Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Scriptwriting: Television Drama

• Unit Code

  FAV2203

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit develops skills in planning, researching and scripting drama for television - series, serials, sitcoms or telemovies. Some fact-based programs will be considered. Students will have the opportunity to develop a major project in an area of choice.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from FAV2102

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded FAV3201

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of dramatic structure, writing for the screen, script structure and format.
2. Identify appropriate sources of funding and marketing strategies for television concepts and scripts.
3. Produce concepts, storylines, scene breakdowns and a script for a project in an area of choice.
4. Recognise the distinctive characteristics of television formats and genres and how these relate to programming and script requirements.
5. Understand the role of script and scriptwriter in the production process and current industry practice.

Unit Content

1. Analysis and discussion of television programs and how broadcast conventions and organisational factors affect script and program design.
2. Consideration of how to "pitch" or sell a project, markets for scripts, and locating sources of funding.
3. Development of a major script project for television, through the stages of concept, series "bible", scene breakdown and first draft.
4. Exercises in creating, structuring and writing material for television.
5. Further experience in preparing docudrama and drama programs.
6. This unit will cover the following topics:

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Tutorials. Workshops.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Haddrick, G. (2001). Top shelf 1: reading and writing the best in Australian TV drama. Sydney: Currency Press.
• ^ Drouyn, C. (1995). Big screen, small screen. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
• ^ Vorhaus, J. (1994). The comic toolbox. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
• ^ Haddrick, G. (2001). Top shelf 2: Five outstanding television screenplays. Sydney: Currency Press.
• Egri, L. The art of dramatic writing: It's basis in the creative interpretation of human motives. New York: Simon& Schuster.
• (1995). Frontline
• McKee, Robert. (1998). Story. London: Methuen.
• Middlemass, J. (1992). Research for film and television. Sydney: AFTRS.
• Paice, E. (1984). The way to write for television. London: Elm Tree Books, Hamish Hamilton Ltd.
• Schwarz, L. (1989). The craft of writing TV comedy. London: Allison & Busby.
• Seger, L. (1986). Making a good script great. Los Angeles: Samuel French.
• Swain, D.V. (1982). Film scriptwriting: A practical manual. London: Focal Press.
• Saunders, J. (1994). Absolutely Fabulous. London: BBC Books.
• Galton, R., & Simpson, A. (1987). The best of Hancock. Ringwood, Victoria: Penguin
• Dancyer, K. (1992). Broadcast Writing: Drama, comedies and documentary. London: Focal.
• Caswell, R. (1984). Scales of justice. Sydney: Currency Press.
• Atherton, G. (1992). Mother and son: 5 scripts. Sydney: Currency Press.
• Armer, A. (1993). Writing the screenplay for TV and film. (2nd ed.) California, USA: Wadsworth.
• Liquorice, V. (1990). Debut on two. London: BBC.

^ Mandatory reference

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