Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: COMM5972C
Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5350 - Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact: Andrew Harrison
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nicole McKinnon
+61 3 9925 4375
nicole.mckinnon@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 may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
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 of speakers and resources.
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment |
1 |
Introductions Overview of course:- Assignments Story and Plot Generating ideas
|
|
2 |
Creating and developing engaging characters Character types Character arcs Motivation Backstories
|
|
3 |
Theme Synopsis and Treatment Genre and audience expectation Brainstorming and developing storylines Plotting and structure |
|
4 |
The web series
Group writing
|
Assessment 1 Due next week and week 6 |
5 |
Brainstorming and group work to develop story concepts for web series episodes |
Assessment 1 (in-class brainstorm) Due |
6 |
Writing the short fiction script Screenwriting / Visual language – show, don’t tell Treatment readings for feedback |
Assessment 1 (written) Due |
7 |
Dealing with exposition The setup and payoff Foreshadowing The Reversal Treatment readings for feedback (cont’d) |
Assessment 2 Due next week |
8 |
Feedback workshop on short fiction web episode scripts
|
Assessment 2 Due |
9 |
Screen dialogue A and B stories The scene The sequence Feedback workshop on short fiction web episode scripts (cont’d)
|
Assessment 3 Due next week and week 11 |
10 |
Assessment 3 – in-class peer review. Feedback workshop on short fiction web episode scripts (cont’d) |
Assessment 3 (feedback session) Due |
11 |
Pitching The Lookbook / Project bible Web Episode Script readings for feedback
|
Assessment 3 (written) Due |
12 |
Polished script readings and feedback |
|
13 |
Polished script readings and feedback (cont’d)
|
Assessment 4 Due next week and week 15 |
14 |
Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation |
Assessment 4 Parts 1 & 3 - Due
|
15 |
Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation
|
Assessment 4 Parts 2 & 3 – Due |
16 |
Review of Assessment 4
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
N/A |
References
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians. |
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT account.
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.
Assessment Task 1: Concept and Storyline for a Web Series Episode (Fiction). This is a group based task designed for you to demonstrate your ability to originate ideas, express storylines, treatments and character bible in preparation for your short script for a web series. Although this is partly a group task, you will be assessed as an individual. Due Date: weeks 5 and 6.
Assessment Task 2: Web Series Episode Script (Fiction) Draft 1. This task will allow students to demonstrate their ability to write a short fiction script (web series episode), to understand and implement story and arc, character(s) and character arc(s), genre, structure, and use the correct screenwriting format via the use of appropriate screenwriting software. Due Date: week 8
Assessment Task 3: Peer review and revised Web Series Episode Script (Fiction). This task allow's students to demonstrate their ability to provide and receive script feedback on scripts/stories for the screen, and evaluate narrative development and incorporate feedback to improve scripts. Due Date: weeks 10 and 11
Assessment Task 4: This assessment is divided into three (3) parts:
Part 1: Based on feedback received, students will finalise the script for their assigned episode of the group's web series. Students will also prepare a self-evaluation report. Due Date: week 14
Part 2: Based on the final script, students will prepare a preliminary budget for the production of your web episode. Due Date: week 15
Part 3: Students will collaborate in their groups to prepare a Lookbook for your web series and each student will pitch/present their episode to the class. Due Date: weeks 14 and 15
Assessment Tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.
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
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.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview