Screenwriting for Film

Recommended Prerequisites

Minimum proficiency in the English and French languages is recommended.

Teaching Methods

Teaching involves two aspects beyond the teacher’s exposition and the discussion of ideas and texts related to the syllabus. (1) A theoretical aspect, which is assessed through a written work, a structural analysis of a screenplay. (2) A practical aspect, in which the student is assessed continuously throughout the semester by the execution and presentation of creative writing exercises and scriptwriting, with an emphasis on the discussion and analysis of these works, collectively; and through a final work: a screenplay for a short film.

Learning Outcomes

Provide students with the knowledge and practice needed to (1) an incisive analysis and methodological study of screenwriting for film, comprising the various practices and devices contained therein; (2) the reading of the screenplay for film as a visual universe of possibilities, and (3) as a structuring element and driving force for filmmaking. It is also expected that, in the end, (4) the student acquires the capacity and motivation required for the conception and structuring of a screenplay, fully exploring their creative capacities and subjective characteristics.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Screenwriting for Film

• the scriptwriter

• writing

• the narrative tradition of plot 

• from matter to plot

• the character

• dialogue

• conflict

• structure

• the synopsis

 

2. Analysis of Scripts and Films

• adaptation

• original screenplay

• documentary film

• genre cinema

 

3. Reflections on Models of Writing for Film

• models and creativity

• narrative and film

• writing and film

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Marta Dias Teixeira da Costa Anacleto

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Creative writing exercises and their presentation: 20.0%
Participation (20%) + Theoretical written work (20%): 40.0%
Screenplay for a short film: 40.0%

Bibliography

CARRIÈRE, Jean-Claude e Pascal BONITZE. Exercice du scénario. Paris: Femis, 1990.

CHION, Michel. Écrire un Scénario. Paris: Cahiers du cinéma, 2007.

DANCYGER, Ken e Jeff RUSH. Alternative Scriptwriting: Successfully Breaking the Rules. Burlington: Focal Press, 2007.

EDGAR-HUNT, Robert, John MARLAND, e James RICHARDS. Basics Film-Making: Sceenwriting. Lausanne: AVA Publishing, 2009

FIELD, Syd. Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting. New York: Delta, 2005.

GATES, Tudor. Scenario: The Craft of Screenwriting. Middlesex: Wallflower Press, 2002.

MARAS, Steven, Screenwriting: History, Theory and Practice. Middlesex, Wallflower Press, 2009

PARENT-ALTIER, Dominique. O Argumento Cinematográfico. Lisboa: Edições Texto & Grafia, 2009

PENNISTON, Penny, Talk the Talk: A Dialogue Workshop for Scriptwriters. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions, 2009.

SEGER, Linda. Como Triunfar como Argumentista (Um livro de exercícios sobre criatividade). Avanca: Cineclube de Avanca, 2008.