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U64006 INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING

U64006 INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING. WEEK 1 MODULE CONTENT AND COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS APPROACHES TO NARRATIVES. SCREENWRITING. Who is a screenwriter?. Week 1 - Module contents & requirements. U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting. JOBS AND INDUSTRY. Filmmaking is an INDUSTRY

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U64006 INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING

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  1. U64006 INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING • WEEK 1 • MODULE CONTENT AND COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS • APPROACHES TO NARRATIVES

  2. SCREENWRITING • Who is a screenwriter? Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  3. JOBS AND INDUSTRY • Filmmaking is an INDUSTRY • Screenwriters SELL scripts (or ideas for scripts) • Production companies • Distribution companies • Funding organizations • Directors and stars (agents) • Jobs • Writers (screenwriter, story editor, script doctor, ghost writer) • Readers (script reader, story editor, development producer, commissioning editor, buyer, agent, continuity) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  4. FORM, NOT FORMULAS Films = art + product (some are not art at all, but just entertainment) Products = targeted to audiences  expectations (to fulfill) Skills and techniques  Standardized language Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  5. FACTORS • Economic-industrial structures • Political-economic dynamics • Technical and practical aspects NARRATIVE MODELS Other sources & media/means of expression Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  6. FORM, NOT FORMULAS Products = Art ? To produce: from latin “producere”  to create ART  Creative process SCIENCE  Technique, method Process, method  standards Philip Parker (1999) The Art and Science of Screenwriting. Exeter: Intellect. Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  7. SCREENWRITING • Who is a screenwriter? • What does s/he do? Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  8. Script or screenplay? Script = more generic (any written work, including screenplays) Screenplay = play for the screen (film industry, screenwriter) What is a screenplay? 90-120 pages Action + dialogue (SEE + HEAR) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  9. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Idea (theme) Subject  Premise (?) Outline Treatment Step outline (breakdown) Screenplay Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  10. DRAMA Drama = Action = someone doing something  characters and events Starting point = an idea Where do you find ideas? Ideas: books/novels, classics, plays, magazines, newspapers, headlines, biographies, conversations (overheard), experience, social issues, history, dreams, fantasies, fears, concepts, what...if? Truth + imagination + research Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  11. IDEAS Original/striking ideas Vs. clichés (banal, repetitive, unoriginal variations of same story) Talent Vs. Time and deadlines Real BUT unusual stories Inspiration/Creativity + Focus/control Hamlet Commercially commissioned piece of formula writing Hastily written Very rigid format (revenge tragedy: e.g. today’s gangster movie, with murders and betrayals) Foreign model (Spanish play) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  12. IDEAS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (brainstorm and filter in/out) Identify type/genre of story Identify scope of project Plausible steps/characters Unusual events External triggers: topics, themes, existing models, archetypes Define the model (triggers); freely brainstorm away from it; select best ideas; give coherence Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  13. IDEAS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (brainstorm and filter in/out) Example Starting idea/model: two characters fall in love with each other Identify the genre: romantic comedy (banal?) Setting: place and era Personal details: what if they are two murderers (or just one and the other does not know)? How do they meet? What are the non-human barriers to the lovers? Are there any rivals? Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  14. IDEAS AND SUBJECTS Idea  dramatization  subject = what the story is about Idea: a story about a gang and their robberies (?) Subject: “A gang holding up banks in the Midwest during the Depression, and their eventual downfall”  Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Generalized ideas into a specific dramatic subject  premise Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  15. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Idea (theme) Subject  Premise (?) Outline Treatment Step outline (breakdown) Screenplay Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  16. DRAMA Drama = Action = someone doing something  characters and events Drama (story): a person, object or situation undergoing a particular type of CHANGE Drama/Story elements: - Existents (characters, settings) - Processes (actions by persons or forces of nature) that stipulate changes Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  17. NARRATIVE vs NARRATION Narrative: organization of the experience (spatial, temporal, causal perception) of change through pattern of relationships between story elements (characters, events, processes) at various stages A narrative does not tell the whole story, but a selection of the most significant events in relation to the main line of action concerning the character’s change, arranged in a given way Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  18. NARRATIVE vs NARRATION A narrative is always perceived in chronological order, and time is consequential and directional (i.e. always goes forward) BUT spectator’s experience of DURATION is NOT the same as narrative ORDER of the events, which can be SIMPLE/LINEAR or COMPLEX/NON LINEAR Viewers will rearrange all narrative information (knowledge), by creating “logical” connections and by filling the gaps based on mental schema, raising expectations and validating them or redirecting them Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  19. NARRATIVE vs NARRATION The order in which a writer organizes the narrative events creates the plot(s) and give the story a structure Narrative = what (story elements) Narration = how (plot and structure) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  20. STORY AND PLOT Story elements  “W” questions WHO? Characters WHAT? Action WHEN? Setting WHERE? Setting WHY? Motivations/goals Someone doing something, sometime and somewhere, for some given reason Plot (element of structure)  HOW? IF? (cause/effect logic of events) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  21. STORY AND PLOT PROPP (then French Structuralists) 7 basic spheres of action (character roles) 31 functions (types of action) moves (frequent strings/combinations of functions/action) auxiliaries (transitions) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  22. STORY AND PLOT TODOROV (five stages) A state of equilibrium (outset) (introduction of characters and settings) An initiating event/disruption of the equilibrium by some action (processes) A recognition that there has been a disruption / emotional response (conflict / statement of a goal) An attempt to repair the disruption (main plot line, complicating actions)  Outcome of attempt and reactions to outcome (more complications, climax) A reinstatement (or not) of the initial equilibrium (resolution) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  23. SIMPLE AND COMPLEX STRUCTURES • The Full Monty, The Piano, Star Wars, When Harry Met Sally – Linear structure • Pulp Fiction – In medias res structure • Slumdog Millionaire – Double flashback • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – (Semi)circular structure + flashback & repetition pattern • Memento – “Backward” structure • Mulholland Drive - ?? Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  24. MODULE CONTENTS Handbook and syllabus STATEMENT (sign and hand in by week 2) Weekly schedule (lectures and seminar sets) Coursework and assessment Resources

