Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

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: Adaptation, Editing and Commissioned Content

• Unit Code

  FAV3204

• Year

  2016

• 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 further scriptwriting skills in three areas: adaptation for the screen from novels, plays, stories and factual materials; script editing skills and procedures for short films, television drama and feature films; writing commissioned scripts to a brief for corporate, promotional and training films.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

1 hour lecture, 2 hours tutorial/workshop per week

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from FAV2203

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges, principles and strategies for adapting material for the screen.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and processes of script editing in current industry practice.
3. Demonstrate the ability to research and develop a detailed proposal for a corporate, promotional or instructional video.
4. Produce a set of script editing notes and sample edited scenes from a script.
5. Produce an outline and sample scenes for an adapted work.
6. Recognise the techniques employed in various types of adaptation.
7. Select material from other sources suitable for adaptation.
8. Source potential clients for commissioned work.
9. Understand the process of writing commissioned content based on a brief from a client.
10. Understand the role of the script editor in the context of short films, television drama and feature films.
11. Write a script for a video based on a brief from a client.

Unit Content

1. Analysis and discussion of films and television projects that have been adapted from other sources.
2. Development of an outline and sample scenes for a film or television project adapted from a novel, play, story or factual material.
3. Discussion of the role of the script editor and relationship to the writer in a variety of contexts.
4. Editing scenes and sequences from a project.
5. Exercises in the techniques for structuring and characterisation for different types of material.
6. Exercises to develop a 'toolbox' of techniques to apply to projects requiring editing.
7. Finding a client who will provide a brief for a corporate, promotional or instructional video.
8. Researching and developing a proposal.
9. Viewing, analysis and discussion of a variety of types of commissioned content.
10. Writing a script that meets the requirements of the client's brief.
11. Writing specific and constructive editing notes on a project.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Screenings. Tutorials. Workshop exercises.

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

• Aronson, L (2000). Scriptwriting updated: new and conventional ways of writing for the screen. Sydney: Allen & Unwin
• Bovell, Andrew. (2001). Lantana / original screenplay by Andrew Bovell based upon the play, Speaking in tongues, Sydney: Currency Press.
• Dancyger, K., & Rush, J. (2002). Alternative scriptwriting: successfully breaking the rules (3rd ed.). Boston: Focal Press
• DiZazzo, R. (1992). Corporate scriptwriting: a professional's guide. Boston: Focal Press.
• Drouyn, C. (1994). Big screen, small screen: a practical guide to writing for film and television in Australia. St. Leonards, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin
• Portnoy, K. (1998) . Screen Adaptation, a scriptwriting handbook (2nd ed.) Boston: Focal Press.
• Haddrick, G. (2001). Top shelf 1: reading and writing the best in Australian TV drama. Sydney: Currency Press.
• McKee, R. (1997). Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting. New York: Regan Books.
• Seger, L. (1992). The Art of Adaptation: turning fact and fiction into film. New York: H. Holt & Co.
• Seger, L. (1987). Making a good script great (1st ed.). New York: Dodd, Mead & Company.
• Vogler, C. (1992). The writer's journey: mythic structures for storytellers and screenwriters. Studio City, CA.: M. Wiese Productions
• Field, S. (1998). The screenwriter's problem solver: how to recognize, identify and define screenwriting problems. New York: Dell Pub.

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