Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
Course Code: COMM5972C
Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5350 - 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: Cameron Clarke
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
None
Course Description
This course covers the skills and knowledge required to develop a narrative or storyline. You will write storylines and treatments suitable for a short screenplay.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAWRT502 Develop storylines and treatments |
Element: |
1. Plan and prepare to write production material |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Define script writing construction, style and formats required for the production and clients 1.2 Define and develop ideas and concepts based on analysis of genre, audience and purpose 1.3 Develop elements of narrative, including visual and aural components, dialogue and other communication techniques, such as symbols and icons, to convey information in production material |
Element: |
2. Develop storylines or treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify components of script development required by concept proposals 2.2 Develop concepts to synopsis stage or equivalent as required by production format or genre 2.3 Develop treatment and scene breakdown as required by production format or genre 2.4 Evaluate narrative development with relevant personnel and incorporate feedback as required 2.5 Develop material in a format appropriate for story conferencing or pitch presentation to client 2.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time |
Element: |
3. Finalise storylines or treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Present materials for discussion to production team responsible for story conferences or pitching to clients 3.2 Redraft materials incorporating feedback as required 3.3 Make relevant material ready for next stage of production within agreed timeframes and budget requirements |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this competency, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to develop a narrative or storyline.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- Lectures
- Table readings
- Workshops
- Practical exercises
- group discussion
- screenings
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- writing
Out of class activities include, but are not limited to:
- online reading and research
- writing
- independent practical production based work
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 resources.
WEEK |
CLASS CONTENT |
ASSESSMENTS DUE |
BSBCRT501A ELEMENT |
CUFWRT501A ELEMENT |
1 |
Introductions Overview of course Assignments Introduction to web series The story engine Generating ideas Group work to develop web series concepts Groups formed and contact details shared
|
|
1,2,3,4 |
|
2 |
Creating and developing engaging characters Character types Character arcs Motivation Backstories |
|
2,3 |
2 |
3 |
Theme Genre and audience expectation Brainstorming and developing storylines |
|
2,3,4 |
1 |
4 |
Brainstorming and developing storylines |
|
3,4 |
1,2 |
5 |
Writing a synopsis Feedback workshop |
ASSIGNMENT 1 DUE |
3,4 |
1,2 |
6 |
Synopsis readings Plotting and structure |
|
3,4 |
1,2 |
7 |
Visual language – show, don’t tell Writing animation |
|
1,2,3 |
1,2 |
8 |
Dealing with exposition The setup and payoff Foreshadowing The Reversal |
|
3,4 |
1,2 |
9 |
Treatment readings Screen dialogue |
|
3,4 |
1,2,3 |
10 |
A and B stories The scene The sequence |
ASSIGNMENT 2 DUE |
3,4 |
1,2,3 |
11 |
Devising a non-narrative web series Pitching |
|
1,2,3,4 |
1,2,3 |
12 |
Script readings for feedback |
|
1,3,4 |
2,3 |
13 |
Script readings for feedback |
|
1,3,4 |
2,3 |
14 |
Polished script readings |
ASSIGNMENT 3 DUE |
4 |
3 |
15 |
Polished script readings |
|
4 |
3 |
16 |
Polished script readings |
|
4 |
3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and to the internet for this course.
Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through a combination of written exercises and drafting, workshopping and re-drafting written assignments.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.
Assessment task 1: Graded
In groups, write a Concept Document for an online web series. Include title page (title / audience / genre / format / creatives), logline/premise, synopsis, characters, sets & locations, episode ideas. Each member of the group will contribute to the document and the group will receive a grade as a whole.
Due week 5
Assessment task 2: Graded
Individually, workshop and write a treatment for a short film. Each student will workshop and write, in industry acceptable format, a two page treatment for a short film. The treatment will be based upon a synopses to be developed in class and will be read in class.
Due week 10
Assessment task 3: Ungraded
Develop and write a short script. Students will each write, in industry acceptable format, a five minute narrative script based on a treatment to be workshopped in class. Scripts will be table-read in class for feedback prior to submission.
Due week 14
Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16
Grading criteria for graded assessment can be found on the course canvas site.
You will be assessed using the following grades:
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 are available through the course contact in 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.
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.
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.
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
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.
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.
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview