Writing a Draft Script

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenors: Tanya Nash and Ken Williams (subject to change)
• Assessment: a film or TV script (70%), development material (20%) and a 2000-word critical evaluation (10%)

This module will give you a foundation of creative methods for your own future screenwriting practice. During this two-term module, you will consider your own approach to screenwriting, assess and develop a script idea, research and write a story premise and other development materials as required, and complete a film or television script of 50 minutes.

In the first term, each session will focus on a specific topic and stage of script project development. You will discuss your script ideas in class at each stage. Creative exercises will be used to help practise writing skills. Films and TV episodes will be viewed and analysed in the light of the module objectives and as illustrations of particular aspects of good screenwriting.

The second term will continue to look at aspects of writing technique, and will feature practical workshop sessions around your script projects. You will be expected to participate fully in these, both by providing your own work for unrehearsed reading and feedback and by offering constructive criticism to others.

Indicative module content

• Story settings and atmosphere
• The importance of location
• Developing characters in detail
• Dramatic need and character motivation
• Plot and sub-plot
• Building tension into scenes
• Plot twists and reversals
• The role of dialogue
• Planning your script
• Script analysis and editing
• Revision and rewrites