Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2020
Course Code: COMM5972C
Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact: Nat Bates
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jeanie Hague-Smith
jeanie.hague-smith@rmit.edu.au
9925 4815
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
This course consists of 2 Units of Competency that are clustered together for delivery and assessment. The other unit of competency in this clustered course is: CUAPPR605 Evolve ideas for professional creative work
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
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT OneDrive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
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.
| 1 |
Concept 3 Introduction Generating Ideas
|
Course introduction Generating ideas and storytelling techniques based on a range of in-class idea generating exercises. AT1: Class Exercises.
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| 2 | Three Acts and Seven Plots |
A look into how the 3 act structure is used in film and TV scripts and the seven plots. |
|
| 3 | Scripts | Script structure, style and formatting. |
|
| 4 | External Context & research | Research and critique a film, show or game |
|
| 5 | Self Care |
Understand the health and safety risks while working in digital media Work in progress review AT1 |
AT1: Class Exercises. |
| 6 | Concepts & Synopsis |
Introduction to AT2 Creative Ideation Workbook Developing initial concepts. |
|
| 7 | Writers Workshop & Research |
Work in groups to workshop your ideas. Undertake research on the key topics your concept is exploring. |
|
| 8 | Twisted Concept |
Twisted Concept – re-purposing a concept – looking at synopsis and genre Setting up a workstation |
|
| 9 | Writing a Pitch Document |
Introduction AT3A: Pitch Document Loglines, target Audience, genre, synopsis, treatment, final script, character biographies. Flowcharts, Strategy and Scope for interactive projects (game, websites, apps). |
AT2: Creative Ideation Workbook Due. |
| 10 | Designing a Pitch Document | Design document do’s & don’ts |
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| 11 | Review of pitch document | Work in progress review – of pitch document so far. |
|
| 12 | Pitch Document Feedback | Continue to work on Pitch document incorporating teacher’s feedback where appropriate. |
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| 13 |
Finalise pitch document content and visual presentation. Pitch practise workshop |
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| 14 | Finalise pitch document | WIP - students will be required to present their pitch document to teacher for final review prior to submission and pitch. | |
| 15 | Pitch Week | AT3B Pitch Students will pitch their document during the class. |
AT3A Pitch Document Due AT3B Pitch Due (in class) |
| 16 | Review |
AT3C Pitch Review Students will reflect on their pitch concept. |
AT3C Pitch Review Due |
| 17 | Refine Assignments and course review |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
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
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
AT1 Class exercises
Participate in class exercises each week from weeks 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
AT2 Creative Ideation Workbook
This assessment entails a workbook where you will document your process as you start to develop, experiment with and refine your concept ideas. You will outline three initial ideas that could be turned into a short digital project.
Due week 9
AT3a Pitch document
Continuing on from Assessment 02 where you presented three concepts for feedback from your peers/colleagues, in this assessment you are presenting your polished and refined idea to a simulated industry panel. You will create a pitch document to support your presentation.This document must be formally and professionally presented, as if prepared for a real world client.
Due week 15
AT3b Pitch presentation
Continuing on from Assessment 3a where you created a pitch document, in this assessment you are presenting your polished and refined idea to a simulated industry panel.
Due week 15
AT3c Pitch presentation review
This is where you must demonstrate your understanding of the techniques we’ve covered as well as additional processes you have explored for your specific project. This is your director's commentary, your behind the scenes, your tell-all story, where you discuss the highls and lows of the evolution of your concept.
Due week 16
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit
Assessment Matrix
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.
Other Information
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
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.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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