Course Title: Produce Writings - Screenwriting
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2009
Course Code: COMM5404
Course Title: Produce Writings - Screenwriting
School: 345T Creative Media
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4171 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Brendan Lee
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368
Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Roz Williams (teacher)
Room 6, level 2, bld 94
telephone: 61 3 9925 4974
email: roz.williams@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 105
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
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to complete a writing task and introduces students to the craft of Screenwriting. It explores the various components of film and television writing.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP552 Produce Writings - Screenwriting |
Element: |
Analyse the purpose of the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The purpose of the work is confirmed with relevant parties. |
Element: |
Create the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Components of the information required and the form in which the writing will be developed, constructed and presented is resolved. |
Element: |
Investigate the scope of the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The level and scope of the writing task is analysed to determine the length and style of the work. |
Element: |
Plan the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work. |
Element: |
Realise the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 The writing task is appropriate for the media, the context of the brief and the style of the subject matter. |
Learning Outcomes
Not applicable
Details of Learning Activities
You will learn through classroom-based lectures, workshopping and group exercises. You are also expected to do your own research and writing off-campus.
Teaching Schedule
Week | Content |
Competencies covered |
1 | Orientation and introduction |
-CUSRAD01A -Collecting, organising & analysing information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information |
2 | Differences between screenwriting and other forms of writing Visual medium Sparse use of dialogue Getting ideas. Understand differences between writing for visual media and other forms of writing How to recognise ideas which can be used to tell a visual story |
CUSRAD01A -Collecting, organising & analysing information CUVCOR11A -Develop concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing task |
3 | The basic/main story Plot and subplot – differences in film and tv Synopses – story and marketing Be able to construct the story spine of a screen story Recognise the difference between plot and subplots – differences in film and tv Know how to write the different types of synopses |
CUSRAD01A -Collect relevant information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information CUVCOR03A -Develop concept VP552 -Investigate the scope of the writing task |
4 | The classic (or 3-act) narrative structure Leaning how to create a screen story using the 3-act structure |
CUSRAD01A -Organise information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept VP552 -Plan the writing task |
5 | WORKSHOP Workshop draft synopses |
VP552 -Create the writing task CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept CUVCOR11A -Working with others and in teams CUSRAD01A -Communicate information |
6 | SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Exposition Narrative techniques of foreshadowing and planting Understand how to convey backstory and on-screen information to an audience How to create dramatic tension through foreshadowing Setting up and paying off of plot and characterisation elements |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information CUVCOR11A -Collect relevant information CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept VP552 -Create the writing task |
7 | Characters – creating screen characters, working out motivation, character arcs The treatment (aka story outline) Creating effective screen characters Elements required in writing the treatment |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
8 | One-on-one tutorials with teacher Feedback on marked synopses |
-Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Realise the writing task |
9 | Character functions – exploring the 5 different groups Creating character biographies and character notes – the differences Eliminating characters who have no function in screen story, thereby creating stronger dramatic pacing Difference between character information required in film and tv |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
10 | Character biogs of 2 main characters, 250-300 words each Workshopping and feedback from teacher and students | CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
11 | SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Guest speaker |
CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing |
12 | Revise work on treatments Class workshopping on progress Preliminary work on students’ own projects |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
13 | Basic genre Point of view Themes Treatments – more work if needed Understand the basic principles of genre – an overview How to use point of view in screen stories Use of themes to create stronger stories – differences between film and tv |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
14 | WORKSHOP Workshop treatments – in groups Feedback from teacher and students |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
15 | WORKSHOP Workshop treatments – class as a whole Feedback from teacher & students |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
16 | SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Scenes - students’ choices LAST CLASS OF TEACHING FOR 1ST SEMESTER |
CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing |
Semester 2
Week | Content | Competencies Covered |
1 | Introduction to screen dialogue Group exercises – construct characters from photos and create/workshop dialogue Creating individual voices/dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
2 | More on dialogue Class exercise – saunter up Lygon Street and eavesdrop Group exercise: write screen dialogue from real dialogue Learning how to condense screen dialogue from real dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
3 | Subtext Group exercise: write scene/s with and without subtext Use of non-sync. dialogue: voice-over narration, post synching How to use subtext for effect Learn about non-sync. dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
4 | Screen language |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task |
5 | Writing stage directions Group exercise: reducing and re-writing stage directions. Writing dialogue Differences between film and tv dialogue. Group exercise: reducing dialogue to create cinematic dialogue Learning how to write stage directions and screen dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task |
6 | Creating scenes – scene breakdown Scene structure and pacing Class exercise: students create scene breakdown of first 2 pages of their treatments Understand difference between a shot (or setup), a scene, a scene sequences Starting the script process from treatment stage. |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task |
7 | Writing scenes |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task |
8 | WORKSHOP First 10 pages of script to teacher for copying for workshopping. TV scripts – writing to commercial breaks Difference between tv and film scripts/commercial breaks/layout |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
9 | Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
10 | Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
11 | Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
12 | Scene functions Learn how to multi-layer scenes and to eliminate useless scenes |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task |
13 | Scene functions Learn how to multi-layer scenes and to eliminate useless scenes |
CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task |
14 | WORKSHOP |
CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task |
15 | SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Guest speaker |
CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing |
16 | Scenes - students’ choices LAST CLASS OF TEACHING FOR 1ST SEMESTER |
CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Students will be expected to make full use of the Carlton Street library in accessing scripts, and will also be expected to view films and tv programs in their own time. |
References
See information above |
Other Resources
- Internet access through RMIT Library
- Final Draft program on several computers in RMIT Carlton Library and Main Library
- Publications and dvds/videos through RMIT Library, community libraries, video libraries and other sources
- Handouts provided by teacher in class or on Blackboard
Overview of Assessment
Assessment includes a story synopsis, character biographies, a treatment and part of a script.
