Screenwriting

About this course

The course examines how screen stories are shaped through characterisation, conflict, plot, scenes, atmosphere, visual style, subtext, rhythm and pace. Participants analyse ideas and formats before developing their own work, including a character profile and a 10-minute script presenting a complete story in correct script format. An evaluation essay accompanies the script. The course also addresses professional writing habits and provides opportunities to study alongside students from related Birkbeck programmes.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how characterisation, conflict and plot contribute to screen stories
• Apply principles of scene construction, dialogue, subtext, rhythm and pace
• Develop a character profile for a screenwriting project
• Produce a complete 10-minute script in correct format
• Evaluate a piece of screenwriting in a structured essay

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course is intended for learners at a range of stages who want to study screenwriting through analysis and sustained writing tasks. Participation involves developing original written work and completing assessed script and essay assignments.

• Includes assessed writing rather than course attendance alone
• Can be taken as a standalone short course or as part of specified certificate programmes