Cinematic Writing

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

140 Hours

High level writing skills.

Demonstrated creative output.

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. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

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.

Draft Treatment for Feature Film plus short documents (equivalent to 3000 words) 65%

Class Group Presentation (1500 words) 25%

Class Participation 10%

Rob McKee – Story
Linda Segar – Good Script Great

Linda Aronson - The 21st Century Screenplay

John Yorke - Into the Woods

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.