Overview

The 'Writer's Room' is a screenwriting module where you will have the opportunity to collaboratively work together over a period of time, developing an idea for a proposed television series.

A writers' room is a space within the television industry where writers gather to write and refine scripts on a regular basis. On this module you will have the opportunity to explore how these processes work in practice, what does it mean to work as a team in regards to screenwriting and how does the industry develop these structures in preparation for film production.

Explore screenwriting methods and application through practice.

Evaluate narrative construction across genres and exploring the fundamental principles and techniques for writing for the screen.

Explore the collaborative process of developing a 'bible' for a proposed television series.

Engage in regular constructive feedback on re-drafting scripts within the writers' room to ensure reflective practice is present through out term.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) •Knowledge of key areas/principles only •Weaknesses in understanding of main areas •Limited evidence of background study •Performance or written response only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure •Arguments presented but lack coherence •Several factual/computational errors/unconvincing performance •No original interpretation •Only major links between topics are described •Weak group skills •Many weaknesses in presentation/performance and accuracy

Good/Satisfactory (C- to C+) •Knowledge of key areas/principles •Understands main areas •Limited evidence of background study •Written or performance response focussed on assignment but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure •Arguments presented but lack coherence •Has several factual/computational errors/mostly unconvincing performance •No original interpretation •Only major links between topics are described •Limited problem solving/satisfactory team work •Some weaknesses in presentation/performance and accuracy

Very Good/Good (B- to B+) •Comprehensive knowledge •Detailed understanding •Background study •Focussed and well structured written or performance response •Logically presented and defended most arguments •Some to No factual/computational errors/committed and convincing performance •Some Original interpretation •New links between topics are developed •Strong group skills •Very good presentation with accurate communication

Excellent (A- to A+) •Comprehensive knowledge •Detailed understanding •Extensive background study •Highly focussed and well structured written or performance response •Logically presented and defended arguments •No factual/computational errors/committed and convincing performance •Original interpretation •New links between topics are developed •Strong group skills •Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Apply critical self-assessment and refinement in screenwriting skills to revise and enhance script drafts.

• Critically evaluate narrative construction across various genres, employing advanced analytical skills to deconstruct and understand the underlying principles and techniques essential for effective storytelling in television screenwriting.

• Interpret and apply screenwriting methods and techniques appropriate working within a television series’ writers’ room.

• Interpret industry standards and practices in structuring and outlining television narratives in the collaborative process of developing a comprehensive 'bible' for a proposed television series.