Course Title: Write scripts
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2014
Course Code: COMM5907C
Course Title: Write scripts
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6087 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact : Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email:mctafe@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Ms Barbara Gliddon
Phone: 9925 4072
Email: barbara.gliddon@rmit.edu.au
Mr John Reeves
Phone: 99254895
Email: john.reeves@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.
This course is co-delivered with Establish the Creative Vision for Screen.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFWRT601A Write scripts |
Element: |
1 Prepare to write scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions |
Element: |
3 Produce final scripts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel |
Element: |
2 Write draft scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques |
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 and writing exercises plus discussions, viewings analysing material.
Research workshop simulations field work and excursions will also be included.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Observation
• Listening and writing exercises
• screenings
• group discussion
• analysis of material
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshopping of students’ own projects
Out-of-class activities include, but are not limited to,
• research
• reading
• independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
This course is co-delivered & assessed with CUFDRT601A Establish the creative vision for screen productions.
| Week | Class content |
Assessment due | Elements |
| 1 | Introduction to Write scripts and Establish the creative vision for screen productions. Write scripts: Critical language in examining screenplays. Reflection on previous production including strengths and weaknesses. Meeting deadlines. Evaluating screenplays with regard to mise-en-scene. Examining various screenplays. Assessing of the creative aims of screenplays. |
1 1 |
|
| 2 |
The Audience: Audience expectations, the purpose of various screenwriting narrative forms. Brainstorming ideas. Source material supplied by the teacher. (co-delivered with Establish the Creative Vision for Screen Productions.) Evaluating script concepts and ideas. 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. |
1 1 |
|
| 3 |
Identifying the purpose of individual screenplays. Variety in screenwriting :examination and discussion will include : tropes, genres and styles. Examination of structure both overarching and internal. Blocking and art direction and costuming. Examples on screen. |
1 1 |
|
| 4 |
Review discuss and obtain feedback about narratives from relevant personnel as required. Identification of class groups for second semester productions. Documenting perceived visual and dramatic elements in screenplays as the basis for a shot plan. (Marking up a screenplay, preparing a shot list or doing a storyboard.) Preparing notes for the writer. |
1 2 |
|
| 5 |
Reading screenplays. Establish criteria to provide an effective measure of the success of the scripts in their context: pace, tone, beginning and ends of scenes and story beats. Preparing a shot list from a screenplay supplied by teacher. |
1 2 |
|
| 6 |
Write Draft Scripts: Writing tools and techniques: Students will prepare either a shot list, a marked up screenplay or story board on a scene or scenes supplied by the teacher. This will be handed in at the end of class with a signed and dated cover sheet attached |
Doing a shot plan. CUFWRT601A Formative assessment task 1 due. |
2 2 |
| 7 |
Working in collaboration and interpersonal communications. Editing assessing and giving feedback to another writer.Students will exchange their individual screenplays for feedback report. Prepare clear development notes for writers. |
2 1 |
|
| 8 |
Obligations with regard to facts,copyright, RMIT’s code of ethics. Classifications ratings. Plot key dramatic elements within each scene and between scenes to realise the transformation of writing to visual narration. Examples on screen.Text and sub text. |
2 1 |
|
| 9 |
Production and performance requirements. Identification of a range of performance and production requirements The short film and the budget. Making up (invention) and making do; (resourcefulness) and the short film. Assess the photographic qualities of the screenplay. Ensure overall shot plans allow narrative and visual aspects to be managed.On the page and on the screen.Level of instruction to performers in screenplays. |
2 2 |
|
| 10 | Produce Final Scripts:
A written report (one copy to the writer one to the teacher is to be delivered this week.) This is formative assessment task (task1) and is also formative assessment task one for Establish Creative Vision for Screen Productions. To be delivered only once. Sound design as it pertains to visual narrative. and... Brief on summative assessment task to be delivered in week 15. Students will deliver an in depth analysis of one scene (at least two pages in length) from his or her own screenplay outlining the preferred location, what makes this a preferred location with regard to mise-en-scene and dramatic intent and feasibility of production, a brief lighting plan, narrative beats, character arc and costuming. This is to be one thousand to fifteen hundred words in length and is to cover all of the above under paragraph headings. It is to be delivered to the teacher with a signed and dated cover sheet attached in week fifteen. Relevant images may be attached in support of the written work. |
Formative CUFWRT601 Assessment task due. Formative CUFWRT601A Assessment task due.
|
2 1,2 |
| 11 |
Incorporating feedback. Delivering feedback (professional language.) Working in dual - the writer and the editor and or assessor. Documenting responses. Discussing possible changes through various drafts of the screenplay. Incorporating feedback, keeping all personnel informed about possible re-writes and productions changes. Review the screenplay and shot plans. |
3 3 |
|
| 12 |
Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays. One to one meetings with teacher at times allocated by teacher are available as requested and required.
|
3 1,2,3 |
|
| 13 |
Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays. One to one meetings with teacher at times allocated by teacher are available as requested and required.
|
2,3 1,2,3 |
|
| 14 |
Deadline for delivery of draft screenplay to teacher for feedback as required.
|
2,3 | |
| 15 |
Make final adjustments to screenplay and submit to relevant personnel. Writing the final draft incorporating feedback. Students work individually on screenplays. One to one meetings with teacher at times allocated by teacher are available as requested and required.
|
Summative CUFDRT601A assessment task due |
3 3 |
| 16 |
Deadline for final delivery of final draft screenplay. This is a summative assessment task. Review processes. |
Summative CUFWRT601 assessment task due |
3 3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
A variety of screenplays |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
A computer and access to screenwriting software.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and involves practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and written projects.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.
For further information on the grading system please refer to the course Blackboard site.
Formative:
Review, feedback, communication report.
You are to write a feedback report for another student’s screenplay as per class brief.
Due week 10.
Summative:
Completed screenplay.
You are to write a seven to twelve minute screenplay for the production second semester.
Due Week 16.
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competence 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: CUFWRT601A
Other Information
Attendance
The major learning experience involves class based exercises, demonstration, writing and pre production activities. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y
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 go to Academic Integrity
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n
Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview