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

2. Who is a screenwriter? SCREENWRITING SCREENING OF THE PLAYER
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
SCREENING OF THE PLAYER
U Introduction to Screenwriting

3. JOBS AND INDUSTRY Screenwriters SELL scripts (or ideas for scripts)
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
U 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
NARRATIVE FORMS AND CODES
PRODUCTIVE PROCESSES AND WORKFLOW (PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH/FOR)
FORMATS AND STYLES - RULES
U Introduction to Screenwriting

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

7. Who is a screenwriter? What does s/he do?
SCREENWRITING
Who is a screenwriter?
What does s/he do?
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
SCREENING OF THE PLAYER
U 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?
pages
Action + dialogue (SEE + HEAR)
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
ASK STUDENTS
U Introduction to Screenwriting

9. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Idea (theme) Subject  Premise (?) Outline
Treatment
Step outline (breakdown)
Screenplay
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
U 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
U 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
U 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
U 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
U 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
More on premises in wk 7-8
U Introduction to Screenwriting

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

24. MODULE CONTENTS Handbook and syllabus Weekly schedule (lectures and
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
U Introduction to Screenwriting

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

29. Also Check GoogleCalendar
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: am
Lecture: 11 am pm
NO separate screenings.
Also Check GoogleCalendar
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
U 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
U 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
U 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
U 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 by 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
U 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
Amend top page 5 of handbook, will BE cancelled.
U 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
U 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
U 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 at (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
U 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
These are module requirements
U 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 BEFORE due date
University Regulations in Brookes Student’s Guide  Deadlines and penalties
Detailed info available in handbook
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
U 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
Week 1 - Module contents & requirements
U 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
BLUE not for test
More in lectures (not for test)
Friends (screened in class, yes for test)
U 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
U 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
U 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
U 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
U 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
U Introduction to Screenwriting