BAA Course: Script and Screen Writing 11 District Name: Cowichan Valley District Number: 79 Developed by: Mrs. Maxine Smith and Mr. Mike Moroz Date Developed: October 2004 School Name: Chemainus Secondary School, Lake Cowichan Secondary School, Cowichan Adult Learning Centre, Cowichan Valley Open Learning Cooperative, Frances Kelsey Secondary School, Cowichan Secondary School Principal s Name: Mr. G. Foster, Mr. J. Baker, Mr. A. Macleod, Ms. M. Sandford, Ms. M. Davis, Ms. J. Keeping, Mr. P. Duncan Board/Authority Approval Date: December 15, 2004 Board/Authority Signature: Course Name: Script and Screen Writing 11 Grade Level of Course: 11 Number of Course Credits: 4 Number of Hours of Instruction: 120 Prerequisite(s): None Special Training, Facilities, or Equipment Required: Instructor will need to have extensive experience in various formats of writing, specifically script and/or screen writing as well as have an understanding for the facets of film production including acting and technical production. Course Synopsis: The Script and Screen Writing 11 course has been developed to further allow students to explore the range of personal and social expression offered by the medium of writing for the screen and/or writing for the stage. Students will develop individual skills in the key writing production elements of: effective narrative (both formalistic 1
and realistic), character and plot development, genre and tone, original and adaptive script and screen writing techniques. Students will learn, through their participation in the production of course-focused scripts for the screen and/or the stage (a) how to format a variety of useable scripts, including from original material and from adapted material, (b) how to adapt the script through the stages of development needed for the writing to function in a motion picture. The students will produce scripts will be produced in various genres, including but not limited to drama, animation, and stage. The students will (a) learn work habits (b) compile a portfolio of work, and (c) gain invaluable hands-on experience that will be essential for them in their future success in the film industry. Rationale: The Ministry of Education s Pathways focus has created the educational conditions necessary to create a film program in the Cowichan Valley, School District No. 79. The economic climate on Vancouver Island, in combination with the rapid growth of the film and television industry in British Columbia has produced numerous sustainable career opportunities for the graduate student of a film program. Moreover, within the Cowichan Valley, a strong coalition of filmmakers, actors, and students is starting to develop. Script and Screen Writing 11 is a viable, useable, and utilitarian course for any high school student interested in embarking on a career in the film industry. The essence of Script and Screen Writing 11 is to provide (a) a hands-on experiential opportunity for the student to work with experienced writers, staff and film industry professionals (b) to create viable scripts, that could become plays or movies, and for the student to (c) develop their own sense of voice through a cinematic style of writing. Organizational Structure: Unit/Topic Title Time Module 1 a) Script and Screen play development (original and adaptation) b) Elements of Structure and Format, c) Genre and Style Module 2 Character and Dialogue 25 Module 3 Plot and Setting 25 Module 4 Script and Screen to Film Production 25 45 Total Hours 120 2
Module Descriptions: Module 1 Script and Screen writing development (original and adaptation), Elements of Structure and Format, Genre and Style 1. Student is expected to: (a) Strengthen their working knowledge of the various literary techniques that are used in the creative process of screenwriting and scriptwriting (b) Draw upon a variety of potentially adaptable existing written forms including short stories, essays, historical documents and vignettes (both fiction and non-fiction), then develop the ability to adapt these prewritten sources to a usable script format for the film and theatrical industries (c) Write effectively in a format such as essay, short story and narrative, then learn how to re-write these formats into a usable screenplay, or script that is recognized in the film industry as appropriate for media (d) Write in a voice and style that is appropriate to audience and purpose of the script (e) Investigate the range of career opportunities available in relation to technology driven craft areas in the film industry 2. Students will develop skills in each of the format areas, including original work and adaptation from an existing source 3. Students will use these recently developed skills on both individual and on group projects, some of which will be developed and completed for submission to film festivals TIME: 45 Hours Curriculum Organizer Script and Screenplay development Understand the role of the writer in filmmaking Plan and execute effective script writing Write an original story to be made into script for stage or screen Turn the original piece of writing into the format of a screen or stage play Serving as the writer, be an integral part of a school based film production team in order to enter a film in a festival It is expected that students will adapt previously written work in which the student will: Contact a Canadian writer through use of formal business letters or other acceptable format Request permission from the writer to adapt their specific piece of writing for the screen Once permission is granted, adapt existing story from Canadian writer into a script Turn the screenplay into a finished format, which will be submitted as part of a final assessment Further, it is expected that the students will: Understand then utilize the 3-act paradigm to screen writing Understand then utilize the 9-act paradigm to screen writing Understand and apply the correct conventions and formats of screenwriting 3
Rely on context to determine meanings of words and phrases such as figurative language, idioms, multiple meaning words, and technical vocabulary as well as begin to understand the subtleties of language that include but are not limited to connotation and denotation, implied and explicit meaning, double entendres, analogies, symbols and puns, then incorporate these into their writing Curriculum Organizer Genres Understand the differences in story structure between film genres Identify the types of script and genres used in the filmmaking and theatrical industries Identify the literary techniques used in each area Apply writing concepts in key areas such as the three-act screenplay, writing for stage, writing for screen Differentiate between realism and formalism Use appropriate language when discussing writing and writing techniques Understand the role of the writer in filmmaking Accumulate and review their own written work to determine its strengths and/or weaknesses and to set their own goals as a writer Curriculum Organizer Elements of a Dramatic Story Discuss, recognize, and analyze the elements of a successful script that has been turned into film or stage production Use appropriate language when discussing elements of a dramatic story 4
Module 2 Character and Dialogue (a) Develop their ability to create screen text using a variety of film narrative forms (b) Study how effective film stories work, and (c) Analyze how the various elements of the story are fit together to create a recognizable film genre. Greater emphasis will be placed on developing film stories using their own ideas, while continuing to convert original stories of a number of Canadian short story authors and playwrights (d) Students will be engaged in a variety of skill development activities, and will use those skills on individual and group film making projects designed for submission to various film festivals TIME: 25 Hours Curriculum Organizer Developing Character through Dialogue and Actions Differentiate between realistic, classical, round, flat, stereotypical, dynamic, static characters Develop viable characters in screen writing Develop viable dialogue in screen writing Identify aspects of character believability in a screenplay Analyze, aspects of characterization both on screen and in script Use prewriting strategies to generate ideas, and develop voice Employ precise language to communicate ideas clearly and concisely when developing character and dialogue Employ evocative words and rhythms Develop drafts of scripts containing characters, both independently and collaboratively by organizing content and by refining style to suit occasion, audience, and purpose Use writing as a tool which will enable the student to produce reflective, explorative, and realistic characters Recognize how other writers have represented and revealed their cultures and their traditions through characters Study the works of other writers, both in written form and on screen to learn appropriate terms of critique when discussing character Create compelling characters Learn effective use of dialogue, that is create tension through the show don t tell truism of script and screen writing Use appropriate language when discussing screenwriting techniques 5
Module 3 Plot and Setting It is expected that students will continue to develop their understanding of importance of plot and setting and their role in the screen and script writing process. Students will be engaged in a variety of skill development activities, and will use those skills on individual and group film making projects designed for submission to various film festivals. TIME: 25 Hours Curriculum Organizer-Plot and Setting Analyze relevance of setting and time frame to the plot s meaning Describe the development of plot in the screen writing process Identify conflicts in plot and how they are addressed and resolved, or why they are not resolved, such as a cliff-hanger Analyze the three-act plot structure Analyze the use of sub-plots within the overall structure Learn how to effectively set a scene Analyze subtleties of setting such as but not limited to scene structure, back story, and point of attack Use appropriate language when discussing screenwriting techniques Module 4 Script and Screen to Film Production Building on the existing skill set, under the direction of the instructor, students will work as part of a functioning film crew converting a pre selected Canadian short story or play into a film. Students will serve a specific role either in front of, or behind, the camera. All preproduction, production and post-production aspects of the film will be assigned. TIME: 25 Hours Under the direction of the instructor, professionally and responsibly carry out the functions associated with their assigned role Use appropriate language when discussing film production Demonstrate an increasing independent ability to organize and direct aspects of film production Instructional Component - will include, but not be limited to: Direct and Indirect instruction Interactive instruction Independent instruction Modeling Practical creativity Brainstorming and group work Analysis of commercial writing, script, film, and video works Analysis of the student s own writing as well as their peer s writing, script, film and video work 6
Work experience or conference/critique with a professional writer Set placement/ work experience where student serves as part of an actual film crew Assessment Component: 70% of the grade will be based on ongoing evaluations conducted throughout the course. 30% of the grade will be based on the evaluation of the student s work as part of the film crew during the film production (Module 4) portion of the course. Written projects Personal Communication Work experience evaluation Project proposal outlines Group dialogue Weekly assessment Video submissions Student/instructor dialogue Teacher anecdotal records Performance Methods Written reflection Rating scales Festival presentations Self evaluation Rubrics Checklists Peer evaluation Other Learning Resources -will include but not be limited to: Screen and Script writing manuals Visits to or conferences with professional writers Professional seminars and workshops Articles, resources regarding screenwriting and scriptwriting that are available on the Internet Books: o Lew Hunter s Screenwriting 434, Hunter, Lew, ISBN 0399529861 Perigee Books; Revised edition (May 4, 2004) o Understanding Movies, Louis Giannetti, ISBN 0-13-190836-7, Prentice hall o The Movies A Short History, Mast and Kawin, ISBN 0-205-19670-5, Allyn and Bacon o Reel West Digest Additional Information: This new course will inevitably require some fine-tuning as it evolves. The essence of it is to provide a hands-on experiential opportunity for the students to work with experienced staff and industry professionals to create screen and script writing that can be converted into real movies and for the students to develop their own sense of cinematic style. 7