Course Title: Assess a film script during development
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2017
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
Alan Woodruff
alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Tim Marshall
tim.marshall@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
• 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 |
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. Techniques on how to read a script. Introduce Assessment 1. |
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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 assessment task). |
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3 | The protagonist and other characters. |
|
4 |
The conflicts. Introduce Assignment 2. |
|
5 | Identify the script’s turning points in relation to the protagonist and other main characters. |
Assessment 1: Critique of Turning Points |
6 | The action line and the emotional line of the protagonist and the other main characters. |
|
7 | Dialogue |
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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. Introduce Assignment 3. |
Assessment 2:Character descriptions. |
9 | Sub plots |
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10 | Editing dialogue |
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11 | Communication between editor and writer |
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Mid-semester break: Monday 18 September – Friday 29 September inclusive | ||
12 | Presentations: |
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13 |
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14 | Presentations: |
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15 | Screening & discussion | Assessment 3: Editor’s report |
16 | Semester review |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
At the beginning of the semester you will be given:
- A draft of a feature screenplay
- 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
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 tasks and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 3.
1. Summary and Critique of Turning Points (Tue 1 Aug)
A description of the genre, premise, plot and turning points of the supplied script. Refer to the Ass 1 Student Brief for details.
2. Analysis of three characters (Tue 22 Aug)
Using the framework provided in class, describe three characters of your choice, and comment on their effectiveness in the story. Refer to the Ass 2 Student Brief for details.
3. Editor’s script report (Tue 24 October) (graded)
Using the Screen Australia reader’s report template provided, you will produce a formal editor’s report. Refer to Ass 3 Student Brief for details.
Graded assessment in this course uses 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
Grading criteria for this Assessment 3 can be found on the course Blackboard site.
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
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
How to submit work
Your assessment brief will specify how you should submit your work – as hard copy, digital copy or electronically through Blackboard. When you submit your work, you must include a declaration of authorship.
For submissions on Blackboard, you need to agree to an assessment declaration when you submit.
For all other submissions, you must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=x3ddsmsrwa1hz
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. We strongly advise 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.
We request that you speak to your teacher if regular attendance becomes difficult.
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/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1
Student progress
Monitoring academic progress is helps us to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress
Adjustments to assessment
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
Academic integrity is about the honest presentation of work that is your own. RMIT University has a clear policy on plagiarism (see web page for more detail).
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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) 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