LT953-7-AU-CO:
Screenwriting Workshop
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
20
21 March 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA W81112 Scriptwriting (Theatre and Digital Media)
Screenwriting is a vital part of the filmmaking process and this twenty-credit module for MA students introduces students to the practical aspects of writing for the screen; from initiating ideas through to structuring a story, characterisation, dialogue and formatting.
Over ten weeks, participants will explore screenwriting creatively and critically, through reading/ viewing short and feature films and weekly seminars and workshops.
Students will be expected to devise their own short fiction screenplay; moving quickly from idea to first draft and then developing several further drafts through discussion and feedback as the module progresses. They will also be expected to pitch ideas, give regular notes and feedback to others, and expand their own screenplay through independent study.
Please note: This module requires attendance of every workshop, the quick turnaround of creative work, sharing of ideas, and peer feedback throughout.
The aims of this module are:
1. To introduce students to a range of screenwriting styles and approaches.
2. To introduce students to various techniques used to construct successful screenplays.
3. To familiarise students with terminology used by industry professionals.
4. To enable students to find their cinematic voice through screenplay development.
5. To enhance students’ abilities in the critical appreciation and analysis of film through understanding the role and techniques of the screenwriter.
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be:
1. competent in screenwriting
2. fluent in the critical language used by screenwriters
3. able to distinguish a variety of critical approaches to screenwriting
4. able to give and receive constructive feedback.
No additional information available.
Weekly seminars and regular creative homework and feedback.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Screenplay Assignment (Logline and synopsis, two drafts of 10-12 page screenplay, 2000 word commentary / critical reflection (incl. 500 word analysis of one other student’s screenplay)) |
|
95% |
| Practical |
Participation mark |
|
5% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Bevan Walsh, email: bwalsh@essex.ac.uk.
Bevan Walsh
LiFTS General Office: liftstt@essex.ac.uk
Telephone: 01206 872626
No
No
No
Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Canterbury Christ Church University
Reader in Film and Sound
Available via Moodle
Of 42 hours, 30 (71.4%) hours available to students:
12 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
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