2.Main Content
Training
DIPLOMA IN SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
Be like The History Boys & come back to school with The Script Factory
Application is now closed for our Diploma in Script Development which starts in September 2009. Application details for the 2010 intake will be available in April 2010.
Script Development is a fascinating, engaging and rewarding subject, which is not covered in any other Media course curriculum.
The Script Factory, in partnership with the National Film and Television School (NFTS), is delighted to be able to offer this comprehensive programme in all aspects of script development that will be invaluable to those seeking a career in development or creative producing, but equally compelling to anyone interested in story design and creative, collaborative working methods. Many of the analytical skills and professional processes taught in the programme are transferrable to a range of creative industries.
The Script Factory/NFTS Diploma in Script Development seeks to equip participants with a detailed and sophisticated understanding of how and why stories work, and then guide students in how to bring about solutions to problems when working with scripts, treatments and screenwriters. The ultimate aim of the Diploma is to nurture and support highly skilled people in this field who can contribute to the creation of better films in all sorts of roles for the UK and international film industry.
FILM LONDON
The Script Factory and the NFTS are joined as a partner by FILM LONDON, the agency for Film and Media in the Capital, which actively promotes and shares the aims of the Script Development Diploma.
The Programme
The programme combines lectures, seminars and workshops alongside talks and panel discussions with current industry practitioners, as well as supervised practical work with a screenwriter. There are continuous written assignments (some assessed, some not) throughout the taught section of the programme which are practical and designed to be useful to a career in development, as well as in other areas of the film industry.
The Details
The programme consists of 33 taught sessions held during term-time on Wednesday evenings (from 7pm - 9.30pm) running from 16 September 2009 - 21 July 2010.
The Final Project element of the Diploma is a five-month supervised development project, which begins in July 2010 when students are paired with a screenwriter. The delivery of all assessed material for the Final Project is due on 9 December 2010.
The course design offers a collaborative experience for students as well as a total immersion in the art and craft of development for the duration of the programme. Whilst the course is full-on it is not full-time; it requires commitment to Wednesday evening taught classes through regular term times and completing relevant assignments, but it is entirely possible to combine this course with full-time work so long as you have the necessary desire and commitment!
Who is this Diploma for?
We are looking for people who:
• Already work in development and feel they may benefit from a structured course in story theory and working practice in order to build their confidence and resources
• Already work in the film industry and are keen to develop or hone their skills when working with scripts and writers, to get the best work from those writers
• Are new producers keen to get an edge on finding and nurturing new writing talent
• Have experience in other creative industries and would like to explore script development and believe that they can bring new experience and ideas to the process of developing scripts and cultivating writers
• Have a passion for film, a love of storytelling, can demonstrate initiative, and have an enthusiasm for, and a commitment to, working collaboratively
The Curriculum
The programme covers:
• Story and Genre Theory
• Script analysis and script report writing
• Assessing and developing screenwriting craft skills
• Negotiating development meetings
• Detailed story development practice
• Strategies for script placement in the industry
• Assessing treatments and other short documents
• Adaptations – including legal and copyright issues
• The industrial environment – development in its context
• The public sector, agents, lawyers, independent producers
• Europe and the role of international film festivals
• Distribution and Marketing
The Final Project
Towards the end of the academic year, students are paired with a new screenwriter for a Final Development Project. Over the final six months of the programme the student and writer will work to together through two drafts and two development meetings. This project is closely supervised and intended to be a useful and practical experience for both the developer and the writer.
To Apply
Application forms are now available to download here
Closing date for applications: Friday 12 June 2009
Interviews will take place on: 14 / 15 / 16 July 2009
Successful applicants notified: 20 July 2009
Deadline for accepting/securing your place: 31 July 2009
Registration with The Script Factory/National Film and Television School (fees due in full on this date): 16 September 2009
The programme starts: Wednesday 16 September 2009
The Diploma is awarded by the National Film and Television School, on completion of all assessed work to the required standard within the specified time frame. Successful students will receive their certificate at a Graduation ceremony at BFI Southbank in March 2011.
The programme takes place at
FILM LONDON
Suite 6.10, The Tea Building
56 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6JJ
FEES
CORPORATE RATE (if your company/employer is paying) £3500
INDIVIDUAL RATE (if you are paying) £3250
The fees include the entire 16 month programme (weekly classes plus the supervised five-month development project), all marking and supervision.
Diversity Bursary Scheme
The Script Factory is delighted to announce a new partnership with the UK Film Council in 2009 to offer up to five new learning bursaries of up to £500 each towards the course fees for the Diploma in Script Development for aspiring screenwriters with the potential to succeed in this field. The lack of diversity in the UK film industry is unacceptably out of step with the diversity of Britain today, and we recognise that writers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and writers with disabilities are particularly underrepresented, and we are keen to encourage those voices to be heard. For more information about UK Film Council bursaries, you can download further information by clicking here.
To apply to join this year's Diploma, you can download an Application Form here - or if you'd prefer to speak with someone directly about the programme then please email lucy@scriptfactory.co.uk or call The Script Factory on + 44 (0) 20 7851 4890
"For anyone in the film or TV industry wishing to expand their practical knowledge of script development, this diploma course is a really valuable investment. While the workload should not be underestimated, the benefits are well worth it and the course is both enjoyable and a key professional tool." Sophie Morgan, graduate 2008
Do you know about The Development Pool? Formed by a group of enterprising graduates from our Diploma in Script Development, this is the first group that we know of specifically designed for professional and aspiring developers in film and TV to come together and share their experiences and contacts as well as support each others' progress. Meeting monthly in a relaxed social setting this is the chance to check in with friends and colleagues in the same boat, learn from each other and maybe even find future colleagues to work with.