Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

The ability to analyse and interpret story material is fundamental to the filmmaking process in both fiction and documentary, where text is translated into visual material. What makes a satisfactory screen narrative? What kinds of stories are appropriate for the various contexts of filmmaking? What gives an idea, a story, a scene or a script its impact on an audience? And how do we ensure those qualities are translated into a finished film? To work effectively in the industry you need to be able to evaluate the potential of a script or other story material and use it as a starting point for your own creative practice.

You will look at all the elements, which make up a film narrative in both feature films and shorts. You will look at how professionals evaluate storylines and scripts, considering the importance of audience and the significance of genre. You will examine the processes by which specialists in all departments use their creative interpretation of source material to create a coherent film narrative, using research into subject matter and themes, artistic and cinematic precedents to inform aesthetic and technical choices.

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

• Story and script assessment 
• Emotional landscape of script 
• Theme and subject matter 
• Genre and audience
• Creative research and visualisation

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, workshops, individual research.

Aims

A1 To develop your understanding of film as a story-telling process.
A2 To explore the role of the story and script in the production process.
A3 To develop your ability to visualise a film from a script or other source material.

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

LO1 Apply a knowledge and understanding of key established concepts of narrative in creative work.
LO2 Analyse and evaluate short and full-length feature scripts and documentary proposals.
LO3 Apply skills in critical analysis and evaluation within your specialist practice.

Reference Material

Recommended
McKee, R. (1998). Story: substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting. London: Methuen.
Miller, P. (1999) Script supervising and film continuity, 3rd ed, Boston/Oxford: Focal Press
Potter, C. (2001) Screen language - from film writing to film-making. London: Methuen
Vogler, C., (1998) The writer’s journey, 2nd ed., Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions

Additional reading material relevant to your specialism will be provided by the unit tutors.