module requires students to work in the same way a professional would normally be required to work in the industry, producing a full story Treatment and First Draft to a deadline, then receiving feedback from multiple readers before rewriting the Final Draft. Additionally, students receive guidance in the industry-wide practice of script assessment through the writing of editorial reports/reviews using an industry-standard format. Students receive creative advice, feedback, constructive criticism and technical guidance throughout the year from a supervisor as well as the support of a reading/feedback group of their peers.