LT221-5-FY-CO:
Introduction to Screenwriting
2024/25
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
30
18 March 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
LT410
BA PW38 Film and Creative Writing,
BA PW39 Film and Creative Writing (Including Placement Year),
BA PW88 Film and Creative Writing (Including Foundation Year),
BA PWH8 Film and Creative Writing (Including Year Abroad)
This module introduces students to some of the practical and theoretical aspects of writing for the screen. It will investigate script form and structure in feature and short films, as well as examining techniques of ideas generation and creating memorable characters and plots.
The aims of this module are:
1. To introduce students to a range of screenwriting styles and contrasting approaches used to create original work.
2. To introduce students to some of the techniques used to construct a successful screenplay and to inspire them to create original stories in a cinematic context.
3. To enable students to find their voice and create engaging, original and thought-provoking scripts.
4. To familiarise students with terminology used by screenwriters and to enable students to write a short film script.
5. To introduce students to how the film industry works from a writer’s perspective.
After successful completion of this module, students will:
1. be competent in screenwriting
2. fluent in the critical language used by screenwriters
3. be able to distinguish a variety of critical approaches to screenwriting
4. understand how to navigate the industry as a screenwriter
Students will be expected to write their own short films, essays which reflect their understanding of screenwriting, and also participate in creative pitching and ideas development sessions. Preparation for and participation in the module will involve compulsory viewing of all the films, attendance at weekly seminars, the reading of relevant extracts, and some creative homework.
Anticipated teaching delivery: Weekly 2-hour seminar
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 |
Participation |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1: Pitch Document |
13/12/2024 |
15% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2: Screenwriting Essay (2500 words) |
14/03/2025 |
30% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 - Essay (2,500 words) *Reassessment without attendance only* |
14/03/2025 |
|
| Coursework |
Assignment 3 (Screenplay package and supporting materials) *Reassessment without attendance only* |
17/04/2025 |
|
| Coursework |
Assignment 3: Short Film Screenplay (two drafts, 12-18 pages each) and Commentary (1500 words) |
17/04/2025 |
50% |
| Coursework |
Online Portfolio *Reassessment without attendance only* |
25/04/2025 |
|
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 - email 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 24 hours, 18 (75%) hours available to students:
6 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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