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Visual Communication

Filmmaking: Screenwriting and Pre-Production (Online)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

Well before calling “lights, camera, action!”, films start as an idea in the writer’s head. This short course will focus on the essential elements of screenwriting and the pre-production process of making a short film, including shot lists, storyboards, and call sheets.

Course will be delivered via Blackboard Collaborate and Learn.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Special Information

Pencil / pen and notedpad.

Content of Course

1. Idea generation and story planning.

The first class will introduce students to idea generation and film genre. We will examine various existing films and analyse the components that make them engaging. The class will end in a rapid-fire idea generation exercise.

2. Script format, research, and development.

Class 2 will commence with examples of existing screenplays which the class will examine before turning to proper script formatting, assisted by the students using free Celtx screenwriting software. They will start with an in-class writing exercise and then be asked to work on their screenplays independently before the next class.

3. Shot planning by use of shot lists and storyboards.

The final class focuses on translating a script to useable production documents, and will include exercises in making shot lists and storyboards. We will finish by looking at call sheets and important things to remember when bringing your screenplay to an on-set context.

Teaching method(s)

Teaching will be held online. There will be 3 x 2-hour classes in total.

Ideally you should have;

• An up-to-date web browser (Google Chrome recommended) 

• Microphone (ideally headset) and Webcam 

• Strong Internet connection

Teaching will be fully online and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this taster course, students should be able to:

  • Apply critical thinking to their own film ideas and compare to existing genres and story archetypes.

  • Structure and format a screenplay to an industry standard.

  • Translate their screenplay to usable pre-production materials such as a shot list, storyboard, and call sheet.

Sources

Web Sources

www.celtx.com

 

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.