Course Title: Write episode of a television series
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: COMM7350C
Course Title: Write episode of a television series
Important Information:
Not applicable
School: 345H Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
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: Cameron Clarke
Ph: 9925 0812
Nominal Hours: 70
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. You are advised to complete OART5005C Critique cultural works, which focuses on television content, before doing this unit.
Course Description
This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to write an episode of an existing television series or serial. Television script writing is highly collaborative and requires writers to be able to work effectively with story editors, script editors and script producers. The ability to work to deadlines, meet the production requirements of a particular show and develop story creatively and efficiently in a pressured environment are some of the essential skills required by successful screenwriters, and you'll practise those across the semester.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PSWCOR602 Write episode of a television series |
Element: |
1. Develop story in a team |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Establish genre, form and style of the television series as part of the team 1.2 Contribute to identifying a creative and sustainable dramatic premise and dramatic question for the episode 1.3 Provide pitch story ideas and plot points that are appropriate for show's and episode's requirements 1.4 Contribute to the creation of engaging character arcs appropriate for show's and episode's requirements 1.5 Determine and agree on team's allocation of scene breakdowns and timelines in the developing the episode |
Element: |
2. Develop scene breakdowns |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Describe the essential story beats and character arcs of each scene using strong, engaging prose in the appropriate format 2.2 Ensure continuity of character, place and time of previous episodes 2.3 Develop stories that are balanced and use powerful imagery to dramatise the story 2.4 Ensure character development is within production requirements 2.5 Discuss any proposed changes with others in the story team 2.6 Complete scene breakdowns to agreed timelines, and in required format |
Element: |
3. Develop scripts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Write scripts to the approved scene breakdown 3.2 Compose dynamic dialogue with strong subtext for the scenes 3.3 Address problems of exposition using a creative and dramatic approach 3.4 Create dynamic scenes that dramatise the story 3.5 Create strong images that develop the story with a strong visual sense 3.6 Establish and maintain the character point of view throughout the story 3.7 Maintain continuity of character, time and place throughout the scene 3.8 Time scenes to meet program requirements 3.9 Complete draft scripts to agreed timelines and in the required format |
Element: |
4. Finalise scripts for television episode |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Seek feedback from others in the story team on the draft scripts 4.2 Address any identified problems of exposition and repetition in a creative and dramatic manner in the revised script 4.3 Delete or add scenes in the revised script as required 4.4 Strengthen character motivation in the revised script as required 4.5 Increase dramatic stakes in the revised script where possible 4.6 Time scenes accurately to program requirements 4.7 Complete final scripts of the episode to agreed timelines and in the required script format |
Learning Outcomes
On completing this unit, you will have developed the craft skills required to collaboratively plot, develop and write a storyline, scene breakdown and early script drafts of a television series or serial.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course, you will learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• analysis/critique of students’ writings
2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and reading assignments
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Content |
Assessment due |
1 |
Introduction to the semester’s work and assessment. From storyline to first draft - the process. Synopsis, treatment, scene breakdown, drafts. What makes a good concept for a television show? Identifying the story engine. Identify TV series suitable to write for. Brainstorming, story generation and story conferencing. |
|
2 |
The Series Bible – premise, logline, synopsis, characters and character arcs, story arcs, genre, audience, format, theme. Brainstorm and workshop episode ideas. |
|
3 |
Pitch episode ideas. |
Assessment 1 |
4 |
Pitching cont. |
Assessment 1 |
5 |
Episode structure Plotting A and B stories Set Up and Pay Off The Scene Breakdown |
|
6 |
|
|
7 |
|
Assessment 2 |
8 |
Dialogue |
|
9 |
Big Print |
|
10 |
Editing |
|
11 |
Editing cont. |
|
|
Mid semester break - 17–28 September |
|
12 |
Redrafting |
|
13 |
Table reads |
Assessment 3 |
14 |
Table reads |
Assessment 3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
To be supplied in class.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 3 (refer to Canvas for assessment criteria and grading rubric). Submission dates for tasks fall on the day you attend class.
Assessment Task 1. PITCHING (Weeks 3 or 4: due Wednesday 18 or 25 July; Friday 20 or 27 July)
You will verbally pitch a story for an existing TV series. You will pitch your story in class time, to the whole class. Allow for 10 minutes for your pitch. You will be assessed by observation and given feedback when you have finished.
Assessment Task 2. SCENE BREAKDOWN (Week 7: due Wednesday 15 August; Friday 17 August)
You will write and submit a scene breakdown for a 24 minute episode you will develop in class.
Assessment Task 3. SCRIPT (Week 13 or 14: due Wednesday 10 or 17 October; Friday 12 or 19 October)
You will write a script for a 24-minute episode based upon your scene breakdown. To be table read in class.
Once you have demonstrated competency, the final assessment task will be graded (refer to Canvas for grading rubric).
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
For the assessment matrix please consult the program administrator.
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. 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.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
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.
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview