Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Writing scripts for a range of media formats is a learned craft and requires discipline, perseverance and an understanding of industry practice. Possessing this key knowledge will give you abilities to develop concepts through to script stage across various film, television, and new media genres.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with an introduction to the principles of storytelling, industry standards and practical skills involved in developing projects for narrative and non-narrative productions within film, television and other media. The focus is on developing ideas, how to create engaging characters, and the principles of scene construction.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Apply written, oral and visual communication skills in the presentation of an analysis and evaluation of collaborative practice;
2. Apply the principles underpinning skilful and engaging script writing;
3. Develop strong and engaging film television, and new media concepts and a capacity to articulate these concepts;
4. Identify the restrictions the production process may place on concepts and scripts; and
5. Outline the drafting and revision process involved in producing viable concepts prior to script realisation.

Content

The unit content addresses the various stages involved in taking a concept through to script stage across a variety of narrative and non-narrative formats. Content topics such as the following will be addressed:

• Generating Ideas


• Theme


• Premise


• Concept


• Style


• Structure


• Story Development


• Collaborative story-lining


• Finding and Defining Characters


• Genre and Crossover Genres


• Documentary Techniques and Styles


• Production Considerations

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be taught via a series of lectures and tutorials. The unit will focus primarily on the principles involved in writing for various genres within film, television and new media. Classes will often be accompanied by film/video examples. Interaction with staff and other students is most important for the generation of ideas and constructive criticism. Accordingly, regular weekly attendance at lectures and tutorials is essential.

Periodically, you will be required to engage in group work through collaborative story-lining exercises which mimic standard professional practice.
Tutorials will provide for a focused and detailed examination of specific issues, and will include workshops designed to aid in the scriptwriting process.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.You will receive formative feedback during tutorial exercises and discussions. You will receive summative and formative feedback on individual assignments.

Assessment name: Synopsis
Description: (Summative and Formative)
Write a one page synopsis for a short film, TV show, documentary, mocumentary, narrative-driven game, or new media concept.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Creative Work
Description: (Summative and Formative)
Character Notes - Write character notes for either a character you've worked on in classes OR for another character you are keen to develop. (This character may be developed as a one-off for this assignment or you may re-visit one of the characters you created in your synopsis.) As part of this assessment, you will be required to develop a character, within a team setting, and present a summary of the character to the tutorial group.
Relates to objectives: 1, 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Creative Work
Description: (Summative and Formative)
Scripted Scenes - Using the same story-line and characters, write the same scene in three different genres or styles.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

RECOMMENDED READING

Cooper, P. & Dancyger, K. (2005) (3rd ed) Writing The Short Film, Boston: Focal Press.

Cowgill, L. (2005) (2nd ed) Writing Short Films: Structure & Content For Screenwriters, Los Angeles: Lone Eagle.

Dancyger, K. & Rush, J. (2007) Alternative Scriptwriting: successfully breaking the rules., Boston: Focal Press.

Egri, L. (1960) The Art Of Dramatic Writing, New York: Simon & Schuster.

McKee, R. (1998) Story: Substance, Structure, Style & The Principles Of Screenwriting, London: Methuen.

Seger, L. (2010 (3rd ed) Making A Good Script Great, Los Angeles: Silman-James.

KEY WEBSITES

KPB116 Introduction to Scriptwriting Blackboard Site
Unit outline, news/information, sample scripts and links.

QUT Library Catalogue
Search for recommended reading, short films & documentaries.

Screen Australia
Information, policy, reading, application forms and events for film, Australia's government funding agency.

Screen Queensland
Information regarding initiatives, application forms and events for film, Queenslands government funding body


ACMI
Australian Centre For The Moving Image.

Alliance Online
The website of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance. Information on the Alliance and its activities, submissions and how to join.

National Library of Australia
Descriptions of the services and collections available from the library, including links to the National Film & Video Lending Collection.


Internet Movie Database
Searchable database, heaps of information.

Urban Cinefile
Australian on-line movie magazine.

Wordplay
Columns and advice as written by working screenwriters Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio.

Risk assessment statement

The production environments in which the classes will be conducted require strict adherence to all OH&S guidelines and policies pursuant to the particular site. A universal policy applying to all students is the wearing of solid and covered footwear.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 25-Mar-2013