Course Title: Realise a body of creative work

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: VART6474C

Course Title: Realise a body of creative work

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Alan Woodruff

email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au

ph: 9925 4307

Nominal Hours: 80

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 learn the essentials of professional scriptwriting, developing the skills, knowledge and personal savvy required to write a screenplay as a commissioned script or an independent speculative project. Your completed work will convey a well-developed command of materials, process and technique.   This course addresses the following unit of competency: CUAPPR501 Realise a body of creative work

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAPPR501 Realise a body of creative work

Element:

1. Develop ideas for a coherent body of creative work

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish and explore a developing range of sources to inform new ideas, including consideration of intellectual property requirements

1.2 Support professional practice by extending knowledge of historical and contemporary references

1.3 Evaluate developing ideas and options for creative work using critical and creative thinking approaches

1.4 Identify ideas that have professional potential

1.5 Refine own ideas through consultation with relevant people

1.6 Develop ideas or designs based on research and analysis, and their suitability for intended purpose

Element:

2. Plan and organise the production of creative work

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Confirm scope and objectives of the work based on the project concept

2.2 Evaluate and organise financial, physical and other resources based on in-depth knowledge of the creative form

2.3 Set up or gain access to an appropriate work space

2.4 Develop a realistic timeframe for the production of work

2.5 Evaluate and respond to project constraints

2.6 Monitor project workflow against the plan

Element:

3. Develop own approach to documenting the body of work

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate options for documenting and recording work and the ideas and research that inform it

3.2 Determine the type and amount of information for inclusion

3.3 Select and develop own approach and presentation style

3.4 Document production of work from initial ideas to realisation

Element:

4. Collaborate with others in producing work

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Seek and respond to critical analysis of own work by others

4.2 Participate critically and knowledgably in discussions that explore different ways of doing things

4.3 Experiment with ideas that come from collaboration

Element:

5. Create finished work

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Use safe and sustainable work practices to manipulate selected materials, processes and technologies with increasing skill when creating finished work

5.2 Challenge and test technical and conceptual aspects of the work during production

5.3 Finish work to professional standard within required budget and timeframes

Element:

6. Evaluate own creative work

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Review work in progress against personal, professional and artistic objectives

6.2 Identify and respond to opportunities for refinement and re-thinking

6.3 Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the work process

6.4 Evaluate finished work in terms of its coherence with the project concept, technical resolution and suitability for intended purpose

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements. You will be able to write a synopsis, develop a treatment and draft your screenplay.


Details of Learning Activities

In this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to write a screenplay as either a commissioned script or as a speculative venture. Semester 1 will introduce you to the basic elements of scriptwriting, including character development and plot. You will also consider what motivates a screenwriter and how to give and receive feedback.

Examples of learning activities:

  • class exercises, both written and practical
  • practical demonstrations
  • film viewing and analysis
  • research
  • independent project based work
  • workshopping of student projects, including peer/teacher feedback


Teaching Schedule

Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and resources.

Week beginning

Class content

Assessment

Week 1

 

 

Overview of semester – The screenwriter’s role, differences between writing scripts and prose, working with principal collaborators, format examples, organisations, etc.

Summary of assessments.

The primacy of image.

 

Week 2

 

Assessment Task #1 briefed: Write a Simple Scene.

Elements of a scene.

Writing effective, action-based descriptions.

  

Week 3

 

Writing dialogue and action – Functions of dialogue, character voices, exposition, etc.

Next week: Assessment 1 drafts are to be brought to class for editing/workshopping.

 

Week 4

 

Feedback and re-writing – The rules of feedback for the class are established.

Workshopping of Assessment 1 drafts.

Assessment Task 1

Week 5

 

Generating multi-dimensional characters. Using attributes (physical, social, psychological), strengths and weaknesses, etc. to build characters who best tell your story.

Assessment Task #2 briefed: Write a first person account of an event.

  

Week 6

 

Pitch the feature idea you might pursue in Semester 2, incorporating our investigations into action and character.

 

Week 7

 

 Continuing our exploration of character. Design character bios from the supplied prompt and sketch out a feature film built around your characters.

 

Week 8

 

Workshop Assessment Task 2.

All students to bring a copy of their work-in-progress to class.

Assessment Task 2

 

Mid-semester break Monday 6 to Monday 13 April inclusive

  

Week 9

 

Assessment Task #3 briefed: Structure.

Using audio to deliver story elements. Writing dialogue.

  

Week 10

 

 Introduction to structure: the three act paradigm.

 

Week 11

 

Anticipating longer works: hooks, catalysts, themes, etc.

In-class exercises working toward Assessment Task 3.

 

Week 12

 

Genre. Using genre to define both the type of story and its delivery.

 

Week 13

 

Revision of screenwriting elements and strategies using viewings and discussion.

 

Week 14

 

Outline feedback – Work in pairs to provide feedback (as specified by teacher) on each others’ outlines.

Homework – Polish outlines for submission.

Assessment Task 3

Week 15

 

 Semester review. Re-assessment if needed.  

Week 16

 Semester review. Re-assessment if needed.  

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.


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 is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as 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.

Assessment Task 1 – Write a simple scene
You will develop a short narrative from a visual prompt, and respond creatively to feedback from others.
Due Week 4, Sunday 18 March.

Assessment Task 2 – Character 
You will develop a 1000-word narrative centred around an historical event of your choice, in which you are an active participant. 
Due Week 8, Sunday 5 April.

Assessment Task 3 – Structure
You will develop a storyline and characters of your choice to deliver a self-contained narrative that strictly adheres to a set six-scene structure.
Due Week 14, Sunday 24 May.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessments are: CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

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.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL 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