Screenwriting - TFT00091M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

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 2025-26

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.