  25. CREATIVE/PRACTICAL PATHWAY YEAR 1 • Film Form and Technical Skills • Introduction to Screenwriting • Video Production YEAR 2 • Screenwriting: Advanced Level • Film production Management and Practice • Advanced Video Production YEAR 3 • Film Project (Fiction or Documentary) • Independent Study - Practical Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  26. MODULE SYLLABUS Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  27. MODULE SYLLABUS • Always use and refer to module handbook handed out by module leader • Download updates from Module Web page (not VLE) http://paolorusso.webs.com/introtoscreenwriting.htm • Check this out regularly (i.e. weekly) • Handbook and any updates • Lecture PPTs • Any additional course material • Any other info Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  28. CONTENT • Introduction to the basic professional skills and jobs (writing and reading) • Story development process • Basic principles of story design in feature films • Storytelling techniques Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  29. LOCATION & TIME All sessions are on Thursday mornings • Wks 1,2,6,10,11,12: 10 am-12 noon Lecture only (or in-class tests) • Wks 3-5, 7-9 Seminar set 1: 9-10 am Seminar set 2: 10-11 am Lecture: 11 am-12.15 pm • NO separate screenings. Also Check GoogleCalendar Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  30. SEMINARS • Dr. Alison Kahn • Weeks 3-5 and 7-9 (6 in total, before lecture) • Set 1 OR Set 2 - Stick to relevant time slot (e.g. an early start at 9 am is no excuse to skip Set 1 and attend Set 2 instead) • Attendance to ALL sessions is mandatory (2% penalty) and, in the case of seminars, also affects final assessment • Class presentations (individual) and active contribution to seminar discussion - Assessed • Details on pages 4,5,9 in handbook • Group homework VS impersonation Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  31. WEEKLY SCHEDULE Check module handbook (pp. 7-8) for full details Wks 1-6 • Storytelling techniques, basic paradigms (1-3), characters, dynamics • Test 1 (wk 6 – topics wks 1-4) Wks 7-12 • Basic paradigms (4), complex narratives, short formats, story design • Guest – wk 11 • Test 2 (wk 12 – topics wks 5, 7-11) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  32. ASSESSMENT 100% coursework • 25% Active participation to seminars and class presentations • 25% In-class test 1 • 25% In-class test 2 • 25% Written assignment Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  33. Coursework 1 - SEMINARS 25% Active participation to seminars and class presentations a) At least ONE class presentation (10-15’) (10%) • Choose film to analyse from those listed in weekly homework on pp. 7-8 • Liaise with Dr. Kahn akahn@brookes.ac.ukby Thursday week 2 with indication of film - “first come first served basis” (3-4 students per set per week) • Students “may” be allowed to give a second presentation • Instructions on how to analyse a movie for class presentations on pp. 4-5 of handbook, and as per lecture in week 2 Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  34. Coursework 1 - SEMINARS 25% Active participation to seminars and class presentations b) Active participation to seminar discussion (15%) • Based on frequency of participation to discussion and on relevance of arguments • i.e. study weekly film for homework even when not giving presentation, come to class with ideas • all students to contribute “actively” (if no contribution, session will be cancelled) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  35. Coursework 2&3 IN-CLASS TESTS • Multiple-choice format (25 questions each) • All topics and films • Thursday 8 March (wk6) – Questions on topics from wks 1-4 • Thursday 3 May (wk12) – Questions on topics from wks 5, 7-10 • 25% of final assessment, each Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  36. Coursework 4 - WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 2-PAGE STORY OUTLINE (25%) • Each student develops own story idea for a narrative feature film. • Page 1: a one-sheet, i.e. a short synopsis of the narrative with clear indication of act breaks; each act must consist of small paragraphs, each corresponding to a main narrative steps. • Page 2: brief sketches of the main characters (including traits, back stories, dynamics) • Wordcount – 1,000 words (+/- 10%). Penalty applies. • Note – Students undertaking Screenwriting: Advanced Level in Year 2 will use this story outlines to develop their own scripts. Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  37. Coursework 4 - WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 2-PAGE STORY OUTLINE (25%) • DEADLINE for submission – Thursday 3 May (wk12), start of class. • You MUST submit: • a printed copy of the outline. • a DOC or PDF file of the outline via email at paolo.russo@brookes.ac.uk (specify “Coursework submission” as subject). • DOC and PDF files will be run through Turnitin to check for plagiarism. • KEEP receipt notification as record of submission. • Note – Safe storage and final submission of any coursework-related material will be your own responsibility. Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  38. PENALTIES • Non attendance: 2% per any missed session • Non attendance at seminar when presentation due: 10% • Late submission of written assignment (same day): 10% • Late submission of written assignment (not on same day): 0% (of 30%) • Non submission of written assignment: Technical Fail (or lowest mark where applicable) • Incorrect word count in written assignment: 5% • Non attendance at test: Technical Fail (or lowest mark where applicable) Deadlines MUST be met. No extensions will be granted except for documented medical reasons or acceptable mitigating circumstances (see Regulations). Any late submission will be regarded as non-submission. Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  39. REGULATIONS • NO PLAGIARISM, impersonation, collusion, duplication, falsification • Illness and medical certificates • Ill when coursework or test due? It is YOUR responsibility to obtain a Medical Certificate and hand it in to Student Admin (Academic Management Office)  Resit • Also, notify module leader via e-mail BEFORE due date • University Regulations in Brookes Student’s Guide  Deadlines and penalties Detailed info available in handbook Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  40. READING AND VIEWING CORE TEXTBOOK Syd Field’s The Definitive Guide to Screenwriting, London: Ebury Press, 2003 • Chapters 7-11: set-up, (scene/sequence, plot points, building the screenplay) (other editions available) • More references on pp. 5-6 in handbook • Books on screenwriting available in Library, shelfmarked 808.23 Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  41. READING AND VIEWING FILMS (in-class lectures/seminars + tests) • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (USA 2004, screenplay by Charlie Kaufman) • Memento (USA 2000, screenplay by Christopher Nolan) • Mulholland Drive (USA 2001, screenplay by David Lynch) • Notting Hill (UK-USA 1999, screenplay by Richard Curtis) • Pulp Fiction (USA 1994, screenplay by Quentin Tarantino) • Se7en (USA 1995, screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walter) • Shrek 2 (USA 2004, screenplay by William Adamson, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem, David N. Weiss) • Slumdog Millionaire (UK 2008, screenplay by Simon Beaufoy • Star Wars: A New Hope (USA 1977, screenplay by George Lucas) • The Full Monty (UK 1997, screenplay by Simon Beaufoy) • The Piano (Australia-New Zealand-France, screenplay by Jane Campion) • The Silence of the Lambs (USA 1991, screenplay by Ted Tally) • When Harry Met Sally (USA 1989, screenplay by Nora Ephron) • Friends (USA 1995 – episode 2:14 ‘The One with the Prom Video’, 2002, screenplay by Alexa Junge) Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  42. APPENDIXES TO HANDBOOK • How to use VLCMediaPlayer to analyse films • Instructions for in-class tests • Details on assessment criteria • FAQs Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  43. SUMMARY OF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES • Class: seminar and/or lecture • Office hours • Homework • Download and revise lecture notes • Readings (if any) • Watch and analyse films (for both seminars and lectures) • Prepare presentations (if due) • Prepare ideas for class discussion Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  44. SUMMARY OF WEEK 1 • Screenwriters and industry, other jobs with scripts • External factors and techniques • Script or Screenplay • Development process (ideas and subjects) • Narrative form (story vs plot vs structure, Aristotle) • Module handbook: content, requirements, schedule, coursework, resources Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  45. WEEK 2 • Narrative paradigms (1): 3-act structure, Syd Field • Story design for feature films • Analysis of narrative • Case study: The Full Monty Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

  46. HOMEWORK FOR WEEK 2 • Read (whole) handbook and sign statement • Check out and bookmark module webpage • Obtain and start reading Field’s book • Obtain DVDs (store, Amazon, library) • Download and install VLCMediaPlayer • Watch “The Full Monty” (at least first 30’) • Purchase USB pendrive or external HD for seminars Week 1 - Module contents & requirements U64006 Introduction to Screenwriting

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