2.Main Content
Training
DIPLOMA IN SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
A chance to get An Education with The Script Factory
*** The deadline has now passed for applications to THE SCRIPT FACTORY / NFTS DIPLOMA IN SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT 2010-2011, and shortlisting is underway. To get details of the next intake which we'll be recruiting in Spring 2011, please sign up to our mailing list ***
The role and function of Script Development is the process through which we seek to find what is meaningful in the idea for the screenwriter, and assist them to make it meaningful to the audience as well. Thus, the Script Developer is always on the side of the writer whilst having a sophisticated and respectful understanding of how audiences respond to stories. Script Development is a fascinating, engaging and rewarding subject, which is not covered in depth or detail in any other Media course curriculum.
The Script Factory, together 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 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 33 taught sessions held during term-time on a weekday evening (from 7pm - 9.30pm) running from 15 September 2010 - 20 July 2011.
The Final Project element of the Diploma is a five-month supervised development project, which begins in July 2011 when students are paired with a screenwriter. The delivery of all assessed material for the Final Project is due on 9 December 2011.
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
• Guest speakers from 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 five 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.
THE TUTORS
The class size of the Diploma is between 20–24 students.
To ensure good access to tutors and the quality of that contact, there will normally be a minimum of two tutors at each taught session.
The tutors for 2010 will include:
Lucy Scher
Kate Leys
Angeli Macfarlane
Ludo Smolski
TO APPLY
*** NB - The deadline for applications to our 2010/11 intake has now passed ***
Application forms are now 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).
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Monday 24 May 2010
Interviews will take place on: 14 & 15 June 2010 in Central London
Successful applicants notified: 18 June 2010
Deadline for accepting/securing your place with deposit: Friday 16 July 2010
Registration with The Script Factory/National Film and Television School (balance of fees due in full on this date): 15 September 2010
The programme starts: Monday 13 September 2010 (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 2012 (date tbc).
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) £3600
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.
MORE ON PAYING YOUR FEES
A non-returnable deposit of £500 is required to confirm acceptance of your place one month after interview on 16 July. The remaining balance is due in full at registration on 13 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.
DIVERSITY BURSARIES
The Script Factory actively encourages applications from students from communities that are currently under-represented in the film industry (eg BME, NEET, Disabled). For previous intakes of our Diploma in Script Development, UK Film Council has offered selected new learning bursaries of up to £500 each towards course fees. For information about UK Film Council bursaries for this year, call the UK Film Council Diversity Department on 020 7861 7861.
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
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
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.