Course Title: Write scripts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: PERF5091C

Course Title: Write scripts

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Angela How

Email: angela.how@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

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

 

Refresher:-

3-Act Structure (Act structure and plot points) Script formatting

 

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

 

Analysis of existing film/tv program or web production

Characters and story Introduction to subtext

 

Synopsis Scene list

Character development Character Bio (Use of backstory)

Dialogue as an added character tool

 

Researching your story

 

Preparation for week 2 – Script ideas

 

2

Screenwriting workshop – Script ideas verbal pitch

 

3

Screenwriting workshop – Script ideas verbal pitch

 

4

Screenwriting – Synopsis, Character Bio, Scene List

Assessment 1 Due

5

Screenwriting – Synopsis, Character Bio, Scene List

 

6

Screenwriting workshop – Synopsis, Character Bio, Scene List

 

7

Screenwriting workshop – Synopsis, Character Bio, Scene List

 

8

Screenwriting – Script Draft 1

 

9

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 1

 

10

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 1

 

11

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 1

 

12

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 2

Assessment 2 Due

13

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 2

 

 

 

14

Screenwriting workshop – Script Draft 2

 

15

Screenwriting – Script Draft 3

Assessment 3 Due

16

Review

 

 

 

 

 

 


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.

Assessment Task 1 - Prepare to Write Scripts, Knowledge Questions. This knowledge assessment is designed to test the student’s ability to answer questions that address key concepts and theory as they develop an introduction to the craft of writing scripts. Due Date: week 4

Assessment Task 2 - Write Draft Script. For this assessment, students will individually write an original draft screenplay. Due Date: week 12

Assessment Task 3 - Final Draft Script. Students will produce a draft script and engage in a feedback discussion with their peers. They will then take note of feedback, incorporate this feedback into their work and create and submit a completed final draft script (aiming for 7-12 minutes screen time including credits). Due Date: week 15

 

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

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

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

 

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.

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.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview