Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

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

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

 

 

Class content

Assessments

Wk 1

Course introduction. Introduction to A01 - Concept Development class exercises and A02 Design Project 3 Concept Development.

 

Class exercise: Where do ideas come from? Reviewing a range of techniques for generating ideas.

 

Wk 2

Reviewing your three Concepts. Developing a Project Synopsis and Project Treatment.

 

Safe practices when working on screens and keyboards for long periods of time.

 

Class exercise: A look at Genres.

 

Wk 3

Strategy and Scope for interactive projects (game, websites, apps).

 

Define the Subject, Action, Character and Three Act Structure for Linear projects (Animations, and other linear projects).

 

Class exercise: The Three Act Structure.

 

Wk 4

User Profiles and User Scenario for Interactive Projects.

 

Character bios for linear projects with characters or the visual style defined for linear projects without characters.

 

Class exercise: The Hero’s Journey.

 

 

Wk 5

Flowcharts for Interactive Projects.

Draft of Script for all linear projects.

 

Class exercise: A look at Twine.

A01 - Concept Development class exercises

 

Wk 6

WIP review – Present your progress with A02

Present A01 Design Project 3 Concept Development to receive feedback in class. Ideally it should be close to completion but you must attend even if your work is incomplete.

 

A02 - Design Project 3 Concept Development

Wk 7

UX – User Experience overview and introduction to A03 UX Design Research and Development. (Part 1 due week 9 and Part 2 due 12). Developing an appropriate design Document.

 

 

Wk 8

UX – User Testing. How to do it and why it is useful.

 

 

Wk 9

WIP review – Present your progress with A03


Present A03 UX Design Research and Development. Part 1 - to receive feedback in class. Ideally it should be close to completion but you must attend even if your work is incomplete.

A03 - UX Design Research and Development. Part 1

Wk 10

UX – Paper prototyping

 

Wk 11

UX – Dealing with Text and other design assets.

 

Wk 12

WIP review – Present your progress with A03

 

Present A03 UX Design Research and Development. Part 2 - to receive feedback in class. Ideally it should be close to completion but you must attend even if your work is incomplete.

A03 - UX Design Research and Development. Part 2

Wk 13

Industry Project

 

Wk 14

Industry Project

 

Wk 15

Industry Project

A04 - Concept 3 Knowledge Quiz

Wk 16

Industry Project

 


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 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.

You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account.


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

Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments 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 A02 and A03 and for the course.

Late submissions or submissions that do not reach the required standard, may be assessed Not Yet Satisfactory. You will receive resubmission instructions via email, myRMIT or LMS feedback. Resubmissions must occur within a week of this notification. Graded assessments which are resubmitted, are eligible for CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) only.

Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course LMS page through MyRMIT.

A01 - Concept Development class exercises.

Students will participate in class exercises each week from week 1 – 5. The aim of these exercises is to help you learn to develop ideas, to get you to approach the development of ideas from a range of different ways. Some of the exercises will be done in groups or by the individual student.

Due week 5 - Ungraded

 

A02 - Design Project 3 Concept Development.

Students are required to complete written preproduction for the Design Project 3 project. This will give students the opportunity to develop the concept. 

Due week 6 - Graded

 

A03 - UX Design Research and Development. Through a range of research techniques, investigate an interactive work such as an App, Game, Website or social networking platform that does not achieve its intended aim (Part 1) and propose how you will improve it (Part 2).

Part 1 - Due week 9

Part 2 - Due week 12 - Graded

 

A04 - Concept 3 Knowledge Quiz

A knowledge quiz to gauge your understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques covered in this course.

Due week 15 - Ungraded

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page 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.

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to 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
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