Scriptwriting and Directing: Major film and TV productions
Unit code: HDFTV311
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Prahran |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the Bachelor of Film and Television.
Aims and objectives
This unit will provide students with further opportunity to expand their reel through the addition of a major project and a short-form individual project, either a dialogue scene, music clip, set piece or TVC. Students will be encouraged to further develop and nurture an area of specialisation within the group dynamic as if professionally employed in the film & television industry.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Create and write a script and ancillary production material for a major project;
- Explore communicating in the film and television language in the writing and directing of a longer form narrative, documentary or animated film, television show, series or promo for any of these, or equivalent production/s commensurate with a final major project;
- Apply the skills of their chosen area of specialisation through their collaborative contribution within a group dynamic;
- Apply pitching and selling ideas through the development of a proposal, screenplay and ancillary written production materials;
- Direct and shoot an individual project: a “dialogue” (two handed dialogue scene), music clip, set piece or TVC.
Teaching methods
This unit is delivered through a variety of methods, including:
• Lecture-tutorials and workshops;
• Screenings;
• Supervision and consultation of production based activity.
• Lecture-tutorials and workshops;
• Screenings;
• Supervision and consultation of production based activity.
Assessment
Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.Part A. Writing: pitch, script, documentation (50%)
Part B. Individual Project (50%)
Generic skills outcomes
Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context, HDFTV 311 aims to provide students with the following attributes:
- Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
- Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations;
- Are adaptable and manage change;
- Are aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Content
Topics for discussion may include:
- Pitching and selling ideas;
- Screenplay development;
- Production, scripts and directing paperwork;
- The practice of film and television through key elements of writing, directing, acting, cinematography, music, editing, and sound design;
- The emotional response, development and complexity of ideas.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Students should expect to engage in a wide range of learning experiences, which may include:
• Analysis of screenplays and directing technique;
• Post-screening discussions;
• Writing and directing workshops;
• Developing scripts, production and directing plans for individual and major group projects;
• Developing professional documents;
• Apply pitching and “selling” ideas;
• Production and direction of individual projects.
