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What We Do
THE SCRIPT FACTORY/NFTS DIPLOMA IN SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
Be like The History Boys & come back to school with The Script Factory
We are now welcoming applications for our 2008-09 Diploma intake - closing date Monday 9 June 2008.
Script Development in the UK has long been marked out as an area in need of better practitioners with higher standards of working practice – the script is the most often cited problem when UK films under-perform. The Script Factory/NFTS Diploma in Script Development seeks to equip participants with a detailed and sophisticated understanding of how and why scripts 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 development people to contribute to creating better films for the UK and international film industry.
FILM LONDON: A new partner from 2008
The Script Factory and the NFTS are delighted to announce that FILM LONDON, the agency for Film and Media in the Capital, which actively promotes and shares the aims of the Script Development Diploma, is joining us as a partner from 2008.
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.
The Details
The programme consists of 33 taught sessions during term-time on Wednesday evenings (7–9.30pm) running 10 September 2008-15 July 2009.
The Final Project element of the Diploma is a five-month supervised development project, which begins in July 2009 when students are matched with a screenwriter. The delivery of all assessed material for the Final Project is due on 10 December 2009.
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!
The Tutors
The programme tutors are Kate Leys and Angeli Macfarlane, under the direction of Lucy Scher. In addition there are regular guest lecturer sessions from industry professionals including producers, writers, distributors, festival directors, developers and funders.
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 build a career in 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
You can download an Application Form here.
Closing date for applications: Monday 9 June 2008
Interviews will take place on: 9 / 10 / 11 July 2008
Successful applicants notified: 14 July 2008
Deadline for accepting/securing your place: 25 July 2008
Registration with the Script Factory/National Film & Television School (fees due in full on this date): 10 September 2008 between 6 – 6.45pm
The programme starts: Wednesday 10 September 2008 (session starts 7-9.30pm.)
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 2010.
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) £3000
The fees include the entire 16 month programme (weekly classes plus the supervised five-month development project), all marking and supervision.
"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, current student.
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
