The Creative Process and Screenplay Development for an Original Post-apocalyptic Film

Presenter Information

Mary Commins

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

SURC 137A

Start Date

16-5-2013

End Date

16-5-2013

Abstract

Post-apocalyptic film is and has been a popular subgenre of science fiction in American film since early in the twentieth century. The intent of this presentation is to discuss the study of the subgenre leading to the process of creating a film screenplay. Divided into three parts, this includes: the study and analysis of post-apocalyptic films, steps in script development, and an overview of the final product. Study included screening historical examples, reviewing the film genre progression, analyzing by type of apocalypse and discussing the relationship between how people’s fears at the time in which the film was created influenced the source and nature of apocalypse featured. A film idea grows out of a deepened understanding of the genre and what motivates viewers’ fascination. Project steps were established, reviewed, and modified while working with the instructor on the process. The final product included: a script sample, an outline, and a “pitch” to the class. Envisioned in the steampunk aesthetic, my screenplay tells the story of a couple who accidently time travel into a future in which they find the Earth and all her inhabitants threatened by catastrophic solar flare activity which is burning off the planet’s atmosphere. They discover that the key scientist working to remedy this crisis is their 27th great-granddaughter, and must return to the past and have children (and thus insure that the woman who could save the earth is born). The pitch includes a slideshow covering the story, crisis, characters, and aesthetic.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Toni Culjak

Additional Mentoring Department

Film and Video Studies

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May 16th, 4:50 PM May 16th, 5:10 AM

The Creative Process and Screenplay Development for an Original Post-apocalyptic Film

SURC 137A

Post-apocalyptic film is and has been a popular subgenre of science fiction in American film since early in the twentieth century. The intent of this presentation is to discuss the study of the subgenre leading to the process of creating a film screenplay. Divided into three parts, this includes: the study and analysis of post-apocalyptic films, steps in script development, and an overview of the final product. Study included screening historical examples, reviewing the film genre progression, analyzing by type of apocalypse and discussing the relationship between how people’s fears at the time in which the film was created influenced the source and nature of apocalypse featured. A film idea grows out of a deepened understanding of the genre and what motivates viewers’ fascination. Project steps were established, reviewed, and modified while working with the instructor on the process. The final product included: a script sample, an outline, and a “pitch” to the class. Envisioned in the steampunk aesthetic, my screenplay tells the story of a couple who accidently time travel into a future in which they find the Earth and all her inhabitants threatened by catastrophic solar flare activity which is burning off the planet’s atmosphere. They discover that the key scientist working to remedy this crisis is their 27th great-granddaughter, and must return to the past and have children (and thus insure that the woman who could save the earth is born). The pitch includes a slideshow covering the story, crisis, characters, and aesthetic.