Assessment Tasks
Story synopsis
Write 1-page story synopsis incorporating 3-act structure for drama of 20 mins or longer. Work must be in single-line spacing. Assessment includes workshopping.
Due date: Workshop – March; Task – March
Percentage weighting: 10%
Character biographies
Write character biographies, 250 words each, of 2 major characters from above synopsis story. Assessment includes workshopping.
Due date: Workshop – May; Task – May
Percentage weighting: 5%
Treatment/story outline
Write a treatment/story outline from above story synopsis. Length: up to 10 pages double-line or 1.5 line spacing. Assessment includes workshopping.
Due date: Workshop – May; Task – June
Percentage wighting: 25%
First draft screenplay
Write the first 10 pages of a screenplay from your treatment, set out in industry-accepted format, for class workshopping.
Due date: August
Percentage weighting: 20%
Revised draft screenplay
Write the first 20 pages of your screenplay. This includes the revised first 10 pages plus next 10 pages. Assessment includes workshopping.
Due date: Workshop – October; Task – October
Percentage weighting: 25%
Film review
Present a review to the class of a film currently in release or re-release at cinema. Students should prepare a minimum 250 words to be read out in class and handed to teacher for marking.
Due date: Semester 1, at a time negotiated with your teacher
Percentage weighting: 5%
TV review
Present a review of a tv program either on tv or on dvd/vcr. The presentation comprises showing the first 10 minutes of the program followed by a 5–10 minutes review by the student.
Due date: Semester 2, at a time negotiated with your teacher
Percentage weighting: 5%
Script reading and class exercises
Due date: Throughout the year
Percentage weighting: 5%
Submission of work for assessment
You must keep a copy of your assessment.
All assessment submissions require a completed School Cover Sheet. You can obtain this form from your course teacher or from the course site in the Distributed Learning System (DLS).
Late submission
If you are unable to complete your assessment project, assignment or essay by the due date, you can apply for an extension. If you are seeking an extension of up to 7 calendar days, please apply to your teacher who will let you know whether your request has been granted. Application for Extension forms are available from the Distributed Learning System (DLS) or from the Creative Media Office. The application must be submitted by email or in person, before the official due date together with supporting evidence such as a medical certificate.
If you are seeking an extension of longer than 7 calendar days, or if you are seeking an extension for a test or lab-based assessment, you will need to apply to the University for Special Consideration.
If you submit late work without an approved extension, 5% of the total marks for that piece of assessment will be deducted each week (or part of a week) it is late.
Assessment Matrix
Units of competency | Learning Activities | Assessment | Due Date | Grading |
CUSRAD01A Collect and organise information* |
Read scripts & view films & tv programs (off campus). Present findings to class (on campus) |
Presentation/discussion in class | Throughout year | 5% |
CUVCOR11A Source information on history and theory and apply to own area of work* |
Research background of and review film & tv programs. Present to class |
Film review: Class presentation (minimum 300 words) of film currently in release or re-release at cinema |
Throughout 1st semester | 5% |
CUVCOR11A Source information on history and theory and apply to own area of work* |
Research background of and review film & tv programs. Present to class |
TV review: Class presentation of tv program (including screening selected scenes) 15 mins |
Throughout 2nd semester | 5% |
CUVCOR03A Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work |
Develop concept for own work and workshop in class | Set out script material (below) in industry-accepted format and present in workshop group/class | Throughout year | Grade incorporated in VBP552 |
VBP552 Produce writings |
Write story synopsis incorporating 3-act structure for screen story of 20 mins duration (or longer) | 1-page story synopsis (single-line spacing), including workshopping | March (workshop) March (to teacher) |
10% |
VBP552 Produce writings |
Creating screen characters | 2 character biographies of 250 words each (minimum) from synopsis, including workshopping | May (workshop) May (to teacher) |
5% |
VBP552 Produce writings |
Treatment/story outline | Up to 10-page treatment/story outline from synopsis, set out in 1.5 or double-line spacing, including workshopping | May (workshop) June (teacher) |
25% |
VBP552 Produce writings |
1st draft screenplay | 1st 10 pages of script from treatment, set out in industry format, for class workshopping | August (to teacher for copying – workshop commences following week & will go for several weeks) |
20% |
VBP552 Produce writings |
Revised 1st draft screenplay |
Revised 1st 10 pages plus 2nd 10 pages of script, including workshopping |
October (workshop) October (to teacher) |
25% |
*Grade incorporated in VBP552
Course Overview: Access Course Overview