Course Title: Write scripts
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
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
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: |
2 Write draft scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques |
Element: |
3 Produce final scripts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel |
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.
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 with CUFDRT601A Establish the Creative Vision for Screen Productions.
| Week | Class content |
Assessments due |
Elements CUFDRT601A |
| 1 | Introduction to course. Critical language in examining screenplays. Reflection on previous production including strengths and weaknesses, including mise-en-scene and dramatic intent. |
CUFWRT601A 1 CUFDRT601A 1 |
|
| 2 |
The Audience: Audience expectations, the purpose of various screenwriting narrative forms. Brainstorming ideas. Evaluating script concepts and ideas as written work and a visual plan. 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. |
Assessment task one A (1A).Ungraded (half the class group.) Prepare to Write Scripts. Presentation; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions. Assessment task one B (1B) Ungraded Preparing a storyboard, shot list or marked up script. |
CUFWRT601A 1 CUFDRT601A 1, 2 |
| 3 |
Identifying the purpose of individual screenplays. Variety in screenwriting: examination and discussion will include : tropes, genres and styles.
|
Assessment task one A (1A). Ungraded (half the class group.) Prepare to write scripts. Presentation; reviewing the script to screen process from previous productions. Ungraded. |
CUFWRT601A
1 CUFDRT601A 1,2 |
| 4 | Generating ideas. Writing stories, reviewing and discussionsof story content, stories for schort films. Storylines written in class and receive feedback. The individual benefits of shotlisting, storyboarding and marking up a script. |
CUFWRT601A 1 CUFDRT601A 1 |
|
| 5 |
Reading screenplays. Establishing the criteria to provide an effective measure of the success of screenplays with regard to pace, tone, beginning and ends of scenes and story beats and internal and external structure. Researching audience variations and expectations as reflected in screenplay’s content and objectives and the screenplays choice of visuals.
|
CUFWRT601A 1 CUFDRT601A 1 |
|
| 6 | Writing tools and techniques: Variations in both form and function of vartious screenplays: eg corporate, short films and feature fims. |
CUFWRT601A 2 CUFDRT601A 2 |
|
| 7 |
The facts in screenwriting: researching factual information is accurate, research for screenwriters. Shaping information as narrative. What can be included in the shot in factual storytelling with regard film makers’ responsibilities for all interested parties and stake holders. Obligations with regard to copyright, RMIT’s code of ethics. Classifications ratings in Australia. Australian law and selecting and discerning appropriate content in fact based stories either in adaptation or documentary. |
CUFWRT601A
2 CUFDRT601A 2 |
|
| 8 |
Identification of key dramatic elements within each scene and between scenes to realise the transformation of writing to visual narration. Examples on screen and in wrting exercise. Discerning text and sub text.in dialogue and visuals. |
CUFWRT601A 2 CUFDRT601A 2 |
|
| 9 |
Identification of production requirements: the writer’s repsonsibilities. Developing the look of the film, from an overarcing vision to individual shots. Blocking the scenes (character placement and its role in narrative.) The rule of thirds.Lighting and visual storytelling. The short film and the budget. |
CUFWRT601A 2 CUFDRT601A 2, 3 |
|
| 10 | Critical language, the content of screenplay assessments and the protocols around their writing and delivery and communications with refernece to narrative and all aspects of visual story telling. |
Assessment task two. Ungraded. (Part one) Exchange of draft screenplay with a fellow student for review and feedback. |
CUFWRT601A 2 CUFDRT601A 3 |
| 11 |
Incorporating feedback. Delivering feedback (professional language.) Working in tandem - the writer and the editor and or assessor. Documenting responses. Discussing possible changes through various drafts of the screenplay. |
CUFWRT601A 2 CUFDRT601A 2 |
|
| 12 |
Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays and receive feedback from teacher and student with whom screenplays have been exchanged. The feedback will address questions of narrative including all aspects of visual storytelling. Assessment task three deadline re-briefing. Produce Final Draft scripts. Due week fifteen. |
CUFWRT601A 2, 3 CUFDRT601A 3 |
|
| 13 |
Writing a draft screenplay. Students work individually on screenplays and receive feedback from teacher and student with whom screenplays have been exchanged. The feedback will address questions of narrative including all aspects of visual storytelling.
|
Assessment task two (part two.) Ungraded. Receiving and delivering feedback on draft screenplays. |
CUFWRT601A 2, 3 CUFDRT601A 3 |
| 14 | Location or studio? Considering various approaches to camera coverage for identifying and maximising the screenplay’s content. |
|
CUFWRT601A 2 |
| 15 | |
Assessment task three, Draft script. Graded. |
CUFWRT601A 3 CUFDRT601A 3 |
| 16 | Review processes. Make final adjustments to screenplay. Give feedback. |
CUFWRT601A 3 CUFDRT601A 3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Dog Day AfternoonChinatownMaking A Good Script Great Linda Seger |
|
How To read A Film James Monaco |
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
Asessment task one A (1A)(Ungraded)
Preparing to Write Scripts.
You are to write and deliver three to five minute presentation reflecting on the script to screen process of your Diploma major assignment.
Due weeks two and three. (2 and 3) Commencing 16 February & 23 February.
Assessment task one B (1B) Ungraded
A prepared storyboard, shot list or marked up script.
Due week 2. Commencing 16 February
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Assessment task two (2)(Ungraded)
Write Draft Script
You are to write a draft screenplay of seven to twelve minutes duration and deliver this draft to a fellow student for feedback with regard to narrative and production requirements. (This is a two part process: giving and receiving feedback.)
Part one (the exchange of screenplays) due week ten (10) Commencing 20 April
Part two due (exchanging feedback) due week thirteen (13) Commencing 11 May
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Assessment task three (3)
Produce Draft Scripts (Graded)
You are to deliver a revised draft of your seven to twelve minute screenplay for assessment and feedback to the teacher.
Due week fifteen (15). Commencing 25 May.
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 and CUFDRT601A. These are available through the course administrator.
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://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications
Attendance:
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Feedback:
You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. Where relevant, 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. 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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview