Modules

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, learning and teaching activities on campus as described in the module descriptors are currently restricted. Learning and teaching will be enabled through a mixture of scheduled online activity where you will be able to engage with your tutor and classmates in real-time and unscheduled guided activity where you will be required to complete activities and tasks at a time which best suits you. Teaching will take place on campus, wherever possible, and where this is safe to happen.

Definitive information on module delivery during 2020/21 will be provided on Module Moodle Sites. For specific enquiries please contact the module leaders directly.

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 Performace

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

2021/2, 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:

Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:

Learning and Teaching Methods including alignment to LOs.
The module is delivered as a series of weekly three-hour lectures, seminars and sessions with industry guests. Initial lectures provide students with a contextualising overview of the various institutions, structures and personnel in the film and television industries. (LO’s 1-3). Interactive sessions with industry guests then offer students insight into current industry practice across a range of areas – screenwriting; script editing and development; producer roles; legal frameworks (LO’s 1-5). The module is supported by VLE where session content is enhanced with links to further resources. Discussion and debate is encouraged in class and on the Screen Academy Facebook group.

Embedding of employability/PDP/scholarship skills
The module promotes written skills in research, writing and presentation. The sessions with industry guests promote contacts with industry and may lead to further relationships (f.e. mentoring or work placements).

Assessment (formative and summative)
There are two assessments. A Market Analysis develops research and analytical skills in the preparation of a written report on a market/market segment of the student’s interest (LO’s 1, 2, 4, 6). For the second assessment, students have a choice. MA Film students are encouraged to use the Case Study option to research a person, area or department relevant to their professional interests. The Case Study should evidence learning on the module and place the student’s future professional development in an industrial context (LO’s 1-6). MA Screenwriting students are encouraged to use the Script Development Proposal option to explore the potential of their Major Project work in Trimester 3 (LO's 1-6).

Formative Assessment:

The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Summative Assessment:

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activity	Learning & Teaching Activity	NESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face	Lecture	36
Independent Learning	Guided independent study	164
	Total Study Hours	200
	Expected Total Study Hours for Module	200

Assessment
Type of Assessment	Weighting %	LOs covered	Week due	Length in Hours/Words
Other	60	1, 2, 4, 6	12	HOURS= 0, WORDS= 3000
Other	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:

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