Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: COMM5972C
Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
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
Nicole McKinnon
+61 3 9925 4375
nicole.mckinnon@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
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 cover the skills and knowledge required to develop a narrative, storyline or story structure for film, animation or interactive products.
It applies to individuals who work on a range of film, television and digital media productions. They work collaboratively with content developers, editors, and producers.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAWRT502 Develop storylines and treatments |
Element: |
1. Plan and prepare to write production material |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Define script writing construction, style and formats required for the production and clients 1.2 Define and develop ideas and concepts based on analysis of genre, audience and purpose 1.3 Develop elements of narrative, including visual and aural components, dialogue and other communication techniques, such as symbols and icons, to convey information in production material |
Element: |
2. Develop storylines or treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify components of script development required by concept proposals 2.2 Develop concepts to synopsis stage or equivalent as required by production format or genre 2.3 Develop treatment and scene breakdown as required by production format or genre 2.4 Evaluate narrative development with relevant personnel and incorporate feedback as required 2.5 Develop material in a format appropriate for story conferencing or pitch presentation to client 2.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time |
Element: |
3. Finalise storylines or treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Present materials for discussion to production team responsible for story conferences or pitching to clients 3.2 Redraft materials incorporating feedback as required 3.3 Make relevant material ready for next stage of production within agreed timeframes and budget requirements |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to develop storylines and treatments for media products in the creative industries.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Week | Topic | Activities | |
1 | Concept Introduction |
Course introduction Class exercise: Where do ideas come from? Reviewing a range of techniques for generating ideas. AT1: Concept Class Exercises. AT2: - Concept Workbook & feedback. The importance of the document presentation.
Include one piece of writing that was inspired by one of the class exercises undertaken in week 1 |
|
2 | 3 Concepts Reviewed |
Reviewing your three Concepts. Developing a Project Synopsis and Project Treatment. Safe practices when working on screens and keyboards for long periods of time. Class exercise:
|
|
3 | Strategy and Scope and Action, Character, Three Act Structure |
Strategy and Scope for interactive projects (game, websites, apps). Define the Subject, Action, Character and Three Act Structure for Linear projects (Animations, and other linear projects). Class exercise: Write an analysis of the Long-Haired Hare (Short animation by Chuck Jones) that describes the 3 Acts and plot points. |
|
4 | Users & Characters |
User Profiles and User Scenario for Interactive Projects. Character bios for linear projects with characters or the visual style defined for linear projects without characters. Class exercise: The Hero’s Journey (group)
|
|
5 | Flowcharts & Scripts |
Flowcharts for Interactive Projects. Draft of Script for all linear projects. Class exercise script – what is the proper script format and flowchart class feedback. Class exercise: |
AT1: Concept Class Exercises. |
6 | AT2: Work in progress review presentation | AT2: Concept Workbook 1– Work in Progress review & feedback |
|
7 | Reviewing & finalise | Finalise AT2: Concept Workbook 1 and incorporate feedback where necessary. |
AT2: Concept Workbook & feedback |
8 | Generating concepts. |
Introducing AT3: - Concept Workbook 2 & Pitch. For Design Studio 4 projects. Generating a range of concepts for either a linear or interactive project. Considering the presentation of the document. What is a pitch? |
|
9 | 3 Concepts Reviewed | Reviewing your three Concepts. Developing a Project Synopsis and Project Treatment. |
|
10 | Strategy and Scope and Action, Character, Three Act Structure |
Strategy and Scope for interactive projects (game, websites, apps). Define the Subject, Action, Character and Three Act Structure for Linear projects (Animations, and other linear projects). |
|
11 | Users & Characters |
User Profiles and User Scenario for Interactive Projects. Character bios for linear projects with characters or the visual style defined for linear projects without characters. |
|
12 | Flowcharts & Scripts |
Flowcharts for Interactive Projects. Draft of Script for all linear projects. |
|
13 | AT3 Work in Progress Review | AT3 Work in Progress Review | |
14 | The pitch | AT3: Concept Workbook 2 Pitch | AT3: Concept Workbook & Pitch. |
15 | Review | Review and finalise assessments. | |
16 | Review | ReviewReview and finalise assessments. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
N/A |
References
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians. |
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT account.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for AT2 and AT3 and for the course.
Late assessment submissions, or submissions that do not reach the required standard may be assessed as Not Satisfactory (NS). You will receive feedback on your assessment through Canvas and resubmission instructions via email. You must resubmit within two weeks of this notification. You may re-submit an assessment task only once. Please refer to the assessment brief or rubric for full assessment criteria. All assessment documents are available on the course Canvas page through MyRMIT.
AT1: Concept Class Exercises
Students will participate in class exercises each week from week 1 – 5. The aim of these exercises is to help you learn to develop ideas, to get you to approach the development of ideas from a range of different ways.
Due week 5 - Ungraded
AT2: Concept Workbook & feedback
Complete written preproduction for the Design Project 3 project.
Due week 7 - Graded
AT3: Concept Workbook & Pitch
Complete written preproduction for the Design Project 4 project (semester 2).
Due week 14 - Graded
Graded assessment in this course uses the following 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
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.
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. You are strongly advised to 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.
Academic Progress:Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment
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