Reading List

SCREEN ACADEMY SCOTLAND PG Certificate in Screenwriting 2009 Reading List This is a list of suggested readings only. It’s not essential to buy all of these. You may find them second-hand and copies are available in the Napier library. A working knowledge of the basic theories and language used by Aristotle, McKee, Vogler and Parker are an essential grounding for any screenwriter. 1. Aristotle (360 BC), The Poetics 2. Egri, Lajos; (1960) The Art of Dramatic Writing (Simon and Schuster) 3. Seger, Linda; (1990) Creating Unforgettable Characters (Henry Holt) 4. Howard, David and Edward Mabley; (1993). The Tools of Screenwriting: A Writer's Guide to the Craft and Elements of a Screenplay (St. Martin's Griffin) 5. McKee, Robert; (1997) Story (Methuen) 6. Vogler, Christopher (1998), The Writer’s Journey (Michael Wiese Productions) 7. Parker, Phil; (1999) The Art and Science of Screenwriting (Intellect) More books and reading will be suggested in the course of the year. You should also explore these websites: www.dailyscript.com www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom

PG Certificate in Screenwriting 2009 Preliminary Activities We have a lot to cover and it would be good to hit the ground running. It would be good if you could manage the following before the course starts. Reading Could you please buy and read: Frensham, Ray. Teach Yourself Screenwriting. (Hodder Headline) This is an excellent, no-nonsense, practical guide to screenwriting and we will refer to it throughout the course. Websites Please use the dailyscript and writersroom websites to find, download and read the following scripts: Little Miss Sunshine – screenwriter Michael Arndt Doctor Who ‘Smith and Jones’ – screenwriter Russell T Davies Screenwriting Software During the course, you will be asked to submit written work for assessment as PDF files. Screenwriters often use specialised software packages such as Final Draft. We have a deal with the Screenwriters Store and you can buy the latest version for £90 (inc VAT) by following this link: http://www.thescreenwritersstore.net/product_info.php/c Path/85/products_id/239

Alternatively, Microsoft Word is fine if you set up the margins properly for screenplay format (Frensham has the details). The BBC has a free writing programme Script Smart which is available from the writersroom website. Email newsletter Scottish Screen is the national public funding body for film and produces a regular electronic newsletter to which you should subscribe to keep up to date with local events and opportunities. Find the link on the Scottish Screen website or email: [email protected] You should keep a regular eye on Channel Four’s 4Talent site: http://c4talent.illumina.co.uk Happy research and reading!!

James Mavor Programme Leader, MA and PG Certificate in Screenwriting Screen Academy Scotland February 2009