MI5005 - Screenwriting 2 - Screenplay Workshop

Lectures will introduce you to of the principles of short narrative scriptwriting covering: story structure, development of credible and motivated characters and effective dialogue and the ability to identify the potential of a story and/or subject for a short narrative film, these lectures will be supported by practical sessions in which extracts and examples are used to facilitate the understanding of the ideas introduced. Workshops will also allow you to engage in a process of script research and development in consultation with tutors. This will involve a cycle of writing exercises, script drafts and critical formative feedback. While there will be an emphasis on the practical development of screenplay writing, you will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of your work through group critical discussion.

The module will be delivered through 12 x 3 hourly workshops, consisting of screenings and written exercises followed by discussions of work in progress. You will also benefit from one to one tutorials to discuss the progress of your scripts. The workshops will give you the opportunity to engage in the practice of regular writing, to develop an awareness of writing techniques and the tools for script analysis, and to engender the ability to participate in group discussions about your work and that of others.

Tutor support is also available during published office hours on a weekly timetable to take individual queries on a drop-in basis. Extensive module resources including a detailed assessment brief are available on the eLearning Portal. The tutor will also introduce you to the marking criteria on the module and give you the chance to apply them yourself to existing pieces of work, so that you can then learn to develop your own work with a clear knowledge of these criteria. Tutors will also respond to emails from students.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Understand the key components to create an original short film drama and the principles of classical film narrative.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. Show how the creative and critical contexts underpin practice in the creation of a short film drama.

3. Evidence creativity and imagination in the writing of your screenplay, with appropriate exercises to understand character.

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

4. Show awareness of classical film narrative and its place within European and world cinema.

You will receive formative feedback and comments on your ideas and your writing progress from tutors and fellow students throughout the module addressing MLOs 1, 2 & 3.

Assessment will be 100% project work (3000 words equivalent). A 10 minute script and a portfolio that traces the processes of production and development, form the central element of the assessment addressing MLOs 1, 2, 3 and 4. The project portfolio will include at least two drafts of a 10 minute script and associated materials e.g. set exercises. The portfolio will encourage you to critically engage with the process of screenwriting in an ongoing reflective and critical manner. The portfolio should clearly demonstrate that a range of strategies and approaches have been undertaken, covering such areas as characterisation, scenario and plot development.

The portfolio will demonstrate your capacity to understand these approaches and deploy them in the making of work of a professional standard.

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Screenwriting 2 Screenplay Workshop introduces you to the methods and approaches used to create a ten page screenplay.

The Screenwriting module aims to develop your understanding of writing short form scripts based on original ideas. You will develop scripts for a ten minute narrative film on a subject/theme of your own choice. The module uses examples of genre conventions within drama, and it is up to you to interpret these conventions within your own work. You are encouraged to work on a self-directed basis and take part with group discussions concerning the nature of film storytelling. The module aims to stimulate a critical awareness of both yours and other student’s ideas and written work. The module provides both tutorial guidance and group work in an intensive workshop environment.