Course Title: Work with others to develop a script
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
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
Teachers:
Noel Maloney
noel.maloney@rmit.edu.au
Phone: 9925 4307
Chris Anastassiades
christopher.anastassiades@rmit.edu.au
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 the creative 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, theme, 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 drawn up and deadlines set. |
Element: |
4. Creative disagreements are resolved effectively. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Disagreements are aired openly and appropriately and effective compromises 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 (external assessment, funding, marketing) |
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
Collaboration
Because of the collaborative nature of this course, an ongoing commitment to group work in a generous and all-embracing way is essential. While you will be introduced to concepts of creative collaboration, most class time will be devoted to the practical business of writing, workshopping, rehearsal 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 | Class content | Assessm ent due |
| Week 1 |
Introduction to course. Explanation/discussion of course content and assessment. What’s involved in working with others to develop a script? Work plan introduced. Introduction to directing a rehearsed reading |
|
| Week 2 |
Collaboration processes, tools, theories and myths Introduction to directing a rehearsed reading |
Assessment 1 due |
| Week 3 |
In this week, we will begin workshopping individual pieces of work. The workshop will follow the processes and guidelines agreed to in Week 1. In each workshop, you will introduce the scenes to be considered, contextualise them within the script, identify three creative problems you would like to focus on, and then facilitate discussion. At the end of the workshop, you will nominate five elements to develop further. |
|
| Week 4 |
Workshop X 3 | |
| Week 5 |
Workshop X 3 | |
| Week 6 |
Workshop X 3 | |
| Week 7 |
Workshop X 3 |
|
| Week 8 | Workshop X 3 | |
| Week 9 |
In this next round of workshopping, you will present a more substantial segment of your project. You will have prepared a rehearsed reading prior to your workshop. You will each have an hour to present your script, hear it read and participate in a discussion about its development. These workshops will be assessed.
Workshop x 3 |
Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 10 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Mid Semester Break. There will be no classes from Friday 14 April to Friday 21 April inclusive. | ||
| Week 11 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 12 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 13 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 14 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 15 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Week 16 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 2 - Observation |
| Semester 2 | **************************************************************************** | |
| Week | Class content | Assessment due |
| Week 1 |
The context for this semester’s’ working with others project’ explained. In this semester, you will focus on preparing your project for presentation to an invited audience. We will begin with workshopping |
Assessment 3 Due |
| Week 2 |
Workshop X 3 |
Assessment 4 |
| Week 3 | Workshop X 3 |
Assessment 4 |
| Week 4 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 4 |
| Week 5 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 4 |
| Week 6 |
Workshop X 3 | Assessment 4 |
| Week 7 |
Workshop X 3 |
Assessment 4 |
| Week 8 |
Preparation for presentation of reading | |
| Week 9 |
Preparation for presentation of reading | |
| Week 10 |
Preparation for presentation of reading | |
| Week 11 |
Preparation for presentation of reading | |
| There will be no classes from Monday 18 September through to Friday 29 September inclusive | ||
| Week 12 |
Presentations | Assessment 5 |
| Week 13 |
Presentations | Assessment 5 |
| Week 14 |
Presentations | Assessment 5 |
| Week 15 |
Presentations | Assessment 5 |
| Week 16 |
Presentations | Assessment 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 (refer to Blackboard for assessment criteria). Assessment briefs will be provided at the beginning of each semester, which will provide more detail on assessment tasks.
Once you have demonstrated competency in Assessments 2 (semester 1) and Assessment 5 (semester 2), they will be graded. Refer to Blackboard for graded rubrics.
Semester 1:
1. Develop a Project Plan
Using the template provided, you will create a plan for the project you wish to develop over the course of the year. Your project 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 can be a feature, a short or an episode of a TV series. 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 the strengths and weaknesses of the work, consider possible approaches for resolving problems, and you will also include strategies for improving your working methods. Due Semester 1, Week 2: 13/16 February
2. Workshop a Substantial Script Segment
You will workshop one act or segment of your script in class. The first part of the workshop will comprise a rehearsed reading that will take approximately 30 minutes. You may choose to cast other students in the reading, or use performers from outside the course.
The second part of the workshop will comprise a structured discussion about the script. This discussion will be facilitated by the teacher, but will be led by you. In this discussion you will explain how you responded to feedback from the previous workshop. You will also identify five key elements for further development. You will be assessed on observation.
Due Semester 1, Weeks 9–16
3. Reflective Report
You will submit a reflective statement of 1500 words. In the statement, you will
- analyse the script's initial strengths and weakness (500 words).
- reflect on how you developed the script over the course of the semester (500 words)
- consider the development you will undertake on the script in second semester (500 words)
This assessment will also be graded.
Due Semester 2, Week 1: 3/6 July.
Please Note: The submission date is designed to accommodate those who will be workshopping their scripts towards the end of semester 1. However, you may choose to submit your report towards the end of semester 1 if you wish.
Semester 2:
4. Develop a Substantial Script Segment
You will workshop another act or segment of your script in class. The first part of the workshop will comprise a rehearsed reading that will take approximately 30 minutes. You may choose to cast other students in the reading, or use performers from outside the course.
The reading will incorporate a response from you about the problems and challenges highlighted in the previous rehearsed reading.
The second part of the workshop will comprise a structured discussion about the script. This discussion will be facilitated by the teacher, but will be led by you. You will also identify five key elements for further development. You will be assessed on observation.
Due: Semester 2, Weeks 2-7
5. Presentation of Script
To an invited audience, you will present a rehearsed presentation of selected portions of your script. The purpose of this presentation is twofold: it is to demonstrate a significant redrafting of your project; and it is to provide you with an opportunity to promote your project.
You will be assessed on your script and presentation.
Due Weeks 12–16
This assessment will also be graded.
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. The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard 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
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kehn9bz22r41
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