Television screenwriting

Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.

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Key course information

Dates
17/04/12 - 26/06/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
10:15 - 12:15

Fees
Full fee: £108
Senior fee: £61
Concession: £29

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW089

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.

What topics will we cover?

- the structure of a television episode
- the development of characters
- the plotting and planning of a storyline
- writing a synopsis & treatment
- dialogue writing.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- show an understanding of the basic themes of dramatic story lining
- further develop your own project outside of the course.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is designed students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

In-class exercises; discussion; PowerPoint presentations; original material hand-outs and samples including storylines and episode extracts; DVD & Video clips.
Students should watch television drama to apply what they have learnt and discuss in the class.

The Tutor:
Jim Hill is a graduate of the NFTVS. He is both a freelance writer & director and has worked on such popular shows
as Minder, Casualty, Lovejoy & Byker Grove. He is the co-creator of BOON. He worked for Grundy Europe in
Germany, Hungary, Finland & France as a story team leader on soap opera. He is currently the 1st year tutor of the
MA in Television Scriptwriting at DeMontfort University Leicester. He tutors a Television Writing module at City
University and is the external examiner for Sheffield Hallam University (Film & TV Scriptwriting MA).

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will get regular feedback from the tutor and your peers.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might consider Screenwriting 2.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.