Course Title: Write scripts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: PERF5091C

Course Title: Write scripts

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

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

Teacher: Barbara Gliddon

T:99254072

E:barbara.gliddon@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

None

Course Description

Write Scripts looks at the skills and knowledge required to write scripts for a creative production. During this course you work collaboratively with others to develop a concept into a draft script.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAWRT601 Write scripts

Element:

1. Prepare to write scripts

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions

1.2 Identify audience and purpose, and requirements for genre, structure and format

1.3 Evaluate script concepts and ideas, narrative and structural framework in relation to stipulated source material, as required

1.4 Review, discuss and obtain feedback about narratives from relevant personnel, as required

1.5 Establish criteria to evaluate scripts in the form they will be produced

Element:

2. Write draft scripts

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques

2.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time

2.3 Collaborate with relevant personnel to refine and redraft script to meet creative, technical and artistic requirements

2.4 Confirm factual accuracy based on original research and agreed existing narrative as required

2.5 Confirm material complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication

2.6 Check final draft of script meets production and performance requirement

Element:

3. Produce final scripts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present draft script to production team for discussion

3.2 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel

3.3 Evaluate draft scripts against established criteria

3.4 Make final adjustments to scripts and submit to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to write a short screenplay, understand copyright for this screenplay, apply effective interpersonal communication techniques, work to deadline and work in collaboration with others including a professional attitude to feedback and its possible incorporation.


Details of Learning Activities

Students will participate in observation, listening, workshopping and writing exercises plus discussions viewing and analysing material including giving feedback to fellow student's work.

In class learning exercises include but are not limited to:

  • Observation
  • Listening and writing exercises 
  • Screenings
  • Group discussions
  • Student directed learning working independently
  • Analysing screenplays
  • Assessing screenplays
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Out of class activities include but are not restricted to:
  • Research
  • Reading
  • Viewing films
  • Meeting with fellow students
  • Independent project based work


Teaching Schedule

 

Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

 

 Week

 Class Content

 Assessment Due

CUAWRT601A

CUAWRT602A

 1

 Introduction to course. Critical language in examining screenplays. Reflection on previous production including strengths and weaknesses, including mise-en-scene and dramatic intent.

 

CUAWRT601A

1

CUAWRT602A

1,

 2

 The Audience: Audience expectations, the purpose of various screenwriting narrative forms. Brainstorming ideas.Evaluating script concepts and ideas as written work and a visual plan.

Discussion/evaluation of the role of visualisation including mis-e-scene, and dramatic intent: why this location, this time of day, this costume, these colours? Blocking, rule of thirds, lighting etc. Thoughts on visualising the screenplay

Assessment task one: Prepare to Write Scripts and Edit Scripts Presentations begin; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions.

CUAWRT601A

1

CUAWRT602A

1, 2

 3

 Incorporating feedback. Delivering feedback (professional language.) Working in tandem - the writer and the editor and or assessor. Documenting responses.
Listening skills. Discerning levels of response both as writer and assessor editor.

Discussing possible changes through various drafts of the screenplay.

 

Assessment task one: Prepare to write Scripts and Edit Scripts begin.  Ungraded 

Prepare to write scripts. Presentation; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions. Ungraded.

CUAWRT601A

1

CUAWRT602A

1, 2

 4

  Generating ideas. Writing stories, reviewing and discussions of story content, stories for short films. Storylines written in class and receive feedback. The individual benefits of shotlisting, storyboarding and marking up a script.

 Assessment task one: Prepare to Write Scripts and Edit Scripts Presentations continue; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions.

CUAWRT602A

1

CUADRT602A

1

 5

 Reading screenplays. Establishing the criteria to provide an effective measure of the success of screenplays with regard to pace, tone, beginning and ends of scenes and story beats and internal and external structure.

Critical language, the content of screenplay assessments and the protocols around their writing and delivery and communications with referwnce to narrative and all aspects of visual story telling

 Assessment task one: Prepare to Write Scripts and Edit Scripts Presentations continue; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions. (If needed.)

Assessment task three: Write a screenplay of seven to twelve minutes screen time duration.

