Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
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: Angela How
Email: angela.how@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 this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- demonstrations and practical application
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussions
- screenings
- online research
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:
- reading set texts
- research
- screenings
- production work
- independent project 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 |
Assessment |
BSBCRT501A ELEMENT |
CUFWRT501A ELEMENT |
1 |
Introductions Overview of course:- Assignments Story and Plot Generating ideas Group work to develop story concepts
|
|
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1,4, 1.5,1.6 |
1.2, 1.3
2.6 |
2 |
Creating and developing engaging characters Character types Character arcs Motivation Backstories |
|
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5,1.6,1.7
2.1,2.4, 2.5,2.6, 2.7
3.1,3.2, 3.4,3.5,3.6 |
1.1,1.2,1.3
2.1,2.2,2.3
|
3 |
Theme Synopsis and Treatment Genre and audience expectation Brainstorming and developing storylines Plotting and structure |
|
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5,1.6,1.7
2.1,2.4, 2.5,2.6, 2.7
3.1,3.2, 3.4,3.5,3.6 |
1.1,1.2,1.3
2.1,2.2,2.3
|
4 |
Brainstorming and developing storylines for a short fiction film |
|
1.3,1.4, 1.5,1.6,1.7
2.1,2.2, 2.4
3.2,3.5 |
1.2
2.2,2.3 |
5 |
Treatment readings for feedback
|
Assessment 1 Due |
1.4
2.5,2.7, 2.8
3.3,3.4
|
1.1,1.2,1.3
2.1,2.2 |
6 |
Writing the short fiction script Screenwriting / Visual language – show, don’t tell
Treatment readings for feedback cont’d |
|
1.3,1.4, 1.5,1.6,1.7
2.1,2.2, 2.4 2.5,2.7, 2.8
3.2,3.5 3.3,3.4 |
1.1,1.2,1.3 1.2
2.1,2.2,2.3 |
7 |
Dealing with exposition The setup and payoff Foreshadowing The Reversal |
|
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5,1.6,1.7
2.1,2.4, 2.5,2.6, 2.7
3.1,3.2, 3.4,3.5,3.6 |
1.1,1.2,1.3
2.1,2.2 |
8 |
Feedback workshop on a short fiction film script |
Assessment 2 Due |
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.4
2.1,2.2, 2.3,2.4, 2.5,2.6, 2.7,2.8
3.1,3.2, 3.3,3.5, 3.6,3.7 |
1.2
2.3,2.4
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
9 |
Screen dialogue A and B stories The scene The sequence |
|
1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.4 1.3,1.6
2.1,2.2, 2.3,2.4, 2.4,2.5, 2.5,2.6, 2.7,2.8
3.1,3.2, 3.3,3.4 3.3,3.5, 3.6,3.7 |
1.1,1.2,1.3
2.1,2.3,2.5
3.1 |
10 |
Script readings for feedback
|
|
2.2,2.3,2.4, 2.5,2.6,2.7,2.8
3.1,3.2,3.3, 3.4,3.5,3.6,3.7
4.1 |
2.4,2.5
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
11 |
Pitching The Lookbook / Project bible |
Assessment 3 Due |
3.6,3.7
4.1,4.2 |
2.5
3.1 |
12 |
Polished script readings and feedback |
Assessment 4 – Part 1 Due
|
3.7
4.1,4.2,4.3 |
2.4,2.5
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
13 |
Polished script readings and feedback cont’d |
|
3.7
4.1,4.2,4.3 |
2.4,2.5
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
14 |
Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation |
Assessment 4 – Part 2 Due
|
3.6,3.7
4.1,4.2,4.3 |
2.4,2.5,2.6
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
15 |
Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation |
Assessment 4 – Part 2 Due |
3.6,3.7
4.1,4.2,4.3 |
2.4,2.5,2.6
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
16 |
Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation |
Assessment 4 – Part 2 Due |
3.6,3.7
4.1,4.2,4.3 |
2.4,2.5,2.6
3.1,3.2,3.3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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
For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessments 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 (ungraded):
Assessment Task 1 - Brainstorming ideas (ungraded). Brainstorming in groups, each student will conceptualise and develop an original concept for a short fiction film, including a synopsis, treatment and key character bibles for the project. Due Date: week 5
Assessment Task 2 - Draft original script (ungraded). Based on the concept / treatment established with Assessment 1, each student will write an original script for a short fiction film. Due Date: week 8
Assessment Task 3 - Feedback on original script (ungraded). Working in pairs, students will read and give each other feedback on the original script for their short narrative film / Assessment 2. Due Date: weeks 10 and 11
Assessment Task (graded):
Assessment Task 4 - Finalise your script (graded). Based on feedback from the in class table readings, students will revise and polish their scripts; and prepare a lookbook to pitch their script idea to the class. Assessment is divided into two (2) parts:
Part 1: Complete a revised/polished version of your script. Due - week 12
Part 2: Prepare a lookbook and pitch script idea to the class. Due - weeks 14 to 16
Assessment tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 demonstrated 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:
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