Writing Non-Fiction introduces Film and Broadcasting students to the requirements and responsibilities of telling true stories through writing across media formats. As film making and broadcasting often involves journalistic rigueur, it is imperative that learners gain an understanding of the unique requirements of a journalistic approach to narrative. This is especially true as this practice is exercised within a context that is constrained by defamation law and subject to a unique set of ethical considerations. The module, therefore, introduces a basic and working understanding of journalistic practices as they are used in telling true stories in film and broadcasting. How does one utilise sources? What are the journalistic conventions of handling sources? What role does substantiation and verification play? How closely must ‘the facts’ be followed? How does ‘off the record’ work and when it is acceptable to use? What are the ground rules and conventions in interviewing subjects? What are the unique features of journalistic writing across various media? What does ‘truth telling’ mean in the context of journalistic practice? What role do ‘news values’ play in broadcasting and documentary making? How doers one set about researching and gathering information in the process of composing a true story?
This module was introduced to Film and Broadcasting students to ensure that they were well grounded in these vital areas of media practice in telling true stories. To understand the different responsibilities in telling fictional and factual stories is of the utmost importance.
Indentifying the differing responsibilities of telling factual and fictional stories; using sources in researching stories for film or broadcasting; interviewing real people; what are ‘news values’ and how do they work?; what can you publish/ broadcast, and what can you not? What do media workers need to know about defamation law (or, ‘how not to get sued’); where do true stories come from? In a converged media environment, how are factual narratives written up for dissemination? How to verify a story is true; what is ‘house style’ in broadcasting? What kinds of stories do commissioning editors look for? What do broadcasting students need to know about fairness, balance and impartiality, and the codes of conduct in which these ideals are expressed? What are some of the advanced questions around using sources that might come up in the course of reporting / broadcasting practice?
The module will be delivered through lectures; group discussions and tutorials among smaller groups.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |