Accessibility statement

Screenwriting - TFT00091M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module explores the story development process for film and television projects from idea and concept generation, to development in treatment form through to the creation of a first draft script.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To develop and enhance a range of creative and technical film and television script development skills through an understanding of the underlying issues relating to preparing a concept for production.
  • To develop an understanding of script development as a collaborative process - working with other writers, producers, and film or television executives.
  • To develop and encourage professional production values through technical expertise and reflective learning.
  • To emphasise the importance of creative and technical collaboration for the effective management of the pre-production process in terms of use of time, working with other personnel and problem solving.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to identify and build story concepts targeted at specific audiences, while retaining an individual approach and vision in storytelling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used to sell concepts to commissioning agents and other funding bodies to facilitate development and production.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to express visual, aural, dialogue and story action attributes in written form using industry-standard formats.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the script functions in the pre-production process, including script breakdown for logistical requirements, budgeting and scheduling.
  • Demonstrate an ability to project manage, organising all required elements in a systematic way and managing time effectively to complete the development tasks to schedule.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on the script development process including discussion of both aesthetic and technical aspects of project creation.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The formative is a mock assessment in which you will be able to rehearse a pitch for your summative assessment. You will receive peer feedback and tutor feedback.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Adcock, D et al. (2004). Marketing Principles. Financial Times/ Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0582849551.

Alberstat, P. (2008). The Insider's Guide to Film Finance. Focal Press. ISBN 978-0-240-51661-5.

Baumgarten, P et al. (2004). Producing, Financing and Distributing Film. Limelight Editions. ISBN 0-87910-108-3.

Davies, A. and Wistreich, N. (2007). The Film Finance Handbook: How to Fund Your Film. Netribution Ltd. ISBN 0-955-014328.

Donaldson, M. (2003). Clearance and Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know. Silman-James, 2nd edition. ISBN: 1-879-50572-X.

Flinn, D. (1999). How Not to Write a Screenplay. Lone Eagle. ISBN 1-58065-015-5.

Glebas, F. (2008). Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation. Focal Press. ISBN 0-240-810767.

Katz, S. (1991). Film Directing Shot by Shot. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 0-941188-10-8.

Levinson, L. (2007). Filmmakers and Financing: Business Plans for Independents. Focal Press. ISBN 0-240-80828-2.

Litwak, M. (2002). Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts Silman-James, 2nd edition. ISBN: 1-879-50566-5.

Quinn, E. and Counihan, J. (2006). The Pitch. Faber and Faber. ISBN: 0571227414.

Simon, D. (2010). Film and Video Budgets. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 1-932-907734.

Singleton, R. (1997). Film Scheduling: Or How Long Will It Take to Shoot Your Movie? Lone Eagle. ISBN 0-943-728398.

Singleton, R. (1996). Film Budgeting: Or How Much Will It Cost to Shoot Your Movie? Lone Eagle. ISBN 0-943-728657.

Vogler, C. (2007). The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 978-1-932907-36-0.

Vineyard, J. (2000). Setting Up Your Shots. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 0-941188-73-6.

Yoneda, K. (2002). The Script Selling Game. Michael Wiese Productions. ISBN 0-941188-44-2.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.