2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5404M Writing for Film and Television

30 creditsClass Size: 28

Module manager: Dr Campbell Edinborough
Email: C.Edinborough@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students will need to demonstrate the ability to write dialogue in fluent, conversational English, and may be required to provide a sample script.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module gives a solid creative and industrially-aware experience of film and television writing while encouraging peer group co-operation and criticism. The module gives a practice-based insight into the classic Aristotelian structure of screen stories, while introducing and encouraging alternative and experimental approaches. The forms and genres covered will include the full-length feature, serials, series and mini-series, docudrama, comedy drama, sitcom and soap. The students are expected to read published screenplays, to watch television and film drama, and attend external screenwriting events so that they are familiar with the context in which they are writing. The students produce a critical commentary on their work (2000-2500 words) to demonstrate reflective practice.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
To identify the distinctive characteristics of the major screenwriting genres in film and television - and write with competence in one or both of these forms
Research, plan and complete a screenplay of 30 minutes duration, together with a reflective commentary
Feel confident in using the creative, critical and industrial skills essential to film and television writing
Engage creatively and critically with screenwriting theory and practice

Learning outcomes
An understanding of the technical and imaginative requirements for professional film and television scriptwriting
An ability to analyse film and television scripts
An awareness of contemporary work in these genres

Syllabus

The theory and practice of screenwriting in relation to contemporary film and television
Styles, genres and conventions in writing for film and television
Classical dramatic narratives and experimental alternatives for screenwriting
Character, language, theme and visual expression
Skills in editing and redrafting work in response to tutorial and peer criticism
Responding critically to film and television in a diverse range of styles as a stimulus for creative work
The professional approach to researching and planning a script
The screenplay in script development and production
Contemporary film and television production techniques
The place of scripted drama in contemporary film and television
Marketing possibilities for new film and television scripts

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	9	2.00	18.00
Tutorial	2	0.50	1.00
Private study hours			279.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

In addition to their writing, students are required to pursue their own reading of contemporary scripts and viewing of relevant film and television productions. They are expected to pursue their own independent research through critical studies and craft-based books, and to plan and write their own scripts

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring of performance in seminars and tutorials.

Development of screenplay through a process involving initial pitch, progressive stages of treatment writing, and drafting and redrafting of the full script.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	30 minute script for film or television, approx 5000 - 5500 words	75.00
Critique	Critical commentary on script, 2000-2500 words	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/09/2020

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