LITT07023 2023 Writing for Television
This module aims to introduce students to the necessary creative skills to develop a television project. Students will work individually and in groups exploring the current themes and issues within long form television drama. They will create presentations and documents from proposal through development to pitching.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Work within a small group to initiate and develop a proposed television series.
Deliver an analysis of a pilot episode of a current or past television series.
Pitch to an industry professional their idea for a television series.
How to analyse the genre and decisions made in relation to style, tone and character by the creators of television drama.
Demonstrate understanding of the current television landscape through a proposal document for a series.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The module will be taught via a series of workshops covering practical application of issues explored.
There will be extensive screenings of television series followed by group discussion.
The students will be required to research and study existing practitioners and their work.
The students will be required to present to the class as well as pitch to industry professionals.
The students will be required to research, write, design and present their project book for proposed television series.
Module Assessment Strategies
Attendance at the module, class participation and carrying out the coursework tasks
Continuous assessment.
Mid-term review.
Presentation of a body of work which demonstrates: research and development, observational, analytical, technical, creative and imaginative skills /processes and the achievement of learning outcomes.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
LO 1. Developing television project ideas, including research.
LO 2. Analysis of television narratives in various genres across platforms.
LO 3 and 4. Understanding the requirements for participation and pitching within the industry, preparation of pitch documents.
LO 5. Screenings of television episodes.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Attendance and engagement | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 25 % | End of Semester | 1,3,4,5 |
2 | Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Oral Exam/Presentation | 15 % | Week 10 | 2 |
3 | Viewing Log | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 20 % | End of Semester | 4,5 |
4 | Pitch Document | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 40 % | End of Semester | 3,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workshop / Seminar | Flat Classroom | Writing for Television | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2014-07-29 Difficult Men Penguin Group USA
ISBN 0143125699 ISBN-13 9780143125693
Originally published in hardcover in 2013.
2019-03-19 Stealing the Show Atria Books
ISBN 9781501137723 ISBN-13 1501137727
From a leading cultural journalist, the definitive cultural history of female showrunnersincluding exclusive interviews with such influential figures as Shonda Rhimes, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Mindy Kaling, Amy Schumer, and many more. An urgent and entertaining history of the transformative powers of women in TV (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). In recent years, women have radically transformed the television industry both behind and in front of the camera. From Murphy Brown to 30 Rock and beyond, these shows and the extraordinary women behind them have shaken up the entertainment landscape, making it look as if equal opportunities abound. But it took decades of determination in the face of outright exclusion to reach this new era. In this sharp, funny, and gorgeously researched (Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker) book, veteran journalist Joy Press tells the story of the maverick women who broke through the barricades and the iconic shows that redefined the television landscape starting with Diane English and Roseanne Barrand even incited controversy that reached as far as the White House. Drawing on a wealth of original interviews with the key players like Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), Jenji Kohan (Orange is the New Black), and Jill Soloway (Transparent) who created storylines and characters that changed how women are seen and how they see themselves, this is the exhilarating behind-the-scenes story of a cultural revolution.
2004 The Wire Gallery Books
ISBN 0743497325 ISBN-13 9780743497329
An official companion to the popular television program profiles each season and offers cast and production interviews, an account of a day on the set, and other information.
Module Resources
Written By, Writer's Guild of America West, Quarterly - https://www.writtenby.com
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com
https://scriptnotes.net
https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/
https://www.wga.org/writers-room/features-columns/3rd-fairfax-podcast
https://www.wga.org/writers-room/features-columns/the-craft
https://nofilmschool.com/
https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/
http://iftn.ie/
https://ifi.ie/
https://www.screenireland.ie/
https://www.indiewire.com/
https://vimeo.com/videoschoolvideos
https://www.filmsite.org/filmh.html
https://www.imdb.com/
https://filmmakermagazine.com/