Course Title: Screenplay Development

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Screenplay Development

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2820	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	840H School of Communication and Design	Face-to-Face	Viet3 2021, Viet3 2022, Viet3 2023

Course Coordinator: David Moore

Course Coordinator Phone: n/a

Course Coordinator Email: david.moore@rmit.edu.vn

Course Coordinator Location: VNSGS

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed COMM2817 Digital Storytelling, COMM2818 Screenwriting Essentials, COMM2819 Staging and Direction before you commence this course. 

AND 

Required Concurrent Study 

You should undertake COMM2827 Line and Production Management at the same time as this course as it contains areas of knowledge and skills which are implemented together in practice. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Course Description

In this course you will translate complex story treatments and outlines into the first act of a feature screenplay. You will examine the relationship between dialogue, action, visual design of scenes and transitions and how these can be used to convey meaning. You will study different approaches to narrative progression such as multiple plots, involved or objective narration, cut-up techniques and complex chronologies. You will conceive and write the treatment for an original fiction or non-fiction feature; generate an extended plot outline/beat sheet; and generate a polished first act of a screenplay.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes: 

PLO3: Develop narratives and screenplays and achieve storytelling outcomes for digital film and video 

PLO4: Select and use contemporary tools, methods and approaches to envision, develop and produce digital film and video work 

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to: 

CLO1: Identify and describe the features of complex narrative fiction and non-fiction screenwriting. 

CLO2: Apply appropriate critical and creative analysis and research approaches to the creation of an original treatment. 

CLO3: Use screenwriting skills to develop and deliver complex original screenplays. 

 

Overview of Learning Activities

In this course you will engage in a range of group activities and individual work to extend your knowledge of screenwriting approaches and techniques, and to develop an screenplay based on an existing story. This will involve intensive workshopping approaches, undertaking collaborative tasks in various roles, and participation in peer review and feedback sessions.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will have access to technical resources such as camera, lighting, sound recording equipment and editing tools, as well as studio-based learning spaces.  You will be provided with diverse learning and teaching resources, including web-based resources, library collections, and online learning content. You will also be provided with a range of educational support services, including peer-led academic mentoring, tutorials, and internship and mobility support services.

Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Adaptation exercise, 20%, Addresses CLOs 1 & 2.  

Assessment Task 2: Screenplay development - first draft, 50%, Addresses CLOs 1 & 2 

Assessment Task 3: Final Draft Screenplay, 30%, Addresses CLOs 2 & 3. 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.