2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5409M Script Development for Film and Television

30 creditsClass Size: 30

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

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

Module replaces

PECI5404M Writing for Film and TV

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module provides you with a practical and industry-focused introduction to the process of script development and script writing in the contexts of film and television production. The module encourages you to develop a critical understanding of the ways in which scripts are developed across a broad range of industry contexts, concentrating primarily on independent film, broadcast television and streaming. Following a series of introductory lectures and talks from industry professionals, you will plan, develop and write your own 30-minute scripts in a context of peer group co-operation and criticism. You will be expected to read published screenplays, to watch television and film drama, and engage with critical and theoretical literature in the discipline. You will also develop skills on pitching and contextualising your work through oral presentation.

Objectives

To engage creatively and critically with screenwriting theory and practice.

To develop a critically engaged understanding of current contexts of production and reception in film and television

To apply that understanding in the process of script development and script writing.

Learning outcomes
1. An understanding of the technical and creative requirements for professional film and television script development and scriptwriting.
2. An ability to critically analyse and contextualise film and television scripts with reference to their context of production and reception.
3. A nuanced critical and formal understanding of contemporary work in these media across a range of different production contexts.

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
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Tutorial	1	0.50	0.50
Private study hours			277.50
Total Contact hours			22.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Students are required to pursue their own reading of contemporary scripts (40 hours) and viewing of relevant film and television productions (60 hours). They are expected to pursue their own independent research through reading and reflecting on critical studies and craft-based books (50 hours,) and to plan (22.5 hours) and write their own scripts (100 hours).

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
Oral Presentation	10 minute presentation/idea pitch	25.00
Practical	30-40 minute script for film or TV, approx 5,000-6000 words.	75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

If it is not possible for a student to provide an in person presentation as a resit, they can submit a pre-recorded video presentation.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:43:35

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