Writing for Film and TV

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Tanya Nash
• Assessment: a 20-minute screenplay (75%) and 1000-word evaluation essay (25%)

What is screenwriting and how do you develop stories for film?

In this module we consider the principles and practice of screenwriting, and learn about the relationship between the visual medium and storytelling for film and TV. You will have the opportunity to write your own short film script following screenings of examples and discussion of style, genre and structure. This will include how to generate stories as well as what makes a good story, how to develop character profiles and what makes effective dialogue. We will also consider how to write visually, how plots function and how to construct scenes.

Throughout you will be encouraged to take a creative and analytical approach to your work and that of others.

Indicative syllabus

• Writing for the screen
• The short film
• The idea and the story
• Developing characters
• The on-screen character and dialogue
• Images and sound
• Plot
• Scenes
• Structure

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand and develop key dramatic elements
• develop a character profile
• understand the key elements which govern dialogue, plot, scenes and narrative structure and apply these to scriptwriting
• develop and write a five-minute screenplay, applying industry format and conventions
• analyse and evaluate your own work and that of others.