Course Title: Assess a film script during development
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2014
Course Code: COMM7315
Course Title: Assess a film script during development
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6125 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
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
Chris Anastassiades (Monday)
chris.anastassiades@rmit.edu.au
Ben Michael (Tuesday)
ben.michael@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 70
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 looks at the skills and knowledge require to assess a film script.. It involves assessing script construction, style and content, evaluating script changes and writing a script report.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ASWAFS602A Assess a film script during development |
Element: |
1. Assess script construction, style and content |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Film genre and the elements establishing it in the script are identified |
Element: |
2. Evaluate changes made in various drafts |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Any changes occurring in premise, theme or subject are delineated |
Element: |
3. Write a script report |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Overview of script’s strengths and weaknesses is prepared |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to assess a film script and provide constructive feedback on construction, style and content. You will be also be able to evaluate changes that are made and write a script report.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• industry speakers
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• analysis/critique of students’ writings
2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and reading assignments
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Class Content | Assessment Due | Elements |
| 1 |
You will be given a draft of a feature script which will be the basis for the class exercises and assessments throughout the course. How to read a script? |
Formative Assessment #1: note taking on given script |
1, 2 |
| 2 | Script theme. Identify what it is and how the writer conveys it. Introduce the Screen Australian external reader’s report template (this will be the basis for your final, summative exercise). |
1, 2 | |
| 3 | The protagonist and other characters. | 1, 2 | |
| 4 | The protagonist. The conflicts. Identify all the different types in the script and how well they are used. |
Formative Assessment #2: Identify and critique all major turning points |
1, 2, 3 |
| 5 | Identify the script’s turning points in relation to the protagonist and other main characters. | 1, 2 | |
| 6 | The action line and the emotional line of the protagonist and the other main characters.. | Formative Assessment #3: Write up a graph that shows both the action and emotional line of the script’s main characters. | 1, 2, 3 |
| 7 | Dialogue. | 1, 2 | |
| 8 | We start to edit the script here. We will begin with the plot structure, theme and character.
The concept of ‘market ready’, how it’s a term currently used by funding providers and producers, what’s really meant by it and how to work with it. |
1, 2 | |
| 9 | Sub plots | 1, 2 | |
| 10 | Editing dialogue. |
1, 2, 3 | |
| 11 |
Communication between editor and writer. Fishbowl exercise*. |
1, 2 | |
| Mid-semester break: 22 September - 3 October | |||
| 12 | Presentations. You will each present your editing notes to the class for feedback. |
Formative Assessment #4: Presentation of editing notes to class | 1, 2, 3 |
| 13 |
Presentations. You will each present your editing notes to the class for feedback. |
1, 2, 3 | |
| 14 | Presentations. You will each present your editing notes to the class for feedback. |
Summative Assessment: Editor’s report | 1, 2, 3 |
| 15 | Guest lecturer. | 1, 2, 3 | |
| 16 | Course review. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
At the beginning of the semester you will be given:
- A draft of a feature screenplay
- Notes from UK script develop Stephen Cleary about his approach to editing
- Screen Australia guidelines for external script readers writing reports on feature films.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written script assessment tasks.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks.
Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.
To demonstrate competency, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT (Non-graded)
Formative assessment for this course comprises three in-class exercises. In order to successfully complete this unit, you will need to complete these exercises to a satisfactory standard.
1. Initial notes (Mon 7 or Tues 8 July)
You will produce notes on your initial feelings, thoughts and intuitions about the script you are reading.
2. A summary and critique of the turning points in given script (Mon 28 or Tues 29 July)
You will describe the major turning points in the script, and assess their effectiveness.
3. Graphs plotting the action and emotional plot lines of the protagonist and other main characters (Mon 11 or Tues 12 August)
Building on the previous exercise, you will produce a graph that plots the action of the main story in the script. In addition, you will produce another graph that shows the emotional stories of the main characters.
4. Presentation of editing notes to class (Mon 6 or Tues 7 Oct, Mon 13 or Tues 14 Oct and Mon 20 or Tues 21 Oct)
Using the Sceen Australia readers’ template, and building on the progressive exercises you’ve undertaken in class, you will present you a draft of your editing notes to class. This will be an opportunity to get feedback on your report prior to submitting it as your summative assessment.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (graded)
Editor’s Report on Given Script (Mon 20 or Tues 21 October)
Summary of Assessment:
Using the Screen Australia reader’s report template provided, you will produce a formal editor’s report on the given feature script that you have been working with throughout the semester.
Details of Assessment
Your report will be between 1500 and 2000 words in length and will address the categories provided in the template. It will:
- demonstrate an understanding of the writer’s intention
- identify the script’s strengths and weaknesses in its use of characters, plot and theme
- propose changes, possibilities and strategies for further development
- assess the script’s viability
- assess its market strength.
Assessment Submission
You will submit your 1500-2000 word report as an email attachment in either Word or RTF to your teacher. Included in your attachment will be a signed cover sheet.
Please see the program blackboard site for copies of cover sheets and instructions on how to set and use digital signatures.
Your teacher may also request hard copies of your assessments.
The competency is graded. The grades used are as follows:
HDI Competency with high distinction
CDI Competency with distinction
CC Competency with credit
CAG Competent graded
NYC Not yet complete
DNS Did not submit
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. This is available through the course contact in Program Administration
Other Information
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.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Academic progress
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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Academic integrity and plagiariam
Work Placement
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview