Course Title: Work with others to develop a script
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
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: Kelly Schilling
Email: kelly.schilling@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
In-Class Activities:
Because of the collaborative nature of this course, an ongoing commitment to group work in a generous and all-embracing way is essential. Most of the class time will be devoted to the practical business of writing, workshopping, giving and receiving of constructive feedback, presenting and re-writing. It is imperative that you turn up to classes to give feedback on a weekly basis, in addition to receiving it.
Out of Class Activities:
- Independent project-based work
- Online and other research - as necessary
- Independent Study
Teaching Schedule
Schedule - SEMESTER 1
Week |
Date starting |
Topics & Activities | Assessment |
| 1 | 5/6 Feb | Intro & workshops booked - assessment one started in-class | |
| 2 | 12/13 Feb | In-class group work to discuss individual project plans | Assessment 1 Due |
| 3 | 19/20 Feb |
Workshopping | |
| 4 | 26/27 Feb | Workshopping | |
| 5 | 5/6 March | Workshopping | |
| 6 | 13 March | No Monday Class - Labour Day Holiday (Tuesday Class Workshopping) | |
| 7 | 19/20 March | Workshopping | |
| 8 | 26/27 March | Workshopping | |
| Easter Break | No classes from Friday 30 March to Friday 6 April | ||
| 9 | 9/10 April | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 10 | 16/17 April | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 11 | 23/24 April | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 12 | 30 April & 1 May | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 13 | 7/8 May | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 14 | 14/15 May | Workshopping - Assess 2 | Assess 2 due - observation |
| 15 | 21/22 May | Assess 3 due via email - in-class activities TBC | Assess 3 due - 5pm Friday 25 May |
Schedule - SEMESTER 2
Week |
Date starting |
Topics & Activities | Assessment |
| 1 | 2/3 July | In-class group work to discuss individual project ideas - come to class this week with a solid screenplay idea to work on this semester (ideally with a first draft) | |
| 2 | 9/10 July | Workshopping - Assess 4 | Assess 4 due |
| 3 | 16/17 July | Workshopping - Assess 4 | Assess 4 due |
| 4 | 23/24 July | Workshopping - Assess 4 | Assess 4 due |
| 5 | 30/31 July | Workshopping - Assess 4 | Assess 4 due |
| 6 | 6/7 August | Workshopping - Assess 4 | Assess 4 due |
| 7 | 13/14 August |
Workshopping - Assess 4 Book in 'one on one' times with teacher for the following 3 weeks |
Assess 4 due |
| 8 | 20/21 August | One on One meetings with teacher | |
| 9 | 27/28 August | One on One meetings with teacher | |
| 10 | 3/4 September | One on One meetings with teacher | |
| 11 | 10/11 September | Final Script Readings | Assess 5 due |
| MID SEMESTER BREAK | No classes Monday 17 September - Friday 28 September | ||
| 12 | 1/2 October | Final Script Readings - Assess 5 | Assess 5 due |
| 13 | 8/9 October | Final Script Readings - Assess 5 | Assess 5 due |
| 14 | 15/16 October | Final Script Readings - Assess 5 | Assess 5 due |
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
ASSESSMENT TASKS:
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard – within set deadlines. Assessment briefs will be made available via Canvas at the beginning of each semester. You will be given feedback on all assessment tasks.
Once you have demonstrated competency in Assessment 3 (semester 1) and Assessment 5 (semester 2), they will be graded. Refer to Canvas for graded rubrics.
SEMESTER 1:
ASSESSMENT 1. Develop a Project Plan
Using the template provided, you will create a plan for the project that you will develop over the first semester of this course for the class ‘anthology’ project (assessment two) - a collection of 20–25 page screenplays - individually written - that meet common boundaries/themes and guidelines decided upon in week one among the students and the teacher.
Due Week 2: 12/13 February, 2018
ASSESSMENT 2. Workshop your ‘Anthology’ script
You will workshop your individual 20–25 page screenplay in class. Your screenplay will need to meet the boundaries/guidelines and theme decided upon in week one among the students and the teacher. The first part of the workshop will comprise a rehearsed reading that will take approximately 30 minutes. You will come prepared – with other students already cast in specific roles for the reading.
The second part of the workshop will comprise a structured discussion about the screenplay. This discussion will be facilitated by the teacher, but will be led by you. In the discussion, you will explain how you responded to feedback from the previous workshop.
You will be required to email a copy of your script to the teacher two days before your class and must provide copies for other students. You will be assessed on observation.
Due Weeks 9 – 14 (9/10 April – 14/15 May, 2018)
ASSESSMENT 3. Reflective Report (graded)
You will submit a reflective statement of 1000–1500 words that:
- Analyses the script’s current strengths and weaknesses
- Reflects on how you developed the script over the course of the semester
- Reflects upon the challenges you faced writing/developing the script
- Considers further development you would undertake if you were to re-write another draft of the screenplay
Due Week 15 – 5pm Monday 21 May, 2018
SEMESTER 2:
ASSESSMENT 4. Develop a substantial Script Segment
You will workshop an act or segment of a newly-written screenplay that you are NOT working on in any other RMIT unit. It should be approximately 25 pages long. It can be a short film, an act of a feature film, or a segment/episode from a television series. The first part of the workshop will comprise a rehearsed reading that will take approximately 30 minutes. You will come prepared - with other students already cast in specific roles for the reading.
The second part of the workshop will comprise a structured discussion about the screenplay. The discussion will be facilitated by the teacher, but led by you. You will identify five key areas for further development.
You will be required to email a copy of your script to the teacher two days before your class and must provide copies for other students to read from within class. You will be assessed on observation.
Due Weeks 2 - 7 (9/10 July – 13/14 August, 2018)
ASSESSMENT 5. Final Readings of Revised Script Segment (graded)
You will present a rehearsed reading of your revised screenplay to the class. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate a significant re-drafting of your project.
Due Weeks 11 – 14 (10/11 September – 15/16 October, 2018)
PLEASE NOTE: Assessments 2, 4 and 5 are due the week in which you are BOOKED in to workshop/read your script.
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
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 Canvas 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.
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised 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.
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.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
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
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
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) 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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview