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Training
DIPLOMA IN SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
Going back to school doesn't have to be like St Trinian's
Applications for the The Script Factory/NFTS Diploma in Script Development 2011/12 have now closed. Offers have been made to our next intake and will be meeting the new group in September 2011.
The Diploma in Script Development is the only comprehensive vocational programme in script development in the UK. It was launched in 2003 and has since trained some 60 people, most of whom are now successfully working in the UK or international film industry as developers for film and/or TV drama projects or as creative producers. A few others are successfully writing drama.
In 2011 the domestic and international film industries are finding themselves operating within a significantly different landscape. This is particularly affecting the UKs development sector, which is becoming much more transparent and therefore much more competitive.
The Script Factory, together with National Film and Television School, 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.
PARTNERS
The Script Factory and the NFTS have two partners for this Diploma: FILM LONDON, the agency for Film and Media in the Capital, which actively promotes and shares the aims of the Script Development Diploma; and The Hospital Club, a studio, gallery space and private members club for the creative industries, which not only hosts all Diploma sessions, but also enables students to enjoy access to its exclusive bars and restaurant before and after class. Hospital Members can get FREE access to selected Script Factory training courses - click for details.
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 mostly practical and designed to be useful to a career in development, as well as other areas of the film industry.
THE DETAIL
The programme consists of 30 taught sessions of 2 hours each held during term-time on a weekday evening (from 7pm - 9pm) running from September - July.
The Final Project element of the Diploma is a six-month supervised development project, which begins at the beginning of the summer when students are paired with a screenwriter. The delivery of all assessed material for the Final Project is due in October.
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 one 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
Assessing treatments and other short documents
Adaptations including legal and copyright issues
The industrial environment development in its context
Guest speakers from the public sector, agents, lawyers, independent producers
Europe and the role of international film festivals
Distribution and Marketing
THE FINAL PROJECT
At the beginning of the summer term, students are paired with a new screenwriter for a Final Development Project. Over six months 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.
THE TUTORS
The class size of the Diploma is between 2024 students.
The tutors for 2011 include:
Lucy Scher
Justine Hart
Rob Ritchie
A chance to get An Education with The Script FactoryIN DEVELOPMENT
Graduates of the Script Development Diploma have formed a group that meets monthly for all those working in, studying or passionate about script development. To speak to previous students and to find out more about the group see www.indevelopmentuk.blogspot.com
TO APPLY
Application forms for 2011 are available to download here.
Applications must be emailed as an attachment apologies but we are not able to accept applications by any other means (post, fax etc).
2011/12 SCHEDULE:
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Monday 4 May 2011
Interviews will take place on: week of 13 June 2011 in Central London
Successful applicants notified: 20 June 2011
Deadline for accepting/securing your place with deposit: Friday 1 July 2011
Registration with The Script Factory/National Film and Television School (balance of fees due in full on this date): 19 September 2011
The programme starts: Monday 19 September 2011 (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 February/March 2013 (date tbc).
The programme takes place at a Central London venue.
FEES
CORPORATE RATE (if your company/employer is paying) £3600
INDIVIDUAL RATE (if you are paying) £3250
The fees include the entire programme (weekly classes plus the supervised development project), all marking and supervision.
MORE ON PAYING YOUR FEES
A non-returnable deposit of £500 is required to confirm acceptance of your place one month after interview on 1 July. The remaining balance is due in full at registration on 19 September. Unfortunately our partners at the NFTS can not allow exceptions to this payment schedule.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET FUNDING FOR THIS DIPLOMA?
Part-time courses are hard to get funding for as it is assumed you can work full time and therefore secure loans. Many banks offer low interest loans for continuing professional development, whereby they pay the NFTS fee and you pay them back monthly over an agreed period. We do accept credit card payments for both tranches of the fee.
CAN I APPLY IF I AM NOT BRITISH?
Yes, of course!
However, if you are neither British citizen or EU National please be aware that this course does not qualify for an overseas study visa because it is part time. If you havent secured the right the study or reside in the UK you can apply for a tourist visa (renewable 6 monthly) but you will not be allowed to work in the UK.
Applications for the 2011/12 Diploma have now closed. If you'd like to speak with someone directly about the programme for the future then please email lucy@scriptfactory.co.uk.
Be like The History Boys & come back to school with The Script Factory To read about the class of 2009/10 please click here.
"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