Course Title: Establish the creative vision for screen productions
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2016
Course Code: VART5924C
Course Title: Establish the creative vision for screen productions
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6125 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Program administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Cameron Clarke (Story to Screen)
Tel: 9925 4895
Email: Cameron.clarke@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Pre-requisites – none
Course Description
Establish the creative vision for screen productions (VART5924C) covers the skills and knowledge you need to produce effective written scripts, and to transform written scripts into screen productions through the use of sound and visual images.
This competency is delivered in two different contexts: Feature Film, and Story To Screen.
In Feature Film, you build upon and complete the work on your feature project begun in the first semester in the competency COMM 7326 Script Edit a feature film.
In Story To Screen, through working on a practical project you learn what is involved in the different aspects of creating a screen production.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFDRT601A Establish the creative vision for screen productions |
Element: |
1. Review and interpret scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Read available drafts of scripts and arrange meetings with appropriate creative personnel to discuss potential interpretations of the vision. 1.2. Assess the intended creative aims of scripts, define proposed objectives and explore how they may be realised visually or through the use of sound. 1.3. Generate and consider a range of ideas for visualising scripts until a clear narrative emerges. 1.4. Identify research and reference materials to inform creative directions and to assist in providing the context for productions. 1.5. Review script drafts in collaboration with writers, agree on the need for any rewrites and organise timetables for completions. 1.6. Prepare clear development notes for script writers to produce script re-drafts as required. 1.7. Document perceived visual and dramatic elements in scripts as the basis for shot plans. |
Element: |
2. Prepare shot plans to realise visual narrative. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. 1.1 Mark up working script into its component scenes and identify key dramatic elements and technical parameters within each scenic unit. 2.2. Plot key dramatic elements within each scene and between scenes to realise the transformation of the written narrative into its visual representation. 2.3. Consider the whole of the narrative and scenes to determine the location of characters and other elements for each individual shot. 2.4. Assess the photographic qualities of proposed shots and how they may impact on interpreting the story overall and within each scene. 2.5. Ensure overall shot plans allow both narrative and visual aspects to be controlled and carried forward to meet overall production requirements. 2.6. Discuss shot plans with relevant production personnel prior to development of any storyboards. |
Element: |
3. Review and communicate proposed shot plan. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Identify and document areas of productions that may be affected by script versions and discuss changes with colleagues. 3.2. Arrange sign-off for final script with producers if applicable and ensure it is distributed to relevant creative personnel. 3.3. Maintain an ongoing review of script and shot plans and organise for any further rewrites while production is underway. 3.4. Provide relevant production personnel with appropriate documentation, including latest version of script or script updates as applicable. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to transform written scripts into screen productions through the use of sound and visual images.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- industry speakers
- peer teaching and class presentations
- site visits
- group discussion
2. Out-of-class activities
- independent and group project based work
- online and other research
- discussion and comment via blackboard
- independent study
In this course, you will be working in self-managed teams to establish the creative vision of the scriptwriter, through the completion of a practical project. This will involve working outside class hours on planning, filming and editing the nominated film script. You will spend a minimum of 18 hours outside class time working on this team-based project with the support of your teacher.
Please Note: In 2016, this unit will only be delivered as Story to Screen. It will not be contextualised as a second semester, feature film unit.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Content |
Assessment due |
1 |
Explanation of course content and assessment requirements Discussion of goals Experience inventory Overview – previous class films Write a script for an in-camera-edit exercise |
|
2 |
Shoot in-camera-edit exercise Initial Short Film script discussions
|
|
3 |
Screen in-camera-edit exercise. The short film – briefing Possible production roles Script discussions (cont’d) |
|
4 |
Discussion of storyboards and their purpose Storyboarding a short script |
|
5 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
7 |
Forum Guests/Excursion Script development Storyboard presentations |
Assessment Task #2 |
8 |
Forum Guests/Excursion Script development (cont’d) |
|
9 |
Forum Guests/Excursion Pre-production Week #1 |
Assessment Task #1: All forums/excursions due to have been completed by this date. |
10 |
Studio - refresh camera and crew production skills prior to shoot Pre-production Week #2 |
|
11 |
Film Shoot: Studio/location (attendance may also be required on Friday of this week for equipment pickup) |
|
|
Mid semester break - 19 to 30 September |
|
12 |
Second unit/Film Editing |
|
13 |
Film Editing |
|
14 |
Film Editing |
|
15 |
Film Editing |
Assessment #3: Screening of short film Assessment #4: Production reports due |
16 |
Semester review |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You will require access to a computer and to the Internet.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is on going throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in practical projects, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to Blackboard for assessment criteria). Once you have demonstrated competency, your final two assessment tasks will be graded (refer to Blackboard for grading rubric).
Assessment #1: Class forum/excursion (Due date: as scheduled, but by Week 9, 30 August)
In groups, organise and present a one-hour class visit, workshop, excursion or demonstration with an industry professional in a key production role.
This may include:
- Researching production role and guest
- Developing brief for the class including aims and format of the visit
- Selecting and presenting material for workshopping, case study or use as examples
- Managing the presentation of the event, including class participation, so as to illuminate the relationship of each professional role with the writer and the script throughout the production process
Assessment #2: Storyboard (Due date: by Week 7, 16 August)
Create a storyboard for a short film, and present it to other team members in a way that effectively conveys your vision for the project.
Assessment #3: Production of a short film (graded) (as negotiated, by Week 15, 25 October)
You will collaborate effectively with all other members of the creative team in the creation and realisation of a script into the production and completion of a short film. The short film will be a dramatic narrative with a running time of between 5 and 7 minutes. You will have a chance to undertake multiple roles in the production. All roles are vital to the project’s outcome.
You will be assessed on your ongoing contribution to the successful making of the short film and by teacher observation.
Assessment #4: Production report (graded) (Due Week 15, 25 October)
At the screening of the produced collaborative project, you will report to class on your role in the process and outcomes of the group production. You will also supply a written report addressing these points of 600-750 words.
The written report must be emailed to your teacher as an attachment in either Word or RTF. A signed copy of the cover sheet must also be attached. In the program blackboard site you will find a copy of the cover sheet along with instructions on how to set up and use a digital signature. Your teacher may also request a hard copy of the report.
The grades used in this course are as follows:
CHD Competency with high distinction
CDI Competency with distinction
CC Competency with credit
CAG Competent graded
NYC Not yet complete
DNS Did not submit
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. This is available through the course contact in Program Administration
Other Information
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
Submission of work
You must submit your work electronically to your teacher. Your assessment briefs will specify whether this be by email, Google docs or Blackboard.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This should be submitted electronically with your assessment items. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=x3ddsmsrwa1hz
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Assessment Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1
Academic Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
Adjustments to Assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview