Module manager: Dr Campbell Edinborough
Email: c.edinborough@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
PECI5409M Script Development for Film and Television
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides a practical introduction to the process of screenwriting – concentrating on scripted drama and comedy for film, television and web-streaming. You will connect your creative writing practice to specific industry and critical contexts, engaging with debates related to screenwriting theory, spectatorship and contemporary media consumption. Following a series of introductory seminars, you will plan, develop and write your own original script in the context of peer-group cooperation and criticism. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module encourages you to engage creatively and critically with screenwriting theory and practice. You will develop a critically engaged understanding of screenwriting through reading, watching and analysing examples of screen drama and comedy from around the world. Case-studies from film and TV will be contextualised in relation to critical debates from screenwriting studies, film studies and media studies. You will contextualise your personal practice in relation to contemporary contexts of production and reception, applying your knowledge in the process of script development and script writing. In the early part of the module you will engage in discussions about: the relationship between form, genre and medium; creative experimentation with structure and style; the ethics of representation; and storytelling in the context of globalisation. Following these discussions, you will begin to develop your own script in the context of structured workshops and tutorial support.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Apply critical understanding of theories from film studies, narratology and/or screenwriting studies in the development of an original screenwriting project.
2. Apply specialist knowledge of form, genre and medium in the practice of screenwriting.
3. Produce a screenplay suitable for further development or presentation in a relevant professional context.
4. Research and analyse existing examples of screenwriting in the process of developing personal creative practice.
5. Locate personal creative practice in relation to broader trends and debates in industry practice and culture.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Practical | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 254 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 26 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
The subject matter of each seminar will be framed with reference to the assessment task and learning outcomes in order for you to ask questions and receive feedback on the development of your thinking and ideas for assessment tasks.
You will be given guidance about the assessment pitch in a dedicated seminar outlining the task and connecting it to the teaching materials. You will receive a tutorial dedicated to discussion of your assessment plan.
During the process of script development, you will share work in progress with peers and tutors, receiving feedback and support for developing your written work.
You will receive an individual tutorial responding to a draft script prior to final submission.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Written Work | Screenplay with critical framing statement | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit takes the same form as the original assessment task.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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