LT953-7-AU-CO:
Screenwriting Workshop

The details
2024/25
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
20
24 September 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA W81112 Scriptwriting (Theatre and Digital Media)

Module description

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.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To introduce students to a range of screenwriting styles and approaches.

  • To introduce students to various techniques used to construct successful screenplays.

  • To familiarise students with terminology used by industry professionals.

  • To enable students to find their cinematic voice through screenplay development.

  • To enhance students’ abilities in the critical appreciation and analysis of film through understanding the role and techniques of the screenwriter.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Be competent in screenwriting

  2. Be fluent in the critical language used by screenwriters.

  3. Distinguish a variety of critical approaches to screenwriting.

  4. Give and receive constructive feedback.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via: 

  • Weekly seminars and regular creative homework and feedback.

Bibliography

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))  06/01/2025  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

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
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

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Canterbury Christ Church University
Reader in Film and Sound
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 18 hours, 18 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

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