CMNS3180

Screenwriting (Drama)

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2010, 2008, 2005, 2004

Deals with writing scripts for film, video, or television production. Students will be engaged in writing for a visual medium and develop an understanding of the relationship between images and sound. The elements of story telling will be examined including: structure; the dramatic act; plot points, characters, actions, dialogue and narration. Students will write concept documents, outlines, and treatments to gain an understanding of the stages of script production and the forms and conventions of television genres and the cinema.

Objectives On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. write and edit imaginative and creative scripts

2. understand and apply different styles and techniques to the screenplay form

3. critically analyse and evaluate films and other audio-visual forms of entertainment

4. conceptualise and engage with contemporary ideas and to realise these within the context and constraints imposed by budgets and time schedules.
Content The focus of this course is on the conception, research and writing of dramatic scripts which are presentable to a Producer for further development.

Topics will include:

1. Critical analysis and evaluation of films and television programs in terms of their narrative content and plot devices
2. Script writing and editing for various dramatic genres and the role of screen writing in the production of films and television programs
3. Narrative styles and techniques of the screenplay form
4. Planning of scripts within the constraints imposed by budgets and time schedules.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge CMNS1090 or equivalent understanding of production, writing and analysis.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Student Projects
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Projects
Contact Hours Workshop: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Studio: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 3 weeks
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for CMNS3180