Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

Storytelling is at the heart of both fiction and documentary film. This unit considers the cultural significance of narrative, the conventions of dramatic storytelling and the ways in which the commercial and critical contexts of contemporary filmmaking shape screen stories.

Dramatic stories are driven by human relationships and their characters are brought to life by actors. You will consider how psychology and mythic ideas inform character and motivation, and the way in which actors develop and refine their roles. You will explore how the visual language of cinema contributes to storytelling, and the importance of soundscapes and dialogue.

Practical work in this unit includes studio and written exercises building towards a simple short film script, informed by the basic principles of film narrative. Working in groups, students will shoot and edit a selection of the scripts developed during this unit, and there will be opportunities to collaborate with students from the Acting course.

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.)

• The building blocks of narrative structure 
• Introduction to psychology and human behaviour 
• Introduction to dramatic performance, character and motivation 
• Visual and auditory elements of narrative 
• Subject and theme 
• Script format 
• Team working 
• Pitching and presentation skills

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, group workshops, screenings, tutorials.

Aims

A1 To develop an awareness of all of the elements contributing to film narrative. 
A2 To relate human behaviour and relationships to storytelling and script. 
A3 To provide first-hand experience of working with actors. 
A4 To develop team-working skills

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your understanding of the basic principles of narrative in film.
LO2 Identify and interpret the role of human behaviour in examples of dramatic narrative.
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the contributions of the actor to film production.
L04 Work effectively in teams.

Reference Material

Key
Field, Syd (2005). Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting. revised and updated ed. [e-book]. New York: Random House/Delta
Indick, W. (2004). Psychology for Screenwriters. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions
Stanislavski, C (2008). An Actor Prepares. London: Methuen

Recommended
Aristotle (2006). The Poetics. [e-book] London: Dodo Press (and other translations)
Barr, T. (1997). Acting for the Camera, 2nd ed., New York: Perennial Library
Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. (2006). Film Art: an Introduction. (8th ed.) New York/London: McGraw-Hill
Dancyger, K. and Cooper, P. (2005). Writing the Short Film. (3rd ed.) [e-book] Boston/Oxford: Focal Press
Bernard , I. (1998). Film and Television Acting: From Stage to Screen, 2nd ed., Boston/Oxford: Focal Press