2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5409M Script Development for Film and Television

30 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Lekan Balogun
Email: o.balogun@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students opting from outside the host programme will need to demonstrate the ability to write scripted dialogue in fluent, conversational English through submission of a sample script extract 2-3000 words.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module provides a practical introduction to the process of script development and script writing for film and TV in the context of contemporary production, broadcast and streaming. You will engage critically with script development practices - concentrating primarily on short film, scripted TV drama and comedy. Following a series of introductory lectures and seminars, you will plan, develop and write your own 30-minute scripts in a context of peer group co-operation and criticism.

Objectives

The module encourages students to develop a critically engaged understanding of how contexts of production and reception in film and television shape writing practices and processes of script development. Students read published screenplays, watch television and film, and enge with critical and theoretical literature in the discipline – discussing them in seminars. They then apply that understanding in the process of pitching, developing and writing 30-minute scripts. These scripts are developed in the context of peer-reading and feedback and a tutorial with staff.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. A nuanced critical and formal understanding of how contexts of production and reception shape writing practices in contemporary film and television.
2. An understanding of how to apply specialist knowledge of form, genre and medium when developing a script for film and TV.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
3. Locate personal creative practice in relation to broader trends and debates in industry practice and culture.
4. Produce a film or TV script suitable for development or presentation in a relevant professional context.

Competence standards
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following competence standards:
1. Apply relevant theories and concepts to the development of creative writing projects for film and TV.
2. Demonstrate a critically and theoretically engaged understanding of current industry practice.
3. Reflect on the relationship between personal practice and broader trends and debates in industry practice and culture.
4. Demonstrates ability to develop and realise scripts, working effectively within constraints of time and available resources.

5. Demonstrate communication/presentation skills relevant to industry practices in film and TV.

Syllabus

Indicative Content:
The process of script development in the context of contemporary film and television production.
Developing a script from an initial idea to a final draft.
Exploring styles, genres and conventions in writing for film and television.
Responding critically to film and television in a diverse range of styles as a stimulus for creative work.
Considering issues of audience and reception. Exploring character, language, theme and visual expression in film and television.
Developing skills in editing and redrafting work in response to tutorial and peer criticism.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	0.50	0.50
presentation	1	3.00	3.00
Practical	5	2.00	10.00
Seminar	5	2.00	10.00
Private study hours			276.50
Total Contact hours			23.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The subject matter of each seminar will be framed with reference to the assessment tasks and learning outcomes in order for students to ask questions and receive feedback on the development of their thinking and their ideas for their assessment tasks.Students will be given guidance prior to their oral presentation/pitch in the context of a dedicated seminar outlining the task and connecting it to the teaching materials. Feedback on the oral presentation will contribute to the development of the final script assignments. During the process of script development, students will share work in progress with peers and tutors, receiving feedback and support for developing their written work.Each student will receive one individual tutorial, responding to a draft script prior to submission.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	5-10 minute presentation	25.00
Practical	30-40 minute script for film or TV, approx 5,000-6000 words	75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit tasks are the same.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/04/2024

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