Time Schedule:
Anthony B. Chan
SISCA 490
Seattle Campus
Content varies.
Class description
CANADIAN STORYTELLING AND MEDIA WRITING: This course examines the intellectual roots and traditions of Canadian storytelling and media writing. From the history and development of the non-fiction film documentary traditions, especially centered in the National Film board, the current affairs division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CTV and in independent producers of film and video documentaries to the evolution of Canadian television drama, students will learn the unique style that governs Canadian scriptwriting and screenwriting. From that foundation, students will then be able to write a screenplay for a feature film from a Canadian storytelling perspective. (Tony Chan has worked as a television reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and a producer, journalist and anchor for Television Broadcasts Ltd, Hong Kong.)
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Weekly Readings and Themes: 1)Intellectual Roots of Canadian Storytelling, 2)The Television Script: Generating story ideas, 3)Story Development: concept, focus and treatment, 4)Fundamentals of interviewing and data collection, 5)Integrating actualities and visuals: The opener and closer, 6) The screenplay: Story ideas and development, 7) The treatment, 8) Fundamentals of actors and scenes, 9) Integrating sound and pictures: Linear versus non-linear 10) Efficacy of non-fiction versus fiction writing
Requirements: one examination and writing projects and fictional screenplay
