Script Analysis 1

Subject guarantor:

Pavel JECH

Name of lecturer(s):

Pavel JECH

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

Through the intensive analysis of films, the following principles are examined and explained: three act story structure, plot points, turning points, the function of exposition, the catalyst, rising action, crisis, climax, culmination, resolution, main tension, theme, as well as scenes and sequences, sub-plots, double-plots, multi-plots, and internal scene structure. Analysis will also cover the role of the protagonist, the creation of empathy, the journey of protagonist (spine), active and passive characters, supporting characters, „string characters“, character arcs and character motivation, the role of the antagonist, as well as the use of conflict and obstacles, and a comparison of objective vs. subjective conflict, and action vs. activity.

The concepts of mystery, suspense, surprise, dramatic irony, twists, revelations and reversals are defined as are the dramatic strategies of planting and pay-off, gags, marbling, foxing the audience, and devices such as the obligatory scene, scenes of revelation, scenes of preparation and aftermath, and the advertising of future events.

The course will also explore interpretations of film as a temporal-spatial art by examining pacing, rhythm, accelerating action, and the handling of time and space, montage, transitions, sound, and music. Dialogue, the dramatic use of props and costumes, staging and the creation of atmosphere as employed in the screenplay are also covered. Students will be expected to recognize these dramatic and narrative elements and to present a cogent analysis of a film selected for a mid-term exam and for a final paper.

Mode of study:

Lecture

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

None

Recommended optional programme components:

Course contents:

The purpose of this course is to study films from a dramaturgical perspective, to demonstrate diverse narrative techniques, dramatic structures and genre forms, and to closely examine the craft of screenwriting. Each film is screened twice: first, in its entirety with an introductory lecture about the film and its creators; the second time, in sequences and scenes accompanied by detailed analysis.

Recommended or required reading:

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

None

Assessment methods and criteria:

40% - mid-term examination

60% - take-home final

Course web page:

Note:

pavel.jech@famu.cz

Detailed syllabus available upon request in FAMU International office.

MID-TERM EXAM (in class) scheduled for October 25, 2012.

Take-home final exam due on December 20.

A SELECTION OF MOST REQUIRED READINGS WILL BE PROVIDED IN A READER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE FAMU INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Further information:

This course is an elective for all students of this school

Schedule for winter semester 2012/2013:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue
Fri
Thu	místnost 107 Učebna 1 (Lažanský palác) JECH P. 14:00–15:35 (přednášková par. 1)
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Thu	14:00–15:35	JECH P.	Učebna 1 Lažanský palác		přednášková par. 1

Schedule for summer semester 2012/2013:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue
Fri
Thu	místnost 107 Učebna 1 (Lažanský palác) JECH P. 14:00–15:35 (přednášková par. 1)
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Thu	14:00–15:35	JECH P.	Učebna 1 Lažanský palác		přednášková par. 1

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Animovaná tvorba - bakalář (optional subject)
• Dokumentární tvorba - magistr (optional subject)
• Dokumentární tvorba - bakalář (optional subject)
• Animovaná tvorba - magistr (optional subject)
• Scenáristika a dramaturgie - bakalář (optional subject)
• Scenáristika a dramaturgie - magistr (optional subject)
• Režie - bakalář (optional subject)
• Režie - magistr (optional subject)
• Kamera - bakalář (optional subject)
• Kamera - magistr (optional subject)
• Produkce - bakalář (optional subject)
• Produkce - magistr (optional subject)
• Audiovizuální studia - bakalář (optional subject)
• Střihová skladba - bakalář (qualification subject, optional subject)
• Střihová skladba - magistr (optional subject)
• Zvuková tvorba - bakalář (optional subject)
• Zvuková tvorba - magistr (optional subject)
• Fotografie CZ - bakalář (optional subject)
• Fotografie CZ - magistr (optional subject)
• Fotografie EN - bakalář (optional subject)
• Fotografie EN - magistr (optional subject)
• Audiovizuální studia - magistr (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Cinematography (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Screenwriting (qualification subject, optional subject)
• Erasmus (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Directing (qualification subject, optional subject)
• Fotografie CZ: Restaurování fotografie (optional subject)
• Cinematography (optional subject)