Screenwriting for Film

Recommended Prerequisites

Level C1 in English.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methodologies are based on seminar work and tutorial supervision, composed of two major components. (1) A theoretical component, which is assessed through a written work, a structural analysis of a screenplay. (2) A practical component, 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

Assessment
written theoretical work: 20.0%
Story for a short film: 40.0%
Creative writing exercises and your presentation 20%; 20% interest: 40.0%

Bibliography

BATTY, C. 2013,“Writing the Screenplay”Harper,G.ed. A Companion to Creative Writing.Chichester:Wiley-Blackwell,98-114

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

DANCYGER, K., RUSH J. 2007, Alternative Scriptwriting: Successfully Breaking the Rules.Burlington:Focal Press

EDGAR­HUNT, R., MARLAND, J., RICHARDS, J. 2009, Basics Film­Making: Screenwriting.Lausanne:AVA Pub.

LAVANDIER, Y., 2020. Évaluer un scénario, Bruxelles, Les Impressions Nouvelles.

MANCELOS, J. de, 2019. Como escrever um guião para uma curta-metragem, Lisboa, Colibri, 2019.

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

MERCIER, C. 2017, La cinéfable entre drame et récit. Antimanuel de scénario, Paris, L'Harmattan.

PARENT­ALTIER, D. 2009, O Argumento Cinematográfico.Lisboa: Edições Texto&Grafia

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

TROTTIER, D., 2019, The Screenwriter s Bible's, Silman-James Press.