The Bridge Between and Swell: Writing Difference in Feature-Film Scriptwriting for National Production and International Co-Production: Exegesis: Experiences of Time, Body and Memory for Two scripts

Abstract

This thesis explores issues of writing, difference, time, the body and memory through an exegesis and two feature-film scripts: "The Bridge Between", a Chinese single-nation production, and "Swell", an Australian-Chinese international co-production. Through the inclusion of sections of autobiographical narrative interwoven with moments of reflection, analysis and speculation, the exegesis argues for an approach to the creative process of scriptwriting as a combination of theory, engagement with other art practices, and, perhaps most importantly, the life experiences of the writer. Co-production film-making has becoming an increasingly important driver of international feature-film production in recent years. International co-productions may be defined as production arrangements containing a sigificant presence of production elements from two or more national origins. These elements can include a mix of the finacial, technical and creative. Two major categories of international co-productions can be identified: private studio-to-studio single purpose contracts must be distinguished from co-production arrangements of the government-to-government kind. Government-to-government co-production arrangements give producers the option to apply to publicly accountable funding bodies of governments in two or more nations.