Cinematic Writing

Subject FLTV70042 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 18.75
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 57
Total Time Commitment:

140 Hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

High level writing skills

Demonstrated creative output.

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

Contact

Faculty of the VCA & MCM Student Centre
Ground Floor, Elisabeth Murdoch Building (Bldg 860)
Southbank Campus
234 St Kilda Road, Southbank, 3006

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Students will acquire an understanding of fundamental elements of feature film writing. Through craft based classes and workshops, students will gain knowledge of areas such as traditional screen narrative structure, character development and writing for a visual medium. Students will be introduced to writing short documents, such as synopsise and treatments, and learn professional script formatting.

This subject also introduces students to a variety of methods through which writers can access information and inspiration necessary for both their academic and creative work.

Objectives:

This subject will enable students to:
• gain a fundamental understanding of feature film writing;
• understand imperatives of writing for a visual / aural medium;
• learn skills necessary to develop short film documents and understand correct script formatting;
• develop an understanding and instinct for communicating with an audience through screenwriting;
• develop skills enabling the student to research, write and present a paper on a topic of their choice.

Assessment:

Draft Treatment for Feature Film plus short documents (equivalent to 5000 words) 90%
Class Participation 10%

Prescribed Texts:

Syd Fields – Screenplay
Rob McKee – Story
Linda Segar – Good Script Great

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems;
• isolate and condense the essence of an idea to a meaningful precise image;
• develop positive self critical and peer review skills;
• develop technical and creative writing skills.

Links to further information: http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/ftv/about
Related Course(s): Master of Screenwriting

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