Course Title: Write scripts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: PERF5091C

Course Title: Write scripts

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

Teacher: George Viscas

Email: george.viscas@rmit.edu.au

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

Write Scripts looks at the skills and knowledge required to write scripts for a creative production. During this course you work collaboratively with others to develop a concept into a draft script.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAWRT601 Write scripts

Element:

1. Prepare to write scripts

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions 1.2 Identify audience and purpose, and requirements for genre, structure and format 1.3 Evaluate script concepts and ideas, narrative and structural framework in relation to stipulated source material, as required 1.4 Review, discuss and obtain feedback about narratives from relevant personnel, as required 1.5 Establish criteria to evaluate scripts in the form they will be produced

Element:

2. Write draft scripts

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques 2.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time 2.3 Collaborate with relevant personnel to refine and redraft script to meet creative, technical and artistic requirements 2.4 Confirm factual accuracy based on original research and agreed existing narrative as required 2.5 Confirm material complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication 2.6 Check final draft of script meets production and performance requirements

Element:

3. Produce final scripts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present draft script to production team for discussion 3.2 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel 3.3 Evaluate draft scripts against established criteria 3.4 Make final adjustments to scripts and submit to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to write a short screenplay, understand copyright for this screenplay, apply effective interpersonal communication techniques, work to deadline and work in collaboration with others including a professional attitude to feedback and its possible incorporation.


Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

Students will participate in observation, listening, workshopping and writing exercises plus discussions viewing and analysing material including giving feedback to fellow student's work.

In class learning exercises include but are not limited to:

  • Observation
  • Listening and writing exercises 
  • Screenings
  • Group discussions
  • Student directed learning working independently
  • Analysing screenplays
  • Assessing screenplays
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Out of class activities include but are not restricted to:
  • Research
  • Reading
  • Viewing films
  • Meeting with fellow students
  • Independent project based work


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 resources.

Week

Class Content

Assessment

Elements

1

Orientation to the course

Resources, assessments and course expectations

Safety practices/OHS – discuss safe ergonomic practices when using keyboards for long periods of time

What is a screenplay

Understanding your audience

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2

CUAWRT602:

1,2

2

Screenwriting narrative forms

Exploring Genre and Genre motifs

Critical language in examining screenplays.

Discussion/evaluation of the role of visualisation

Thoughts on visualising the screenplay

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1

CUAWRT602:

1

3

Researching your story

Act structure and plot points

Introduction to characters

 

Assessment 1 due next week

CUAWRT601:

2

CUAWRT602:

1

4

Analysis of existing film/tv program or web production

Characters and story

Introduction to subtext

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded)

Story outline and plot points

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2

CUAWRT602:

1

5

Tools of Visualisation of characters

Create your Bible for your characters

Dialogue as an added character tool

Use of Backstory

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2

CUAWRT602:

1

6

Importance of Backstory

How to structure Act 1

Effect of audience

Review Act 1 and seek feedback from colleges

 

Assessment 2 due next week

CUAWRT601:

1,2,3

CUAWRT602:

1,2,3

7

Feature film and TV series review

Plot points

 

Assessment Task 2 (ungraded)

Character bible

 

CUAWRT601:

1

CUAWRT602:

1

8

Structure of Act 2

How to generate conflict

Mid-point

Review Act 2 and seek feedback from colleagues

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2,3

CUAWRT602:

1,2,3

9

Revise Act 2

Resolution or Act 3

Elements that make up Act 3

Review Act 3 and seek feedback from colleagues

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2,3

CUAWRT602:

1,2,3

10

Class discussion on individual screenplays

Deconstruct and make script changes

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2

CUAWRT602:

1,2

11

Review individual screenplays

Discuss and make changes or rewrites of script where required

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2,3

CUAWRT602:

1,2,3

 

12

Review script rewrites or changes

Discuss and seek feedback from colleagues

 

CUAWRT601:

1

CUAWRT602:

1

 

13

Pitch and log lines – discuss their creations and why they are important

 

 

CUAWRT601:

1

CUAWRT602:

1

14

Pitch and log lines – presentations for class discussion and feedback

 

Assessment 3 due next week

 

CUAWRT601:

2,3

CUAWRT602:

2,3

15

Assignment 3 presentations and class discussion

Hand in Assignment 3

 

Assessment Task 3 (graded)

Final script for short film

 

CUAWRT601:

1,2,3

CUAWRT602:

1,2,3

16

Review and discussion of Assignment 3

Assignments handed back

 

 

CUAWRT601:

3

CUAWRT602:

3

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Notes as supplied by the teacher

DVDs as supplied by the teacher

Making A Good Script Great  by Linda Seger

Various screenplays

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and involves practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and written projects.


Assessment Tasks

For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard.

You will receive feedback on all assessments and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.

Assessment Tasks (ungraded):

Assessment Task 1 - Story outline and plot points (ungraded). Presented to the tutor, please present your story in dot point form only using the three act structure and the two plot points. Due Date: Week 4

Assessment Task 2 - Character Bible (ungraded). Present character bible on 3 main characters as well as their backstories. Due Date: Week 7

Assessment Task (graded):

Assessment Task 3: Final Script for a 7-12 minute short film (graded). Present final drafts, editors notes and how notes have been incorporated into the final draft and feedback from other colleagues. Due Date: Week 15

 

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16

Grading criteria for graded assessment can be found on the course canvas site. You will be assessed using 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 demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in 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:

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