Advanced Screenwriting

Subject CWRI30014 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5
Total Time Commitment: 102
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

CWRI20009 Writing for Screen

CWRI20006 Script for Performance

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Eddie Paterson

Contact

Eddie Paterson eddiep@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: 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 feature length film, a TV pilot, or a new media project: a website, blog or digital artwork. Advanced Screenwriting draws upon a wide range of examples and contemporary applications of screenwriting, including fictional and documentary forms, along with interdisciplinary web-based 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.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will:
  • gain 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;
  • apply an understanding of the conventions of the screenwriting process and craft to their creative work;
  • have the ability to workshop, analyse and give constructive feedback on screenplays and creative concepts across the forms of film, tv and new media;
  • be able to recognise the distinct techniques of writing for screen as they are employed in film, tv and new media writing;
  • gain a deeper understanding of the vocational possibilities in writing for the screen; and
  • demonstrate an advanced understanding of screenwriting terminology.
Assessment: Assessment 1: A pitch, comprising an oral presentation to class and 1 page synopsis of the screen concept – to be presented during semester (equivalent to 1000 words, 25%). Assessment 2: Excerpts of an original or adapted script for screen, formatted to a professional industry standard. The script MUST undergo development and workshopping in class – due at the end of semester (equivalent to 2500 words, 60%). Assessment 3: Brief feedback exercises in response to peers’ script drafts, done during semester, total maximum 500 words (15%). 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.
Prescribed Texts: Batty, C & Waldeback, Z 2008 Writing for the Screen London: Palgrave MacMillan
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Major

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