Course Title: Write scripts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: PERF5091C

Course Title: Write scripts

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6172 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Cameron Clarke

Email: cameron.clarke@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

Write Scripts looks at the skills and knowledge required to write scripts for a creative production. During this course you work collaboratively with others to develop a concept into a draft script.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUAWRT601 Write scripts
Element:	1. Prepare to write scripts
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions 1.2 Identify audience and purpose, and requirements for genre, structure and format 1.3 Evaluate script concepts and ideas, narrative and structural framework in relation to stipulated source material, as required 1.4 Review, discuss and obtain feedback about narratives from relevant personnel, as required 1.5 Establish criteria to evaluate scripts in the form they will be produced
Element:	2. Write draft scripts
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques 2.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time 2.3 Collaborate with relevant personnel to refine and redraft script to meet creative, technical and artistic requirements 2.4 Confirm factual accuracy based on original research and agreed existing narrative as required 2.5 Confirm material complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication 2.6 Check final draft of script meets production and performance requirements
Element:	3. Produce final scripts
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Present draft script to production team for discussion 3.2 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel 3.3 Evaluate draft scripts against established criteria 3.4 Make final adjustments to scripts and submit to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to write a short screenplay, understand copyright for this screenplay, apply effective interpersonal communication techniques, work to deadline and work in collaboration with others including a professional attitude to feedback and its possible incorporation.

Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

Your learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to: 
• lectures and presentations
• group discussion 
• participation in teacher directed group activities/projects 
• workshops 

Out of class activities include, but are not limited to: 
• online research 
• independent project based work

Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week	Class Content	Assessment
1	Orientation to the course Resources, assessments and course expectations Safety practices/OHS – discuss safe ergonomic practices when using keyboards for long periods of time What is a screenplay Understanding your audience Includes class exercises and discussion
2	Screenwriting narrative forms Exploring Genre and Genre motifs Critical language in examining screenplays. Discussion/evaluation of the role of visualisation Thoughts on visualising the screenplay
3	Researching your story Act structure and plot points Introduction to characters
4	Analysis of existing film/tv program or web production Characters and story Introduction to subtext	Assessment 1 due next week
5	Tools of Visualisation of characters Create your Bible for your characters Dialogue as an added character tool Use of Backstory	Assessment Task 1 Due
6	Importance of Backstory How to structure Act 1 Effect of audience Review Act 1 and seek feedback from colleges
7	Feature film and TV series review Plot points
8	Structure of Act 2 How to generate conflict Mid-point Review Act 2 and seek feedback from colleagues	Assessment 2 due next week
9	Revise Act 2 Resolution or Act 3 Elements that make up Act 3 Review Act 3 and seek feedback from colleagues	Assessment Task 2 Due
10	Class discussion on individual screenplays Deconstruct and make script changes
11	Review individual screenplays Discuss and make changes or rewrites of script where required
12	Review script rewrites or changes Discuss and seek feedback from colleagues
13	Script readings by production team and feedback session Revise script (for Assessment 3)
14	Respond to feedback and finalise Final Draft Script (for Assessment 3)	Assessment 3 due next week
15	Assessment 3 - Final Draft Script due	Assessment Task 3 Due
16	Review and discussion of Assessment 3

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed 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 - Prepare to Write Scripts, Knowledge Questions. This knowledge assessment is designed to test the student’s ability to answer questions that address key concepts and theory as they develop an introduction to the craft of writing scripts. Due Date: week 5

Assessment Task 2 - Write Draft Script. For this assessment, students will individually write an original draft screenplay. Due Date: week 9

Assessment Task 3 - Final Draft Script. Students will produce a draft script and engage in a feedback discussion with their peers. They will then take note of feedback, incorporate this feedback into their work and create and submit a completed final draft script (aiming for 7-12 minutes screen time including credits). Due Date: week 15

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16

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 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

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 Student Essentials 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