Film & Television Course Curriculum - Script Writing Skills
Overall course aim:
To prepare students for:
(a) Trainee Script Writing positions in the Film, Video and Television Industry.
(b) Script Writing of small scale dramatic and/or documentary productions.
To achieve this the Directing skills curriculum includes
8-01. An introduction to Documentary and Dramatic Film techniques, their history and development with particular reference to the development of Script Writing for Film and Television as well as an appreciation of how, when and why the most important techniques are used on various productions.
8-02. An introduction and practical experience in using the following documentary script writing processes:
(a) establishing ideas, aims, angle intended target audience etc
(b) background project research, interview research and location research
(c) establishing script/story structure with beginning, middle and end
(d) establishing story and visual/audio style
(e) continuing writing/research process during recording
(f) finalising script during Post production and completing it with writing of voice over narration links and any graphic information required.
8-03. An introduction to, and basic practical writing experience in, using the following dramatic script writing processes:
(a) Development of subject treatment and dramatic story line
(b) Development of 3 act script structure with setup, confrontation, resolution and use of paradigm with plot points
(c) Development of characters, including background biographies and dialogue consistent with each character
(d) Scene by scene breakdown of script structure
(e) Development of script to include sufficient information regarding
- Intended mood
- Style
- Period and theme
- Cast list
- Character/actor directions
- Passage of time
- Basic camera directions
- Description of locations, settings and other art department requirements
- Description of sound, lighting and special effects requirements on scene-by-scene basis
(f) Completion of script development with drafts, re-writes and delivery of final script using accepted layout and format for the intended film or television medium.
8-04. A basic practical working knowledge of essential film and script writing techniques including:
- Conflict
- Emotions
- Themes
- Sub Text
- Obstacles
- Tension
- Foreshadowing
- Action/ Reaction
- Flashbacks
- Montage
8-05. A basic practical experience in writing complete scripts for the following practical production exercises;
(a) Short News and Current Affairs programme items
(b) 5 minute instructional or educational video
(c) a 30 sec television commercial
(d) 6-8 minute corporate video
(e) One 5 minute and one 10-15 minute duration television documentary
(f) One 5 minute short drama and one structured 9 to 12 minute dramatic screen play.
[Back to Top]
Registered as a private training establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments.
