MFC4272 - Writing for Television

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of how to write effectively for television
Demonstrate an understanding of the layout and style of a television script
Demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a script from the original idea to the finished product
Develop the basic practical skills required to work as a script-writer and / or editor in the television industry

Content:

The first semester of this 20 credit module will introduce the students to the basics of writing for television. Students will look at how scripts are created for a wide range of programme genres and hear from professionals in the industry who are working as script-writers and script-editors. They will learn the importance of ensuring that words add to the visual images and natural sounds rather than duplicating them.
In the second semester, students will develop their individual writing skills by tackling a range of different projects, including creating scripts for studio-based LE programmes, writing voice-overs for documentaries and scripts for short dramas. They will also have the opportunity to see how script conferences work and learn about the role of the writer in any production team.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be based around a combination of interactive lectures and workshops which includes hearing from guest speakers who are professionals working in the industry.
Lecture
Contact hours: 10
Intended Group size: Cohort

Workshops
Contact hours: 40
Intended Group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
The Semester 1 assessment will involve scripting a voice-over for a pre-recorded factual sequence

The Semester 2 Portfolio will normally involve presenting an idea for a short-drama to an industry professional and completing the accompanying script

Directed activities: These consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be on a pass / fail basis with a pass requiring at last 75% of all weekly tasks successfully completed. A pass mark will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits will be assessed on the basis of an essay or a practical project negotiated with the module co-ordinator.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio One End Sem 1 30%
002 Presentation 1 x 10 minutes During Sem 2 15%
003 Portfolio Two End Sem 2 45%
004 Directed activities - Throughout Semester One 10%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Mr Mike Best
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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