LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. recognise the distinctive characteristics of film, television and radio and how these influence script organisation and preparation;
2. discuss the role of the scriptwriter and other personnel in the production of films, radio and television programmes;
3. demonstrate research skills and an understanding of their importance in the preparation of documentary programmes;
4. analyse the elements of dramatic writing, particularly the development of plot and character; and
5. produce scripts for a short drama or documentary for film, radio or television.
UNIT CONTENT
1. Analysis and discussion of a variety of programmes with emphasis on the conventions of the mass media and how these function to influence the planning and writing of scripts.
2. Exercises in preparing factual scripts requiring research using primary and secondary sources for radio, film or television production.
3. Exercises in the elements of dramatic writing - dialogue, character plot and visual storytelling.
4. Development through various stages of a script for a short drama or documentary for film, radio or television.
Ballon, R. F. (2004). Blueprint for screenwriting: A complete writer's guide to story structure and character development. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Bernard, S. C. (2003). Documentary storytelling for video and filmmakers. Amsterdam: Elsevier Focal Press.
Cooper, P., & Dancyger, K. (2000). Writing the short film. Boston: Focal Press.
Dancyer, K. (1992). Broadcast writing: Dramas, comedies and documentaries. London: Focal Press.
Eisenstein, S. (1988). On the composition of the short fiction scenario. London: Methuen.
Johnson, Claudia, H. (2005). Crafting short screenplays that connect [electronic resource]. Burlington: Elsevier.
Richards, K. (1991). Writing radio drama. Sydney: Currency Press.
Sykes, A. (Ed.). (1975). Nightmares of the old obscenity master (5 Plays for Radio). Sydney: Currency Methuen Drama.
SCRIPTS:
Vorhaus, J. (1994). The comic toolbox: How to be funny even when you're not. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Atherton, G. (1992). Mother and son. Sydney: ABC Books.
Jolley, E. (1995). Radio plays Victoria: Penguin.
Cleese, J., & Booth, C. The complete Fawlty Towers. London: BBC.
Evans, T. (Ed.). Radio quartet. Fremantle: Fremantle Arts Centre Press.
Milligan, S. (1973). The Goon Show scripts. London: Sphere Books.
