Script Writing for Documentary and Production Planning

Paper Code: 
MCV 231
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to -

  • Acquaint themselves with the various stages of television production.
  • Understand the process of visual thinking and development of various stages of scripting.
  • Develop skills for television writing and documentary production.

 

Learning Outcome:

Students will be able to:

1. Apply effective and collaborative team communication and management skills to complete the video process from pre-production script development through the production capture of quality video image and audio.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the three phase production processes by creating scripts, formats, storyboards, timelines, schedules and if possible budgets.

3. Understand the role of different crew members like script writer, stage designer, editor and production team.

 

Three Phases of Production. Pre Production- Tasks to be done. Writing for Documentary- Researching for the Documentary

Research: Library, Archives, location, life stories, ethnography.

 

Writing a concept- The Recce, Telling a story, Treatment, Writing a proposal and budgeting.

Visual thinking & Elements of script – beginning, middle and end organizing and presenting materials – points of views, credibility and accuracy, Role of a creative writer.

 

Television script, Difference between, story and script,  Narrative styles, Writing Voice Over/ narration.

Production Phase- Tasks to be done. Planning and Managing crew. 

Planning--, Set designing, Costume, Property, Shooting Schedule--Writing a shooting script, Shot Breakdown.

 

Rehearsals & Shooting Arrangements. Television Studio set-up/structure. Call list, Production Team, Meetings, Checklist; Crowd Management.

Writing for TV news, Current affairs. Documentary.

 

Essential Readings: 
  1. Desai M. (2009).Television and Cultural Crisis: An Analysis of Transnational Television in India. New Delhi. Concept Publishing Company.
  2. Gandhi, V. (2009). Handbook of Television and Radio Broadcasting. New Delhi. Kanishka Publishers.
  3. Gerald, K. (2004). Writing for Television. Chandigarh. Unistar Books Pvt. Ltd.
  4. Harris, Christopher R. and Lester, Paul M. (2001). Visual Journalism: A Guide for New Media Professionals. New Delhi. Pearson.
  5. Laurence M. (1974). The Right Way to Use a Camera Calcutta. Rupa Co.

 

References: 
  1. Rober, M. (2000). An Introduction to Writing for Electronic Media: Script Writing essentials across the Genres. Oxford. Focal Press.
  2. Underwood, R. (2017). Roll!: Shooting TV News: Views from Behind the Lens. New York. Focal Press.

 

Academic Year: 
2021-2022
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