MP5031 - From Script to Screen: Drama production

The learning approach is ‘student-centred’, moving from reflective critical analysis of the work of contemporary industry professionals, through to the completion of individual skill exercises, and then into a production project. Once complete, you will move back to reflective self-assessment, reviewing the work produced with the benefit of a heightened critical awareness of professional practice. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and independent research - all structured around the production schedule of the practical project within the module.

Lectures are delivered in the early part of the semester in order to lay the foundations of research theory and critical reflection, as well as the foundations of creative practice. You will then move into production projects, working as a member of a production team in a given role(s). Formative feedback on your critical and practical work will be offered throughout the module.

Once the practical project is complete, you will reflect on the process via an individual critical evaluation and personal learning portfolio. Throughout the process, you will work in a way that is cognate with professional practice with a focus on project and time management, interpersonal organisational and communication skills that will prepare you for professional employment.

Outside of the taught sessions, you will be expected to engage with learning materials and research activities, in preparation for the taught classes. An electronic reading list is supplied via the e-Learning Portal, which will guide you towards appropriate resources, although you are encouraged to explore the wider library catalogue to engage with additional sources too. During your independent working time, it is also expected that you will apply the ideas raised in the reading and the taught content to expand and inform your own practice.

This module provides many forms of support, direct taught content and tutorials from your tutor(s), peer to peer learning opportunities, as well as technical support and online resources. The Blackboard eLearning Portal provides a central repository for learning resources and other support materials; it will be a key learning environment throughout the module. Blackboard contains important documents pertaining to each stage of the production process, e.g. ‘How to…’ guides on completing scripts, casting callouts, auditions etc. PowerPoint slides or lecture recordings from taught session will also be made available soon after each class.

We support your learning by providing on-going feedback (Formative and Summative) through the range of teaching and learning approaches offered. We ask you to submit your work electronically, and we will supply feedback via Turnitin. You will be able to compare your feedback across modules so that you can assess your development as you progress through the programme. Formative assessment is offered throughout the module, and summative assignments will receive written feedback within 20 working days of assignment submission. Every tutor has set weekly 'office hours’ where you can drop-in for further guidance and support.

Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support. Guidance tutorials also provide opportunities for students to discuss, in confidence, their academic progress on the programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate an understanding and critical awareness of the theories surrounding film and television drama.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. Demonstrate the development and refinement of individual creative practice skills in relation to your role, illustrating critical awareness and analytical reflection through the module.

3. Develop clear communication and enhanced presentation skills, in relation to pitching ideas with understanding of the commissioning/funding process

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. Display that you value collaborative working practices by making an effective contribution to a team project. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of relationship-building, trust, diversity, and ethical behaviour in terms of consent, privacy, copyright, and representation, where applicable

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate an understanding and critical awareness of the theories surrounding film and television drama.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. Demonstrate the development and refinement of individual creative practice skills in relation to your role, illustrating critical awareness and analytical reflection through the module.

3. Develop clear communication and enhanced presentation skills, in relation to pitching ideas with understanding of the commissioning/funding process

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. Display that you value collaborative working practices by making an effective contribution to a team project. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of relationship-building, trust, diversity, and ethical behaviour in terms of consent, privacy, copyright, and representation, where applicable.
Formative assessment:
To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.




Summative assessment:

The summative assessment is contained in one Portfolio broken down as below:


· Film and script: A working hyperlink to the finished film (max 10 minutes) and a digital copy of the shooting script (50%).
· Critical reflection: a research informed, written reflection on your key role(s) within the production project. This should demonstrate and evidence underpinning research, and discuss its impact on your creative engagement in the work. (50%)

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This module explores screenwriting and drama production practices in the contemporary film and television industries. You will develop an understanding of the theories and, practices that underpin drama production while also learning about and developing practical skills that you will then employ by working in a production team to make a short drama film. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and independent research. You will learn how to develop an idea through from initial concept to a treatment by pitching story ideas in class to your peers and the module tutor. This will enhance your presentation skills and understanding of the commissioning and funding processes. You will work in a production team to bring the idea from script into pre-production, production, and postproduction, by taking on a key role (or combination of roles) within that process, such as producer, writer, director, director of photography, editor, and sound recordist.

You will reflect on your learning and the processes undertaken by writing a critical evaluation as part of a portfolio, including a script and film, that relates to your role(s) within the team.