Course Title: Produce Writings - Screenwriting

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2009

Course Code: COMM5404

Course Title: Produce Writings - Screenwriting

School: 345T Creative Media

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4171 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Brendan Lee

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368

Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Roz Williams (teacher)
Room 6, level 2, bld 94
telephone:  61 3 9925 4974
email:  roz.williams@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 105

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

This course covers the knowledge and skills required to complete a writing task and introduces students to the craft of Screenwriting. It explores the various components of film and television writing.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VBP552 Produce Writings - Screenwriting
Element:	Analyse the purpose of the writing task
Performance Criteria:	1.1 The purpose of the work is confirmed with relevant parties. 1.2 The form, media and technique most appropriate to the purpose of the writing task is selected. 1.3 The stylistic and cultural context of the writing task is proposed to meet the writing objective
Element:	Create the writing task
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Components of the information required and the form in which the writing will be developed, constructed and presented is resolved. 4.2 The intention of the writing task and the characteristics of the audience are reflected in the writing. 4.3 Appropriate processes and research are utilised to retrieve the necessary information. 4.4 The particular characteristics of the media are analysed to inform the writing in a way that is appropriate for the purpose of the writing. 4.5 Relevant information sources are employed to generate and inform the writing task. 4.5 (sic) Common literary devices and the metaphoric function of language are integrated into the writing task. 4.6 Writing task is produced in accordance with writing goals.
Element:	Investigate the scope of the writing task
Performance Criteria:	2.1 The level and scope of the writing task is analysed to determine the length and style of the work. 2.2 The level of research required to fulfill the agreed outcome to the required style and standard is analysed. 2.3 The resources necessary to retrieve or generate the relevant information is determined. 2.4 The type and level of information required to suit the context of the writing task is planned.
Element:	Plan the writing task
Performance Criteria:	3.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work. 3.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence. 3.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised. 3.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined.
Element:	Realise the writing task
Performance Criteria:	5.1 The writing task is appropriate for the media, the context of the brief and the style of the subject matter. 5.2 The language in which the writing task is written is suitable for the intended audience. 5.3 The writing task is proofed and edited to the standard required for presentation. 5.4 A draft is presented, if required, to the client to confirm that the work is acceptable. 5.5 Work is adjusted as required and presented in the agreed manner and timeframe.

Learning Outcomes

Not applicable

Details of Learning Activities

You will learn through classroom-based lectures, workshopping and group exercises. You are also expected to do your own research and writing off-campus.

Teaching Schedule

 This order of material covered in this schedule may change according to the needs of the class. 

Week	Content	Competencies covered
1	Orientation and introduction	-CUSRAD01A -Collecting, organising & analysing information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information
2	Differences between screenwriting and other forms of writing Visual medium Sparse use of dialogue Getting ideas.  Understand differences between writing for visual media and other forms of writing How to recognise ideas which can be used to tell a visual story	CUSRAD01A -Collecting, organising & analysing information CUVCOR11A -Develop concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing task
3	The basic/main story Plot and subplot – differences in film and tv Synopses – story and marketing    Be able to construct the story spine of a screen story Recognise the difference between plot and subplots – differences in film and tv Know how to write the different types of synopses	CUSRAD01A -Collect relevant information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information CUVCOR03A -Develop concept VP552 -Investigate the scope of the writing task
4	The classic (or 3-act) narrative structure    Leaning how to create a screen story using the 3-act structure	CUSRAD01A -Organise information CUVCOR11A -Communication ideas & information CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept VP552 -Plan the writing task
5	WORKSHOP Workshop draft synopses	VP552 -Create the writing task CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept CUVCOR11A -Working with others and in teams CUSRAD01A -Communicate information
6	SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Exposition Narrative techniques of foreshadowing and planting    Understand how to convey backstory and on-screen information to an audience How to create dramatic tension through foreshadowing Setting up and paying off of plot and characterisation elements	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information CUVCOR11A -Collect relevant information CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept VP552 -Create the writing task
7	Characters – creating screen characters, working out motivation, character arcs The treatment (aka story outline) Creating effective screen characters Elements required in writing the treatment	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
8	One-on-one tutorials with teacher    Feedback on marked synopses	-Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Realise the writing task
9	Character functions – exploring the 5 different groups Creating character biographies and character notes – the differences    Eliminating characters who have no function in screen story, thereby creating stronger dramatic pacing Difference between character information required in film and tv	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
10	Character biogs of 2 main characters, 250-300 words each    Workshopping and feedback from teacher and students	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
11	SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Guest speaker	CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing
12	Revise work on treatments Class workshopping on progress Preliminary work on students’ own projects	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
13	Basic genre Point of view Themes Treatments – more work if needed    Understand the basic principles of genre – an overview How to use point of view in screen stories Use of themes to create stronger stories – differences between film and tv	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
14	WORKSHOP Workshop treatments – in groups    Feedback from teacher and students	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
15	WORKSHOP Workshop treatments – class as a whole    Feedback from teacher & students	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
16	SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Scenes - students’ choices LAST CLASS OF TEACHING FOR 1ST SEMESTER	CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing

 Semester 2

Week	Content	Competencies Covered
1	Introduction to screen dialogue Group exercises – construct characters from photos and create/workshop dialogue    Creating individual voices/dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
2	More on dialogue Class exercise – saunter up Lygon Street and eavesdrop Group exercise: write screen dialogue from real dialogue    Learning how to condense screen dialogue from real dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
3	Subtext Group exercise: write scene/s with and without subtext Use of non-sync. dialogue: voice-over narration, post synching    How to use subtext for effect Learn about non-sync. dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
4	Screen language	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Solving problems -Using technology CUVCOR03A -Develop concept -Communicate concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task
5	Writing stage directions Group exercise: reducing and re-writing stage directions. Writing dialogue Differences between film and tv dialogue. Group exercise: reducing dialogue to create cinematic dialogue    Learning how to write stage directions and screen dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task
6	Creating scenes – scene breakdown Scene structure and pacing Class exercise:  students create scene breakdown of first 2 pages of their treatments    Understand difference between a shot (or setup), a scene, a scene sequences Starting the script process from treatment stage.	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task
7	Writing scenes	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task
8	WORKSHOP First 10 pages of script to teacher for copying for workshopping. TV scripts – writing to commercial breaks Difference between tv and film scripts/commercial breaks/layout	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
9	Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts    Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
10	Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts    Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
11	Class workshop of first 10 pages scripts    Workshopping and feedback from teachers and students Each writer gets a change to hear own dialogue	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
12	Scene functions    Learn how to multi-layer scenes and to eliminate useless scenes	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task
13	Scene functions    Learn how to multi-layer scenes and to eliminate useless scenes	CUSRAD01A -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Using technology VP552 -Realise the writing task
14	WORKSHOP	CUSRAD01A -Create the information -Assess the information -Organise the information -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Collecting, organisating & analysing information -Communicating ideas & information -Working with others & in teams -Solving problems CUVCOR03A -Communicate concept -Refine concept VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing -Investigate the scope of the writing task -Plan the writing task -Create the writing task -Realise the writing task
15	SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT Guest speaker	CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing
16	Scenes - students’ choices LAST CLASS OF TEACHING FOR 1ST SEMESTER	CUSRAD01A -Communicate the information CUVCOR11A -Communicating ideas & information VP552 -Analyse purpose of the writing

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Students will be expected to make full use of the Carlton Street library in accessing scripts, and will also be expected to view films and tv programs in their own time. There are no set texts for this course.  The following is a recommended reading list: •    Screenwriting Updated, by Linda Aronson, pub. 2000, Allen & Unwin •    Story, by Robert McKee, pub. 1999, Methuen •    Television Writing: The Ground Rules of Series, Serials & Sitcom, by Linda Aronson, pub. 2000 AFTRS •    Big Screen Small Screen, by Coral Drouyn, pub. 1994 Allen & Unwin •    Making a Good Script Great, by Linda Seger, pub. 1987 Dodd, Mead & Co., Hollywood •    The Writer’s Journey – Mythic Structure for Storytellers and Screenwriters, by C. Vogler, pub 1992, Michael Weise Productions •    The Hero with a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell, pub. 1993 Fontana Press* •    Elements of Style for Screenwriters by Paul Argentini, pub. 1998 Lone Eagle Publishing Co. •    Writing Your Screenplay by Lisa Dethridge, pub. 2003 Allen & Unwin (*highly recommended for storytelling purposes, rather than for screenwriting)

References

See information above

Other Resources

• Internet access through RMIT Library
• Final Draft program on several computers in RMIT Carlton Library and Main Library
• Publications and dvds/videos through RMIT Library, community libraries, video libraries and other sources
• Handouts provided by teacher in class or on Blackboard

Overview of Assessment

Assessment includes a story synopsis, character biographies, a treatment and part of a script.

