Core Module Information
Module title: Script workshop 1

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SCA11102
Module leader: James Mavor
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:

In this module, using the short film as a model, students are guided through a professional development process from idea to a polished first draft script.

In weekly workshops students follow a process which mirrors that of a professional screenwriter as they generate ideas and develop their projects producing a series of documents – premise, synopsis, outline, step outline or treatment and various drafts of a short 10 minute film script.

This written work is regularly circulated and work-shopped in small groups: If you are studying in blended form this will be achieved online, this process develops and enhances the projects, stimulates team-working and collaboration and helps develop the student’s own writing but also their story-, script-editing and inter-personal skills.

There is a research element in which students are encouraged to engage in original research (to generate material for their scripts) but also to critically appraise and assess the various types of research that a writer might undertake as part of their process.

This module encourages students to work collaboratively with other students on courses within Edinburgh Napier University, Screen Academy Scotland, Edinburgh College of Art, the wider Screen Academy network and, beyond that, to experience direct contact with professionals from the film, television and interactive/new media industries.
In weekly workshops students follow a process which mirrors that of a professional screenwriter as they generate ideas and develop their projects producing a series of documents - premise, synopsis, outline, step outline or treatment and various drafts of a short 10-15 minute film script.

This written work is regularly circulated and work-shopped in small groups: this process develops and enhances the projects, stimulates team-working and collaboration and helps develop the student's own writing but also their story-, script-editing and inter-personal skills.

There is a research element in which students are encouraged to engage in original research (to generate material for their scripts) but also to critically appraise and assess the various types of research that a writer might undertake as part of their process.

Occasionally, the workshop sessions are interspersed with visits from guest speakers - professional writers, producers and script developers - who will sometimes work alongside the students in set exercises or work-shops to develop specific aspects of the craft, e.g. character, dialogue or pitching. These events may occur out with the timetabled class.

This module also allows space for and encourages students to work collaboratively with other students on courses within Napier University, Screen Academy Scotland, Edinburgh College of Art, the wider Screen Academy network and, beyond that, to experience direct contact with professionals from the film, television and interactive/new media industries.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Generate, critically evaluate and select potential ideas for development as a short film project
LO2: Select appropriate strategies for writing for film and apply creative and analytical skills to the initial development of projects including appraising and incorporating feedback
LO3: Identify appropriate team members and other resources required for the creative development of the project
LO4: Present projects in oral, written and electronic formats in a timely and professional manner
LO5: Critically reflect on the writing and development process.

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: James Mavor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 36
Independent Learning Guided independent study 162
Face To Face Tutorial 2
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Written 20 1,2, 4 6 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Project - Written 60 1-5 11 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Report 20 5 13 , WORDS= 1500
Component 1 subtotal: 20
Component 2 subtotal: 80
Module subtotal: 100
2023/4, Trimester 2, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: James Mavor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Supervised time in studio/workshop 36
Independent Learning Guided independent study 162
Face To Face Seminar 2
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Portfolio 80 LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4 12 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Reflective Log 20 5 11 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 80
Component 2 subtotal: 20
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SCA11102 Script Workshop 1