Advanced Short Film Workshop
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Short film is one of the most dynamic and compelling modes of storytelling in modern culture. But how do we make our short film scripts stand out? What does it take to get our short film scripts made into actual films?
This module will help you develop your scriptwriting skills at a more advanced level.
Building on your funds of knowledge from prior scriptwriting and creative writing courses, you will explore how to advance your writing skills in a way that enhances your professional development as well as opportunities for having work produced.
This includes understanding how to apply for funding schemes and how to approach having a script optioned by a production company.
Please note that this module has prior learning requirements.
Learning and teaching
The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of workshops, class discussions, and small group work.
This is an advanced screenwriting course.
Therefore, you must have successfully completed at least one Level 4 scriptwriting module within the Division of Lifelong Learning or two Level 4 general creative writing modules prior to enrolling.
Other prior learning from other providers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For further advice, please contact the Coordinating Lecturer for Humanities, Dr Michelle Deininger DeiningerMJ@cardiff.ac.uk
Syllabus
Topics are likely to include:
- Short Film Script Analysis
- Advanced Structure
- Advanced Character Development
- Advanced Dialogue
- Advanced Plotting
- Embedding Powerful Themes
- Drafting and Editing
- Getting Work Produced
Coursework and assessment
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.
Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.
Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
You will produce a complete 13–15-page Screenplay along with the key documents required to ready your screenplay for production – a Logline, Synopsis and Treatment.
You will submit early drafts and show evidence of editing.
You will also submit a Critical Reflection (c. 300 words) where you analyse your understanding of dramatic writing and your progress as a writer.
Unlike our introductory courses, this course is marked on a percentage basis.
Reading suggestions
Essential Reading:
Students will be encouraged to read and analyse a wide range of film scripts.
Selected Secondary Reading
- The Art & Science of Screenwriting by Philip Parker
- Screenplay by Sid Field
- Story by Robert McKee
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
