Advanced Screenwriting

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

CWRI20009 Writing for Screen

CWRI20006 Script for Performance

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements.

Advanced Screenwriting focuses on the creation of an original script for screen. This subject builds upon skills learnt in the second year Creative Writing subject Writing for Screen. Students will enhance, through practical workshops, their screenwriting techniques in three areas: Film, TV and New Media forms. Students will develop a creative project comprising a concept and script excerpts from either: a short film, a feature length film, a TV pilot, or a new media project: such as a web series or video game. Advanced Screenwriting draws upon a wide range of examples and contemporary applications of screenwriting, including a range of genres, along with contemporary media innovations. As a result students should have, on completion of the subject, an understanding of how screenwriting history, common techniques and new advances in the form relate to current practice.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• gained advanced knowledge of the development of a script for screen: from imagining and shaping a concept, pitching the work, workshopping, drafting and structuring material, to the preparation of a script excerpt formatted to industry standards;
• the ability to apply the conventions of the screenwriting process and craft to their creative work with an awareness of historical, social and cultural context;
• the ability to workshop, critically analyse, and interact with peers, giving constructive feedback on screenplays and creative concepts across the forms of film, tv and new media;
• the ability to recognise the distinct techniques of writing for screen as they are employed in film, tv and new media writing and to articulate an advanced understanding of screenwriting terminology;
• gained a deeper understanding of the vocational possibilities in writing for the screen; and
• demonstrated, as informed participants in the creative writing community, a respect for ethical values and diverse cultures.

Pitch, comprising an oral presentation to class and one page synopsis of the screen concept (500 words) due mid semester 15%; an original script for screen, formatted to a professional industry standard (equivalent to 2500 words) due in the examination period 60%, the script MUST undergo development and workshopping in class, and brief feedback exercises in response to peers’ script drafts, done during semester, equivalent to 1000 words due in the examination period 25%.

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and participation in workshops including: giving constructive written and verbal feedback to classmates; contributions to group discussion and collaboration with others. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at the rate of 10% per day.

A subject reader will be available via Readings Online.

Moritz, C., 2008, Scriptwriting for the screen, London: Routledge.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject will acquire the following skills:

• the ability to work cooperatively within a group to provide support and constructive feedback to fellow classmates;
• the ability to complete drafting and writing at a high-level of literacy;
• the ability to independently devise and articulate a creative work; and
• the ability to conceptualise, prepare and present their creative projects in both verbal and written modes.