Storytelling and the Moving Image (15 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

To develop knowledge and understanding of script development processes and methodologies and to apply these knowledges in practice.
To develop the analytical and evaluative skills necessary for a critical appraisal of feature length script texts in relation to their concept; originality; narrative action; character development; genre placement and market viability.
To develop an extensive understanding of the specific nature of the feature film as a creative form of storytelling and to exhibit that understanding in the practice of scriptwriting.
At the end of the module students will be able to understand the form of the narrative film text in relationship to idea, content, structure, character, narrative scale, visualisation and European/Trans-Atlantic/global marketability, understand the distinguishing characteristics between feature film form and that of television and short film storytelling, create original feature script ideas within the parameters of the European/Trans-Atlantic film industry, comprehend and execute the script development process within its creative and industrial context. Understand how production processes in the film industry impact upon script assessment, selection and development in order to have the ability to construct commissioning strategies for feature film projects. Have the knowledge of the of the film industry’s working methodologies and it’s economic, legal, funding and distribution. Create original script texts within the feature film form to second draft stage

Content (course unit)

Following on from Storytelling and the Moving Image: The Short Film, this module will look at the theoretical narrative underpinnings of the feature film text and will determine what separates this form of storytelling from that of the short film and, more importantly, television. Students will study the industrial environment in which feature film texts are commissioned, developed, funded and produced while being made aware of impact of commercial influences on the construction and realisation of a feature film text. Students will also experience, in the creation of their Project Portfolio, the script development process from concept to pitch to treatment (1 to 3 drafts) to step outline (1 to 3 drafts) to script (2 drafts). Students will also write a self analytical document of the writing process.
Lectures will introduce theories, concepts and methodologies which are further developed and discussed in seminars. Seminars will use films and film texts as sources of analysis and discussion. Workshops will be used to develop the Project Portfolio from Concept to 2nd Draft stage.

Prerequisites (course unit)

Following on from modules Storytelling and the Moving Image: The Short Film and Forms and genres in film