CW923-30 Writing for the Screen I
Introductory description
The module looks at contemporary screenwriting practice across the film and television industries in a selection of the most common genres; horror and adaptation. Using the freshest and most exciting screenwriting of today, we will look at preparing students to leave their MA with a professional-level project that they can confidently pitch to agents and producers in the real world.
Module aims
Students will leave with an advanced understanding of writing in different formats within these genres, and how to package their projects for a competitive market. They will have a critical understanding of the differences between writing for television and film. They will have a consolidated their understanding of the process of production and how it impacts the writer. They will have sharpened their understanding of their own voice, and where that sits in the current UK film/television climate. Their critical understanding of filmmaking, screenwriting and film/television theory will have been enhanced. They will also be provided with an intermediate level network of film industry contacts.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Introduction/Development workshop
Students come with an idea that they intend to work on over the term. Peer review and feedback.
2-Horror – Genres within genres - Folk Horror (Film)
The Witch (w/d Robert Eggers)
3-Horror – Feminism & the body (film)
Midsommar (w/d Ari Aster)
4-Horror – Race & identity (film and series)
Get Out (film, w/d Jordan Peele), Them (series, created by Lil Marvin)
5-Development workshop
Students share draft ideas for group feedback
6 - Guest Lecture – Screenwriter working in these genres, likely an online class (requests welcome)
7-Adaptation (Film, drama)
Carnage (based on play God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, screenplay for film co-written by Roman Polanski)
8-Adaptation (Film, drama)
Leave No Trace (book My Abandonment by Peter Rock, film written by Debra Granik & Anne Rossellini, directed by Granik)
9-Adaptation (TV Series, supernatural, thriller)
The Leftovers (book by Tom Perotta, series by Tom Perotta and Damon Lindelof)
10 - Development Workshop
Students present their developed pilot screenplays.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the differences in writing for television and film
- Create advanced-level screenplays and supporting packages ready to be taken to market.
- Define their writing voice and where their writing sits within a competitive industry.
Indicative reading list
Story Theory
Into the Woods by John Yorke
The Science of Storytelling by William Storr
Screenplays
The Witch (w/d Robert Eggers)
Midsommar (w/d Ari Aster)
Get Out (film, w/d Jordan Peele),
Them (series, created by Lil Marvin)
Carnage (based on play God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, screenplay for film co-written by Roman Polanski)
Leave No Trace (book My Abandonment by Peter Rock, film written by Debra Granik & Anne Rossellini, directed by Granik)
The Leftovers (book by Tom Perotta, series by Tom Perotta and Damon Lindelof)
Research element
Assessing where their creative work will sit within the wider film/television industries.
Subject specific skills
Screenwriting for film and television, the ecosystem of the industry in the UK and US (primarily), identifying and expanding writing voice for future creative work.
Transferable skills
Professional-level screenwriting abilities, packaging and presenting projects, story development and project feedback.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 2 hours (6%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 50 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (25%) |
| Other activity | 45 hours (15%) |
| Private study | 82 hours (27%) |
| Assessment | 80 hours (27%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Development of project on the student's own time. Weekly exercises to enhance the scope and challenge their learning.
Other activity description
Researching and reviewing sources and texts related to individual person projects.
Costs
| Category | Description | Funded by | Cost to student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other |
Industry guest lectures |
Department | £0.00 |
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Screenplay and package | 100% | 80 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
A project pitched and developed during the workshop and with support from fellow students. 70% creative work, 20% reflective essay and 10% story outline. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
In workshop critique; individual consultation with tutor; email; Tabula
Pre-requisites
Some knowledge and basic competency in Screenwriting is desired.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
-
TCWA-Q3P7 MA in Writing
- Year 1 of Q3P7 Writing
- Year 2 of Q3P7 Writing
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TENA-Q3P7 MA in Writing
- Year 1 of Q3P7 Writing
- Year 2 of Q3P7 Writing
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TCWA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
- Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
- Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
-
TENA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
- Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
- Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies