Course Title: Create and market a drama series
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: COMM7354C
Course Title: Create and market a drama series
Important Information:
This course will be delivered through face-to-face classes, interaction with industry mentors, and the learning support material and resources in Canvas.
School: 345T 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: John Reeves
john.reeves@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 140
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
Enrolment in this elective course at RMIT requires you to have completed all first year courses.
Course Description
In this course you'll originate and fashion your own TV series or serial with input from fellow students, teachers and industry professionals, and become skilled in the craft of writing and story/script editing scripted drama. You'll learn how a plotting room works through first-hand collaborative experience, story and script editing original material.
This course addresses the following units of competency, clustered for delivery and assessment:
- PSWDTV603 Create and market a drama series
- PSWDTV604 Script and story edit television drama
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PSWDTV603 Create and market a drama series |
Element: |
1. Identify opportunities for the project |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Research current and future local and global markets for a drama series project 1.2 Examine existing drama series to determine what is unique and different about the project 1.3 Consider copyright, moral rights and intellectual property and legislative impacts for the project 1.4 Identify appropriate producers, production companies and networks to partner for the project 1.5 Liaise with potential project partners to assess feasibility for the drama series and gain feedback and confirm the partnership |
Element: |
2. Produce drama series concept |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Establish a sustainable dramatic premise for the series 2.2 Devise a sustainable dramatic question for the premise 2.3 Clarify narrative style, format and conventions for the production 2.4 Develop dramatically engaging characters and character arcs for the series 2.5 Construct strong, distinctive dramatic story arcs across the series 2.6 Analyse and evaluate the main strength and appeal of the series 2.7 Write a series bible that identifies the concept for the series to industry standards |
Element: |
3. Develop pilot episode in a story meeting |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and collaborate with creative team of writers, producers and directors to develop the pilot episode script from the series bible 3.2 Contribute to plotting dramatically engaging stories and character arcs within the agreed style, format and conventions 3.3 Ensure the episode is supported by a strong dramatic structure 3.4 Contribute to the development of the episode that tells a dynamic, compelling story with credible, engaging characters 3.5 Check each scene drives the story forward with strong dialogue, subtext and imagery 3.6 Ensure plot and characters are well integrated with the format, style and conventions of the proposed series 3.7 Check for continuity and expositional problems of character, place and time are creatively addressed 3.8 Develop pilot episode to industry conventions and standards, ensuring any copyright, moral rights |
Element: |
4. Market the production |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Prepare and present the pitch to relevant people supported by project partners 4.2 Ensure pitch conveys the production's dramatic premise, style and unique selling points 4.3 Respond to feedback and make adjustments to the concept and episode as required 4.3 Identify other funding opportunities to develop project further |
Learning Outcomes
By taking this course, you'll acquire the skills to plot and write a pilot episode for your own show, complete a series bible, and devise strategies for taking your project to the local and international marketplace.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course, you 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
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- 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
Semester 1, 2019
Week |
Date |
Class Content |
Assessment |
Elements |
Week 1 |
Feb 13 |
Overview of course content and assessment requirements Discuss: a series bible and a pilot script for your own series Group presentation: initial planning & personality compass Skills Inventory Sample Scripts Final Draft - Introduction |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 2 |
Feb 20 |
Group presentation: discussion & drafting Exercise: The language, approaches and methods employed in the screenwriting process Creating and developing a dynamic core character Our collaborative work - discussion and development |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 3 |
Feb 27 |
Your premise: define a simple, compelling idea and a place to set it Developing an awareness of the market for your genre Creating a market analysis: What, where, who, how Exercise: Monologue Readings: The Case |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 4 |
Mar 6 |
Your collaborative script: the brief Your characters: use personal sourcing and ongoing research to create a nucleus of key characters. Script Editors - short list Timing intensive Essentials of Final Draft |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 5 |
Mar 13 |
Pitch/perform your draft monologue. Preparation for Assessment 1: Pitch your pilot story arc Script Editing: scene and sequence analysis Structural Modification Story Hooks and Character Transition |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 6 |
Mar 20 |
Pitch your pilot story arc |
Assessment Task 1 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 7 |
Mar 27 |
Pitch your pilot story arc |
Assessment Task 1 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 8 |
Apr 3 |
Pitch your pilot story arc Conflict & story development: how do we break the rules? Guest speaker: TBA |
Assessment Task 1 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 9 |
Apr 11 |
Segment plotting Story Conference Debrief and Feedback |
Assessment Task 2 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 10 |
Apr 18 |
Segment Plotting (cont'd) Story Conference Debrief and Feedback (cont'd) |
Assessment Task 2 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
|
|
Mid-semester break: Good Friday April 19 to Friday April 26 inclusive |
|
|
Week 11 |
May 1 |
Script Editing: Script Re-writing and Polishing |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 12 |
May 8 |
Draft script readings |
Assessment Task 3 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 13 |
May 15 |
Draft script readings (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 3 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 14 |
May 22 |
Draft script readings (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 3 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 15 |
May 29 |
Draft script readings (if required) |
Assessment Task 3 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
|
|
Semester break: classes resume Monday July 8 |
|
|
Semester 2, 2019
Week |
Date |
Class Content |
Assessment |
Elements |
Week 1 |
July 10 |
Redrafting: the key to successful drama and a rewarding career Reshaping Skills: Structure and Rhythm |
Assessment Task 3 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 2 |
July 17 |
Face to face meetings |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 3 |
July 24 |
Face to face meetings |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 4 |
July 31 |
Your bible: key character/s, their story arcs, and the story arena Editing your bible for maximum impact |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 5 |
Aug 7 |
Table reads of Edited Collaborative Scripts |
Assessment Task 4 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 6 |
Aug 14 |
Putting together a successful pitch Guest speakers: Is your project ready for the market? Planning for success |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 7 |
Aug 21 |
Visually pitch your project (including market-ready self assessment) |
Assessment Task 5 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 8 |
Aug 28 |
Visually pitch your project (including market-ready self assessment) (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 5 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
|
|
Mid-semester break: Monday September 2 to Friday September 6 inclusive |
|
|
Week 9 |
Sep 11 |
The full draft: group workshopping (cont’d) |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 10 |
Sep 18 |
The full draft: group workshopping (cont’d) |
|
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 11 |
Sep 25 |
Table readings of full draft script/final bible pitch |
Assessment Task 6 |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 12 |
Oct 2 |
Table readings of full draft script/final bible pitch (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 6 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 13 |
Oct 9 |
Table readings of full draft script/final bible pitch (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 6 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 14 |
Oct 16 |
Table readings of full draft script/final bible pitch (cont’d) |
Assessment Task 6 (cont’d) |
PSWDTV603 1, 2, 3, 4 PSWDTV604 1, 2, 3, 4
|
Week 15 |
Oct 23 |
No scheduled meeting: semester review TBC |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and to the internet for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, story conferences, pitching 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 the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on Canvas for full assessment criteria.
If you have not completed an assessment task to a satisfactory standard you will be given an opportunity to resubmit that task within one week of receiving feedback. You will have one opportunity to resubmit your work.
Assessment 1: Your targeted research, story arc and monologue
Due: Weeks 6 - 8 (by arrangement with teacher)
Assessment 2: Plotting/Story Conferences/Scene Breakdowns
Due: Weeks 9 & 10 (by arrangement with teacher)
Assessment 3: Draft pilot script, including script reading
Due: Weeks 12 - 15 (by arrangement with teacher)
Assessment 4: Your targeted research, story arc and monologue
Due: Week 5, Semester 2
Assessment 5: Visually pitch your project (including market-ready self-assessment)
Due: Weeks 7 & 8, Semester 2 (by arrangement with teacher)
Assessment 6: Final pilot script, table reading and completed series bible
Due: Weeks 11-14, Semester 2 (by arrangement with teacher)
Detailed assessment briefs for these tasks are available on Canvas.
Once you have achieved competency for the unit, you will receive an overall grade for the course (refer to Canvas for the graded rubric with specified criteria). This rubric will relate to all assessments and your overall performance in the course.
Grades used in this course are as follows:
- 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 demonstrates 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.
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.
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