ATS2845 · Screenwriting for media production

Overview

Successful screen-based media productions start with an engaging story that has been skilfully envisaged. In this unit you will draw upon practical theories of screenwriting to transform real-world research into industry standard scripts for both non-fiction and fiction productions. The unit will introduce basic strategies for concept development and demonstrate how to write supporting 'short docs' such as synopsis, outlines and treatments. You will then apply stylistic conventions and narrative theories of screenwriting to transform these into shoot-ready scripts for non-fiction and fiction media productions. You may wish to continue developing this work into finished video productions in ATS3983 Screen Project: From film theory to media production.

Areas of study: Film and screen studies Screen

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognise and use industry-standard story documents in writing for both non-fiction and fiction screen-based media;
2. Develop strategies for transforming real-world research into concepts for non-fiction and fiction media production;
3. Create a 'short doc' as a basis for writing non-fiction or fiction script;
4. Apply narrative strategies, concepts and devices to create compelling screen-based media production scripts (non-fiction and fiction);
5. Illustrate how the scripting process responds to wider production factors such as pitching, budget, distribution and marketing in different mediums.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.