Cirrus@Austlit

This unit develops skills in planning, researching and scripting drama for television series, serials, sitcoms or telemovies. Some fact-based programs will be considered. Students will have the opportunity to develop a major project in an area of choice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. recognise the distinctive characteristics of television formats and genres and how these relate to programming and script requirements;

2. demonstrate an understanding of the elements of dramatic structure, writing for the screen, script structure and format;

3. produce concepts, storylines, scene breakdowns and a script for a project in an area of choice;

4. understand the role of script and scriptwriter in the production process and current industry practice;

5. identify appropriate sources of funding and marketing strategies for television concepts and scripts;

6. demonstrate a high level of critical and aesthetic competencies.

UNIT CONTENT

1. Analysis and discussion of television programmes and how broadcast conventions and organisational factors affect script and programmedesign.

2. Exercises in creating, structuring and writing material for television.

3. Further experience in preparing docudrama and drama programmes.

4. Development of a major script project for television, through the stages of concept, series bible, scene breakdown and first draft.

5. Consideration of how to 'pitch' or sell a project, markets for scripts, and locating sources of funding.

6. Analysis of script problems and development of editing solutions for subsequent drafts.