Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: COMM5972C

Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nicole McKinnon
e: nicole.mckinnon@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 4375

Nominal Hours: 50

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

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to develop a narrative, storyline or story structure for film, animation or interactive products.

It applies to individuals who work on a range of film, television and digital media productions. They work collaboratively with content developers,  editors, and producers.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAWRT502 Develop storylines and treatments

Element:

1. Plan and prepare to write production material

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Define script writing construction, style and formats required for the production and clients

1.2 Define and develop ideas and concepts based on analysis of genre, audience and purpose

1.3 Develop elements of narrative, including visual and aural components, dialogue and other communication techniques, such as symbols and icons, to convey information in production material

Element:

2. Develop storylines or treatments

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify components of script development required by concept proposals

2.2 Develop concepts to synopsis stage or equivalent as required by production format or genre

2.3 Develop treatment and scene breakdown as required by production format or genre

2.4 Evaluate narrative development with relevant personnel and incorporate feedback as required

2.5 Develop material in a format appropriate for story conferencing or pitch presentation to client

2.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time

Element:

3. Finalise storylines or treatments

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present materials for discussion to production team responsible for story conferences or pitching to clients

3.2 Redraft materials incorporating feedback as required

3.3 Make relevant material ready for next stage of production within agreed timeframes and budget requirements


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to develop storylines and treatments for media products in the creative industries.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection


Teaching Schedule

 

Week

Class Content – Concept 3

Assessment Tasks

Wk 1

Course introduction and Design Project 3 concept presentations. Intro to A01 - Design Project 3 Concept Workbook

 

Wk 2

Project synopsis and treatment

 

Wk 3

Elements of User Experience - Strategy & Scope Subject, Action, Character - Three act structure - Heroes’ journey

 

Wk 4

User profiles/User scenario - Character bios & backstory

 

Wk 5

Studio class - A01 pre-production workshop and project feedback

 

Wk 6

WIP review – Present your progress - A01 pre-production workshop and project feedback. A01 Work in progress review presentation

A01 - Design Project 3 Concept Workbook including Work in progress review presentation

Wk 7

Review and feedback for A01 - Design Project 3 Concept Workbook. A01 project feedback. Intro to A02 - Design Project 4 Concept Workbook

 

Wk 8

Design Project 4 concept presentations –Three concept proposals

 

Wk 9

Individual consultations and feedback. Begin first drafts Design Project 4 synopsis and treatment.

 

Wk 10

Studio class - A02 pre-production workshop and project feedback. Define Strategy and Scope. Develop Subject, Action, Character. Define Three act structure and The Heroes’ Journey.

 

Wk 11

Studio class - A02 pre-production workshop and project feedback. Write User profiles/User scenario - Character bios and backstory.

 

Wk 12

Studio class - A02 pre-production workshop and project feedback. Start developing first draft of relevant pre-production material.

 

Wk 13

Studio class - A02 pre-production workshop and project feedback. Re-draft relevant pre-production material.

 

Wk 14

WIP review – Present your progress - A02 pre-production workshop and project feedback. Develop final draft of relevant pre-production material. A02 Work in progress review presentation in class

A02 - Design Project 4 Concept Workbook including Work in progress review presentation in class

Wk 15

Review and feedback for A02 - Design Project 4 Concept Workbook

 

Wk 16

Scheduled feedback and assessment

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB flash drive, with at least 32Gb capacity.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.


Assessment Tasks

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task A02 and for the course. Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.

Your projects may either be interactive, games, web based or mobile (INT). Or linear, screen based 2D, 3D or motion designed animations (ANM)

Ungraded:

A01 - Design Project 3 Concept Workbook
As part of the pre-production phase for your Design Project 3 you will complete a Concept Workbook which will consist of these milestones:

Wk 1 - Present 3 project concepts in class for Design Project 3
Wk 2 - Prepare synopsis and project treatment in class
Wk 3 - Define Strategy and Scope (INT)
           Define Subject, Action, Character and Three Act structure (ANM)
Wk 4 - Define User Profiles and Scenarios (INT)
           Define Character Bios and backstories (ANM)
Wk 5 - First draft pre-production documents. Script (ANM)
           or Flowcharts/Wireframes (INT)
Wk 6 - Final draft pre-production documents. Script (ANM)
           or Flowcharts/Wireframes (INT)

Due week 6

Graded:

A02 - Design Project 4 Concept Workbook
As part of the pre-production phase for your Design Project 4 you will complete a Concept Workbook which will consist of these milestones:

Wk 8 - Present 3 project concepts in class for Design Project 4
Wk 9 - Prepare synopsis and project treatment in class
Wk 10 - Define Strategy and Scope (INT)
             Define Subject, Action, Character and Three Act structure (ANM)
Wk 11 - Define User Profiles and Scenarios (INT)
             Define Character Bios and backstories (ANM)
Wk 12 - First draft pre-production documents. Script (ANM)
             or Flowcharts/Wireframes (INT)
Wk 14 - Final draft pre-production documents. Script (ANM)
             or Flowcharts/Wireframes (INT)

Due week 14

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


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 through myRmit, 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

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

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.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

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.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

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.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

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.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview