Course Title: Work with others to develop a script

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: COMM7318

Course Title: Work with others to develop a script

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

Teacher: Noel Maloney 
Email: noel.maloney@rmit.edu.au
Phone: 9925 4307

Nominal Hours: 140

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

Required Prior Study

This course at RMIT requires you to have completed all first year courses.

Course Description

The unit Work with Others to Develop a Script  will afford you the opportunity to develop skills and strategies to work productively with others in a team environment. This course will offer also you a space to work with others on your individual screen projects, and to take those projects, with the help of your colleagues, to the next level.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ASWWOR605A Work with others to develop a script

Element:

1. Creative team is formed.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 A common vision for the project is developed and agreed upon by team.
 1.2 An approach to writing is agreed upon.
 1.3 Roles are clarified and agreed upon.
 1.4 Fees are negotiated and agreed upon.
 1.5 Where appropriate, contracts are drawn up and signed.

Element:

2. The existing draft script is analysed for areas needing attention.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The script is examined for problems related to premise, story, structure, character and genre.
 2.2 Marketing issues are clarified.
 2.3 Agreement on required changes is reached.

Element:

3. An approach to rewriting is agreed upon.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 An appropriate methodology is negotiated.
 3.2 Changes for next draft are prioritised.
 3.3 Clear, workable script notes are written up, a rewriting schedule drafted and deadlines set.

Element:

4. Creative disagreements are resolved effectively.
 

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Disagreements are aired openly and appropriately and effective cooperation is sought.
 4.2 Suitable compromises are found where necessary.
 

Element:

5. Re-write is achieved effectively.

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Re-write incorporates agreed solutions.
 5.2 Re-write meets deadlines.
 5.3 Re-writing process is reviewed by team.
 5.4 New draft assessed by team.
 5.5 Next stage of development is agreed upon


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to work as a screenwriter with a creative team in order to develop a film or TV screenplay

 


Details of Learning Activities

Commitment to Collaboration
Because of the collaborative nature of this course, an ongoing commitment to tackling group work in a generous and all-embracing way is essential. While you will be introduced to concepts and theories of collaborative writing and script development by way of short lectures, screenings and class discussion, most class time will be devoted to the practical business of script analysis, writing and rewriting.

1. In-class activities:

  • lectures
  • industry speakers
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • class exercises 
  • workshopping of students’ own projects
  • analysis/critique of writings
  • collaborative project work

2. Out-of-class activities:

  • independent project based work 
  • discussion and comment via the class website, Blackboard
  • online and other research
  • independent study


Teaching Schedule

Week starting Class content Assessment due Elements
Week 1


 

Introduction to course. Explanation/discussion of course content and assessment.
 Inroduction and explanation of ’One Minute to Go’ project.
Introduction to workshop process.
Workshop guidelines developed.
Individual meetings with students to design project plans for semester
Group work to develop ideas for One Minute to Go scripts
Groups formed

  1, 2
Week 2 

 

One 2 Ones meetings re Project Plans
Small group work.

Formative Assessment 1:
Project Plan
1, 2
Week 3
 
Workshop: including One Minute to Go scripts

Formative Assessment 2:
Workshop of selected work throughout semester (as scheduled)

1, 2, 3
Week 4 
 
Workshop: including One Minute to Go scripts   1, 2, 3, 4
Week 5
 
Workshop: including One Minute to Go scripts   1,2, 3, 4
Week 6
 
Workshop: Best nine scripts selected
One 2 One meetings re Project Plans
  2, 3, 4
Week 7
 

Workshop: 
Individual projects X 2
One Minute to Go redraft scripts as required

  2, 3, 4
 Week 7 Workshop:
Individual projects X 2
One Minute to Go redraft scripts as required
  2, 3, 4
Week 8
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 2
One Minute to Go redraft scripts as required
  2,3,4,
Week 9

 

What is creative knowledge?
What does it mean to be reflexive when working creatively?
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3

  2, 3, 4, 5
Week 10
 
Maintaining a reflective diary
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4, 5
Week 11

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 12 

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 13
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 14

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 15 

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 16
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3

 

2, 3, 4

 

Semester 2      
Week Class content Assessment due Elements
Week 1
 
Introduction to workshop process.
Workshop guidelines developed.

Individual meetings with students to design project plans for semester

New groups formed

Summative Assessment 1:

Self assessment of project development from Semester 1

1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 2
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
 
Formative Assessment 3:
Project Plan
2, 3, 4
Week 3 Workshop:
Individual projects X 3

Formative Assessment 4:
Workshop of selected work throughout semester (as scheduled)

2, 3, 4
Week 4
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 5

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 6
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 7
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 8
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 9

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 10
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3)
  2, 3, 4
Week 11

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 12 

 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 13
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 14
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 15
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
  2, 3, 4
Week 16
 
Workshop:
Individual projects X 3
Summative Assessment 2:
Self assessment of project development from this semester.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Extracts, readings and additional references are provided throughout the course.


References

In addition to hard copy handouts, some readings are made available on Blackboard, and others can be accessed via the web. Recommended books will be discussed in class. You are advised to visit Blackboard for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

Students will require access to a word processing program and the facility to print hard copies of their work. These facilities are also available in the Carlton Library.
Actors will be available for readings of students’ scripts in semester one.
 


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 and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks. You will be assessed on your ability to work effectively with creative partners, consult and accept feedback, critique draft screenplays and successfully revise your own work. You will also be assessed on your knowledge of screenwriting techniques, terminology and formats and production processes.

.  


Assessment Tasks

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.
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

Formative Assessment

Assessment Tasks #1 and #3: Project Plans for Semester 1 & 2
Using a template provided, you will develop separate project plans for semester 1 & 2, in consultation with your teacher. Your projects for each semester can take any form you choose: it might be a rewrite of a script, a bible for a series or the first draft of a new project. It is recommended that you think carefully about the time and resources available for you to complete this work.

You will describe the work you wish to complete and list the stages you think are required to do this. You will identify your strengths and weaknesses regarding how your work both alone and with others, and you will include strategies for improving your working methods.

Early on in the semester, you will form small groups. In these groups, you will develop strategies for sharing work, clarifying problems and providing feedback.  

Assessment Tasks #2 & #4: Workshop
You will present your work for workshopping at least once during each semester. This work will be drawn from the project you have decided to develop in each semester. To do this, you will submit the work to your teacher one week prior to the workshop date. The work might be a selection of scenes, a treatment or character descriptions. The choice is yours. The work will be between 1000 and 3000 words, and will include in your submission the questions or concerns you would like to focus on in the workshop. If you are submitting scenes for workshopping, you could choose to have them read out in class.

Summative Assessments #1 & #2
At the end of each semester you will provide a reflective report on each of the projects you developed. Each report will reference your project plan and will assess how well you developed your project over the semester, including reference to the workshop(s) you did. What worked? What did not? You will also reflect on how you worked both alone and with others, and what you learnt from this process.

The ’One Minute to Go’ Project
At the beginning of the semester, students will have the opportunity to write for the ’One Minute to Go’ project. We are calling for scripts of:

  • 2 scenes
  • 2 characters
  • 1 location

... on the theme of ’One Minute to Go’.

Nine scenes will be selected from initial submissions, and these will then be workshopped in class time to a second draft stage.
These scenes will then be cast using actors from 16th St Actors’ Studio. These actors will then work with writers to develop them to a third draft stage.
They will be directed by guest director, Denny Lawrence, with RMIT film production students crewing on the shoot.

This is not a compulsory project, although you are encouraged to submit your scripts for workshopping.

Participation in this project would be in addition to the project you choose to work on during the semester.
 

Grades used in this course are as follows:

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

For further details on these assessment tasks and the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are 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. See RMIT’s website for more on the Student Progress policy.

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. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

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