MFC4532 - Introduction to Scriptwriting

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the process of scriptwriting for a variety of media.
Demonstrate the ability to record (audio or visual) material produced as part of the module output.
Demonstrate the ability to work productively as a member of a team.
Reflect critically on their knowledge and understanding in a written format.

Content:

Through a blend of theoretical and practical work, students will receive an introduction to scriptwriting including: ideas generation and development, narrative structure, character development, synopses, treatments & One Pages. Students will also be introduced to the various formats required by the industry (film, TV, drama, documentary). The module will contain practical sessions introducing them to camera, sound recording, and lighting.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A blend of lectures, workshops, and practical exercises will be used to introduce students to the skills and concepts required and formative feedback will be a feature as student work towards assessment.

The Module is to be delivered as a Year Long module. This will give students necessary time to develop their short scripts whilst adhering to common professional conventions. Sufficient time is also necessary for students to research and practice key production concepts; techniques; technical processes; specialised production equipment; professional practise and procedures. Delivery involves a weekly lecture and workshop.

Lectures
Hours: 24
Intended Group size: 30

Workshops
Hours: 12
Intended group size: 30

Practical Exercises
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 152

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 – Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment 2 - Portfolio 1: will contain completed exercises; these will comprise weekly tasks (writing, research, case studies)

Assessment 3 - Portfolio 2: building on skills and knowledge acquired in Semester 1, this assignment will be the submission of a one page drama script, formatted to the recognised industry standards.

The module will contain an element of Peer Assessment and this will be negotiated with the cohort. It is envisaged that the short scripts produced will be the focus of this peer-assessed aspect.

Other Relevant matters
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits (ECTS: 5) will be assessed on the basis of the assignment relevant to the semester of study.
Is this module exempt from condonement of marginal failure? No

Assessment:

001 Directed Activities semester 1 & 2 10%
002 Portfolio 1 2000 words end of semester 1 45%
003 Portfolio 2 end of semester 2 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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