Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: The Business of Screen Project Development
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SCA11101
Module leader: Nigel Smith
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module is delivered as a series of weekly sessions combining lectures and seminars with visiting industry guests. Introductory lectures will provide you with a broad contextual overview of the various institutions, structures and key personnel in the film and television industries. You will examine the composition of the film industry in the UK and internationally and critically explore how screen projects are developed and financed. Seminars with industry guests will then provide you with case studies of current industry practice across a range of key areas – screenwriting in various contexts, script editing and development, the various producer roles, the legal framework in which development takes place. These will give you insight into how the industry works and will also inform your own professional development.The assessments for the module require a high level of independent learning and are designed to help you develop a strong sense of the various contexts for your own creative and professional development. A Market Analysis encourages strategic research into potential markets for your own work. You will also undertake a Script Development Proposal which informs your own personal, creative and professional development and acts as a first opportunity for you to present (and received individualised feedback on) early-stage thinking on what may be your Major Project on the Masters.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically explore the industrial landscape and commercial contexts in which screen projects are developed and produced.

LO2: Analyse the key roles in screenwriting, development and production.

LO3: Analyse the legal framework within which screen projects are developed and produced.

LO4: Research, test and evaluate potential markets for screen projects.

LO5: Evaluate and appraise sources of information, advice, expertise and support relevant to future career development.

LO6: Synthesise, evaluate and communicate complex information and data in an effective, concise and professional manner.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nigel Smith
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 36 Lectures will guide you through key issues in the organisation of screen industries and the practical issues of working within screen markets. Introductory sessions will provide you with a broad contextual overview of the various institutions, structures and key personnel in the film and television industries. Visits from industry guests will then provide you with case studies of current industry practice across a range of industry sectors.
Online Guided independent study 164 You are provided set readings and individual tasks to be completed within your study time, and guided to develop your own independent research process.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 60 1~2~4~5~6 Week 12 , WORDS= 3000 words The Market Analysis encourages individual strategic research into potential markets for your own work or skillset, assessing trends and project viability in your chosen area, informed by industry-facing research sources such as trade journals and screen agency reports.
Report 40 1~2~3~4~5~6 Week 13 , WORDS= 2000 words You will submit a Script Development Proposal, outlining a proposed commercially-viable screen project (feature film or television/digital series) and assessing its viability through reference to appropriate market research. This provides you with an opportunity to reveal early-stage thinking on what may become your Major Project on the Masters.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SCA11101 The Business of Screen Project Development
 

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