Assessment Tasks

Story synopsis

Write 1-page story synopsis incorporating 3-act structure for drama of 20 mins or longer. Work must be in single-line spacing. Assessment includes workshopping.

Due date: Workshop –  March; Task –  March

Percentage weighting: 10%

Character biographies

Write character biographies, 250 words each, of 2 major characters from above synopsis story. Assessment includes workshopping. 

Due date: Workshop –  May; Task –  May

Percentage weighting: 5%

Treatment/story outline

Write a treatment/story outline from above story synopsis.  Length:  up to 10 pages double-line or 1.5 line spacing. Assessment includes workshopping.

Due date: Workshop –  May; Task –  June

Percentage wighting: 25%

First draft screenplay

Write the first 10 pages of a screenplay from your treatment, set out in industry-accepted format, for class workshopping.

Due date:  August

Percentage weighting: 20%

Revised draft screenplay

Write the first 20 pages of your screenplay.  This includes the revised first 10 pages plus next 10 pages. Assessment includes workshopping.

Due date: Workshop –  October; Task –  October

Percentage weighting: 25%

Film review

Present a review to the class of a film currently in release or re-release at cinema. Students should prepare a minimum 250 words to be read out in class and handed to teacher for marking.

Due date: Semester 1, at a time negotiated with your teacher

Percentage weighting: 5%

TV review

Present a review of a tv program either on tv or on dvd/vcr. The presentation comprises showing the first 10 minutes of the program followed by a 5–10 minutes review by the student.

Due date: Semester 2, at a time negotiated with your teacher

Percentage weighting: 5%

Script reading and class exercises

Due date: Throughout the year

Percentage weighting: 5%

Submission of work for assessment

You must keep a copy of your assessment.
All assessment submissions require a completed School Cover Sheet. You can obtain this form from your course teacher or from the course site in the Distributed Learning System (DLS).


Late submission

If you are unable to complete your assessment project, assignment or essay by the due date, you can apply for an extension. If you are seeking an extension of up to 7 calendar days, please apply to your teacher who will let you know whether your request has been granted. Application for Extension forms are available from the Distributed Learning System (DLS) or from the Creative Media Office. The application must be submitted by email or in person, before the official due date together with supporting evidence such as a medical certificate.

If you are seeking an extension of longer than 7 calendar days, or if you are seeking an extension for a test or lab-based assessment, you will need to apply to the University for Special Consideration.

If you submit late work without an approved extension, 5% of the total marks for that piece of assessment will be deducted each week (or part of a week) it is late.

Assessment Matrix

Units of competency	Learning Activities	Assessment	Due Date	Grading
CUSRAD01A Collect and organise information*	Read scripts & view films & tv programs (off campus). Present findings to class (on campus)	Presentation/discussion in class	Throughout year	5%
CUVCOR11A Source information on history and theory and apply to own area of work*	Research background of and review film & tv programs. Present to class	Film review: Class presentation (minimum 300 words) of film currently in release or re-release at cinema	Throughout 1st semester	5%
CUVCOR11A Source information on history and theory and apply to own area of work*	Research background of and review film & tv programs. Present to class	TV review: Class presentation of tv program (including screening selected scenes) 15 mins	Throughout 2nd semester	5%
CUVCOR03A Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work	Develop concept for own work and workshop in class	Set out script material (below) in industry-accepted format and present in workshop group/class	Throughout year	Grade incorporated in VBP552
VBP552 Produce writings	Write story synopsis incorporating 3-act structure for screen story of 20 mins duration (or longer)	1-page story synopsis (single-line spacing), including workshopping	March (workshop) March (to teacher)	10%
VBP552 Produce writings	Creating screen characters	2 character biographies of 250 words each (minimum) from synopsis, including workshopping	May (workshop) May (to teacher)	5%
VBP552 Produce writings	Treatment/story outline	Up to 10-page treatment/story outline from synopsis, set out in 1.5 or double-line spacing, including workshopping	May (workshop) June (teacher)	25%
VBP552 Produce writings	1st draft screenplay	1st 10 pages of script from treatment, set out in industry format, for class workshopping	August (to teacher for copying – workshop commences following week & will go for several weeks)	20%
VBP552 Produce writings	Revised 1st draft screenplay	Revised 1st 10 pages plus 2nd 10 pages of script, including workshopping	October (workshop) October (to teacher)	25%

*Grade incorporated in VBP552

Course Overview: Access Course Overview