This assessment task continues through to week fourteen

CUAWRT601A

1

CUAWRT602A

1

 6

 The facts in screenwriting: researching factual information is accurate. Research for screenwriters. Shaping information as narrative..

 

CUAWRT602A

1,2

 7

 Location or studio? Considering various approaches to camera coverage for identifying and maximising the screenplay’s content.

Identification of key dramatic elements within each scene and between scenes to realise the transformation of writing to visual narration. Examples on screen and in writing exercise. Discerning text and sub text.in dialogue and visuals.

 

Assessment task two:Prepare to Write Scripts and Assess Scripts for Editing.

(Part one) Exchange of draft screenplay with a fellow student for review and feedback.

This assessment task continues through to week fourteen

CUAWRT601A

2

CUAWRT602A

2

 8

Student Directed Learning.

No face to face group class.

Students write independently and may consult with editor or teacher as arranged.

 Assessment tasks two and three.

CUAWRT601A

2

CUAWRT602A

2

 9

 Students write independently and may consult with editor or teacher as arranged.

 Assessment tasks two and three.

CUAWRT601A

2

CUAWRT602A

2, 3

 10

 The short film and the budget.

Critical language, the content of screenplay assessments and the protocols around their writing and delivery and communications with reference to narrative and all aspects of visual story telling. 

 Assessment tasks two and three.

 

.

CUAWRT601A

2

CUAWRT602A

3

 11

 

Incorporating feedback. Delivering feedback (professional language.) Working in tandem - the writer and the editor and or assessor. Documenting responses.
Listening skills. Discerning levels of response both as writer and assessor editor.

Discussing possible changes through various drafts of the screenplay.

 Assessment task two:Prepare to Write Scripts and Assess Scripts for Editing.

(Part two.) Ungraded. Receiving and delivering feedback on draft screenplays

Meeting times as allocated and negotiated.

This assessment task continues through to week fourteen

CUFWRT601A

2

CUAWRT601A

2

 12

Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays and receive feedback from teacher and student with whom screenplays have been exchanged. The feedback will address questions of narrative including all aspects of visual storytelling.

 Assessment tasks two and three.

CUAWRT601A

2, 3

CUART602A

3

 13

 Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays and receive feedback from teacher and student with whom screenplays have been exchanged. The feedback will address questions of narrative including all aspects of visual storytelling.

Assessment tasks two and three.

CUAWRT601A

2, 3

CUAWRT602A

3

 14

 Location or studio? Considering various approaches to camera coverage for identifying and maximising the screenplay’s content.

 Final week forAssessment task two:Prepare to Write Scripts and Assess Scripts for Editing.

(Part two.) Ungraded. Receiving and delivering feedback on draft screenplays

Meeting times as allocated and negotiated.

CUAWRT601A

2

CUAWRT602A

 15

 

.
Make final adjustments to screenplay and submit to relevant personnel. Writing the final draft incorporating feedback. Students work individually (or with student who is giving feedback on their screenplay) on final draft.

Completion of Assessment task four. Draft script. Graded.

CUAWRT601A

3

CUAWRT602A

3

 16

 

Review processes. Make final adjustments to screenplay.

 Assessment task four due.  Draft script. Graded.

CUAWRT601A

3

CUAWRT602A

3

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Notes as supplied by the teacher

DVDs as supplied by the teacher

Making A Good Script Great  by Linda Seger

Various screenplays

 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and involves practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and written projects.


Assessment Tasks

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment. To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.

Ungraded

Assessment task one. Due weeks 2 to 5

You are to write and deliver a three to five minute presentation reflecting on the scrip to screen process of you Diploma major assignment.

 

Assessment task two: Due weeks 6 to 14

You are to develop provide notes towards the next draft of a fellow student’s  screenplay and meet with the writer and teacher and communicate feedback

 

Assessment task three: Due week 15

You are to write a seven to twelve minute screenplay.

 

Graded

Assessment task four: Due weeks 15 and 16

You are to deliver a final draft of your seven to twelve minute screenplay.

 

Results that apply to Graded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

 

CHD Competent with High Distinction

CDI Competent with Distinction

CC Competent with Credit

CAG Competency Achieved - Graded

NYC Not Yet Competent

DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

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

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

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/policies/assessment-policy

Student 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 (eg. applying for an extension of time):

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