The research within the Aristotle in Change project focuses on screenwriting from the perspective of dramaturgical regularities and questions concerning the authorship of the writer. The studied subject is divided into three areas the first of which is screenwriting processes. Through qualitative research, we aim to identify working practices of screenwriting in the context of feature film and TV-series. We are seeking new models of screenwriting, especially in the serial form.

The second research area is variations in screenwriting dramaturgy, where screenwriting theories are examined as historically constructed and changing constructions. New variations are sought for application alongside the tradition of Aristotelian plot-centered drama. One proposed variation is the dramaturgy of poetic film as based on a semiotic analysis of the films of Andrei Tarkovsky. The question is raised should film finally develop its own dramaturgical paradigm based on the specificity of moving images.

The third research area is history and future of screenwriting. The focus here is on the ideological, political, social and production-related changes in the role of the screenwriter since the early days of Finnish film. We will identify future changes in the professional practice of screenwriting both in the context of changes in film production and the new applications introduced by the corporate world and digital media.

The project is headed by professor Eija Timonen and funded by the Academy of Finland for years 2009-2012. The project employs 4 active researchers at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, School of Motion Picture, Television and Production Design.

.