Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The module gives a hands-on introduction to storytelling tradition to develop understanding of the centrality of a variety of genres to film, distribution and consumption. To develop a critical understanding of genre as a categorizing methodology within film studies. To develop a systematic understanding of genre and its relationship to audience expectation and reception of film material.

Content (course unit)

The module covers ideating, conceptualizing, pitching, outlining and step-outlining story as well as developing character arch and making use of turning points, understanding screenplay structure composed of acts, sequences and scenes and using film and screenplay analysis as screenwriter’s tool.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

Satisfactory
1 = approved; half of the course tasks submitted; some misunderstandings finalizing the tasks; attendance level low; no feedback to peers and teacher
2 = satisfactory; more than half of the course tasks submitted; quality of tasks below average; attendance level low or average; hardly any feedback to peers and teacher(s)

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

Good
3 = good; all course tasks submitted and done in an average way; course attendance and feedback to peers and/or teacher satisfactory
4 = very good; all tasks finalized and submitted correctly in due time; good course attendance and activity; active feedback to peers and teacher

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

Excellent
5 = excellent; all tasks done in an outstanding way and submitted on schedule; high attendance and activity; active and well-thought feedback to peers and teacher

Location and time

4.9. –7. 9. 2023 Orientation day and 3 contact days (4 altogether). General introduction. Developing ideas, concepts, and outlines for screenplays.
Week starting 11.9. Independent work Developing story, concept and outline for the screenplay
19. - 21.9. 3 contact days. Analysis of film/screenplay practice
25. 9. – 29.9. ERASMUS + BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAM WEEK
Week starting 2.10. Independent work Developing sequence- and step-outline for the screenplay
10.-12.10. 3 contact days: Screenplay Analysis; Feedbacking and Developing Students Ideas; Outline Assignment
Week starting 16.10. Independent work Rewriting and preparing the concept and outline
24-26.10 3 contact days. Checking and developing story, concept, and outlines
Week starting 30.10. Independent work Preparing an analysis
7.-9.11. 3 contact days: Film Analysis; Outline Assignment Feedback
Week starting 13.11 Independent work: Writing the actual first screenplay version
THE DEFINITE DEADLINE FOR CONCEPT AND OUTLINE VERSIONS IS NOV 17th 10 AM ‘Outline versions’ = outline + sequence outline + step-outline
21.-23.11. 3 contact days: Writing television series in the age of Netflix, HBO ..
28. -30.11. 3 contact days: Checking the screenplays (stories, concepts, and outlines) done during the autumn season and preparing the independent writing of the first screenplay versions).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Module 1: Forms and Genres (15 cr)
4th September – 2nd December 2023

The module gives a hands-on introduction to storytelling tradition. It covers ideating, conceptualizing, pitching, outlining and step-outlining story as well as developing character arch and making use of turning points, understanding screenplay structure composed of acts, sequences and scenes and using film and screenplay analysis as screenwriter’s tool. Students will also start to write a self-analytical document of their writing process.

Learning materials

We recommend that you read Snyder (the first STC at least) and Truby as early as possible, ideally before the course starts:
Save the Cat (I-III), Blake Snyder, Michael Wiese Productions, 2010
Anatomy of Story, John Truby, Faber & Faber, 2011
The Writer’s Journey, Christopher Vogler, Michael Wiese Productions, 2007
The Soul Of Screenwriting, Keith Cunningham, Continuum, 2008
Screenwriting Updated, Linda Aronson, Silman-James, 2010
Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters, Michael Tierno, Hyperion 2002
On Filmmaking, Alexander Mackendrick [ed Paul Cronin], Faber & Faber, 2004
Three Uses of the Knife, David Mamet, Vintage, 2000
Story, Robert McKee, Methuen, 1998