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The Diploma in Script Development is the only comprehensive vocational programme in script development in the UK.

Application Deadline: 06 Jun 2013

Course Overview

16 Month - part-time course. 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 150 people, most of which are successfully working in the UK or international film industry as developers for film and/or TV drama projects or as creative producers and a few are successfully writing drama.

The Diploma offers the most comprehensive contemporary overview and on-going practical learning in an intensive professional environment. 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 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!

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 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 world's first Diploma course in Script Development.
  • Taught programme and practical development project with a screenwriter
  • Part-time, evening course
  • Access to new screenwriters
  • Regular Industry speakers

Entry Requirements

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

If you are not an EEA National, you must already be in possession of a UK visa valid for the duration of this course.

How to Apply

You can apply directly to us at the NFTS by clicking on the link below:

When selecting your course, please ensure that you have read the entry requirements and details of the supporting materials that should accompany your application.

Timing your application

Applications are not considered until after the deadline has passed, so there is no advantage to submitting your application very early. Two months before the deadline, or less, is soon enough and making your application at that stage will also allow you to show us your latest work and tell us about your most recent filmmaking experience.