Course Title: Evaluate scripts for development and production
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: COMM7408C
Course Title: Evaluate scripts for development and production
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6180 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Alan Woodruff
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4307
Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Neil Triffett:
Nominal Hours: 85
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 core second year course at RMIT requires you to have completed all first year courses.
Course Description
This is a course aimed at developing your skills as a script developer and script consultant. In the fragmented world of scripted entertainment, script consultancy is an essential skill and a high-growth industry.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
NAT11115003 Evaluate scripts for development and production |
Element: |
1. Clarify script evaluation requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify the purpose and production for the script evaluation 1.2 Clarify agency or production house specific requirements for script readings and reports, and any requirements for follow up meetings with the writer 1.3 Review accompanying statements to clarify writer/s' concept |
Element: |
2. Evaluate the script |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify story, plot, character motivation, style and conventions 2.2 Consider the dramatic potential of the script's concept 2.3 Identify the potential of the story and characters to engage an audience 2.4 Evaluate challenges of the script's plot, character, concept and style 2.5 Assess the script's readiness for production 2.6 Determine strategies to address in subsequent development 2.7 Assess the strength and distinctiveness of the story |
Element: |
3. Report on the script |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Write a report outlining the script's strengths and weaknesses 3.2 Estimate work required to redevelop the script to production quality 3.3 Outline strategies and/or options for rewriting and redeveloping the script 3.4 Format the report to company or agency requirements and deliver to agreed timelines 3.5 Participate in follow up meetings with the writer/s to provide face to face feedback as required |
Learning Outcomes
In completion of this course, you'll have the skills to write coverage for producers and funding bodies in Australia and worldwide, and to act as a script developer for screenwriters and producers on the local and international scene, bringing your well-honed skills of script development and writer psychology to the table.
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
Week beginning |
Class Content |
Assignments |
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Week 1
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Introduction and Overview of Semester and Assessments Script Analysis Exercise |
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Week 2
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Conventions, Formats and Rules for Film and TV scripts Revisiting 3-act Structure and how to breakdown and analyse structure in Feature Films Sensitivity Read and Consults |
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Week 3
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Scripts and Writer's Statements provided for Assessment 1 Teacher (acting as Screen Agency/Producer) gives class additional requirements and desired outcomes for Assessment Task 1 A look at Screen Australia and Film Victoria development application and Development Proposals. Writing Development Plans, Development Application Exercise |
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Week 4
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Intro to Script Reports - look at examples Identifying strengths and weaknesses of a script Character arcs and Supporting character purpose Class Evaluation of ‘Destroyer’, Creating strongly constructed scenes |
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Week 5
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Breaking down TV script structure. Learning 'Revisions' in Final Draft Analysis and Evaluation of a TV Pilot - Script to Screen Live Q&A - Professional Script editor & writer - TV (AU) TBC |
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Week 6
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Breaking down a script for feedback - if short film available Exercise on identifying budget constraints in a screenplay PRE-RECORDED Industry Q&A (watch in own time) – Professional Script consultant (USA) - Feature Film - Ruth Atkinson |
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Week 7
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Redrafting – an in-depth case study on changes in the drafting process In Class Time for Assessment 1 - Consults with Teacher Available |
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Mid-semester break: Friday 29 Mar – Friday 5 April, inclusive. |
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Week 8
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Development Strategies Assessing a script’s readiness for production/market readiness and identifying audience Screen Agency External Assessor class exercise Guest Screenwriter for live feedback session |
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Week 9 |
FRIDAY CLASS PRE-RECORDED ONLINE THIS WEEK Assessment 2 – Assigning student pairs. Students to provide a short film script and writer's statement for evaluation. Teacher (acting as Screen Agency/Producer) gives class additional requirements and desired outcomes for Assessment Task 2 Strategies and Frameworks for Script Development Prep for Follow-Up meeting with Writer for Assessment #1 - students to send reports to their writers and reach out to organise online meeting. |
Assessment Task 1 due (end of week) |
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Week 10 |
NO FACE-TO-FACE CLASS THIS WEEK. Assessment 1 - Follow Up Writer's Meetings (during own time) Arrange your 20-30 minute online follow up meeting with your writer at a time this week that suits you both (record the meeting and email link to recording to Tim by end of the week) Recorded meetings MUST be sent to Tim be end of week as part of assessment requirement. |
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Week 11 |
Writer's Meetings #1 (As per schedule for meetings which is given in Week 10) You only need to show up for meeting as writer, and your meeting as script consultant. |
Assessment Task 2: Writer's meetings start |
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Week 12
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Writer's Meetings #2 (As per schedule for meetings which is given in Week 10) You only need to show up for meeting as writer, and your meeting as script consultant. |
Assessment Task 2: Writer's meetings (cont'd) |
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Week 13
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Writer's Meetings #3 (As per schedule for meetings which is given in Week 10) You only need to show up for meeting as writer, and your meeting as script consultant. |
Assessment Task 2: Writer's meetings (cont'd) |
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Week 14
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Assessment Task #3 - Knowledge Quiz (during class time) |
Assessment Task 3 due: Knowledge Quiz Assessment Task 2 due: Summary Script Report and Self Reflection |
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Week 15
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No scheduled class |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You will 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.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
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.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Assessment Task 1: Script Report
Using a supplied script, you will prepare a detailed report (min. 2000 words) to a professional standard, which includes an evaluation of the current draft and notes for future work.
Due: Week 9
Assessment Task 2: Writer’s Meeting, Summary Script Report, and Self-Reflection
You will assume the role of script editor/consultant for a script written by another student. You will conduct a 20-minute face-to-face meeting with the writer in which you deliver a detailed analysis of the script. You will submit a reflection of the process as part of the assessment.
Due: Week 14 (Writer's Meetings Weeks 11-13)
Assessment Task 3: Knowledge Quiz
You will undertake a 14-part quiz will focus on:
- conventions, formats and rules of scripts for film and television
- story construction techniques for film and television script writing
- knowledge required for industry level script evaluation.
Due: Week 14
Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. 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 from your teacher. If the resubmission is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter will be referred to the Program Coordinator.
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
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