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, seminars and visits from industry guests. Introductory lectures provide students with a broad contextual overview of the various institutions, structures and key personnel in the film and television industries. You will examine the make-up of the film industry in the UK and internationally and critically explore how films are financed.

In television, you will examine the make-up of the industry and the relationship between broadcasters and independent production companies.

There will be sessions on legal affairs relevant to screenwriters and producers in development, examining copyright, option and assignment agreements.

Seminars and sessions with industry guests then provide students 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 students develop a strong sense of the various contexts for their own creative and professional development. A Market Analysis encourages strategic research into the potential markets for their own work or skillset. Students also undertake either a Case Study or a Script Development Proposal, which informs their own personal, creative and professional development.

This module may be taken as an option by MA Film students.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
1: Critically explore the industrial landscape and commercial contexts in which screen projects are developed and produced.
2: Analyse the key roles in screenwriting, development and production.
3: Analyse the legal framework within which screen projects are developed and produced
4: Research, test and evaluate potential markets for screen projects.
5: Evaluate and appraise sources of information, advice, expertise and support relevant to future career development.
6: Synthesise, evaluate and communicate complex information and data in an effective, concise and professional manner.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
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)
Face To Face Lecture 36
Independent Learning Guided independent study 164
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 60 1, 2, 4, 6 12 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 3000
Report 40 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 2000
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

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