Outline

Overview

This unit introduces you to the art and craft of writing and directing for the screen. You will be provided with the skills and knowledge required to conceptualise, research and write a screenplay, and to direct a short screen work in any style or genre. Through a series of film screenings, in-class exercises and practical studio sessions, you will learn diverse screenwriting and filmmaking techniques, methodologies and approaches to support your creative and technical development as a screenwriter and director. This learning is scaffolded by a historical and conceptual framework within which to situate your creative practice, helping you to develop an original screen voice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in CAVA or 12 credit points at 1000 level in CASF or 12 credit points at 1000 level in FILM
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Miguel Valenzuela, miguel.valenzuela@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Project Proposal (Treatment) Script Synopsis and Treatment with accompanying images and research sources	20%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Aug 2026	2-3 page Synopsis and Treatment	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project (Completed Script) 3-7 page final draft screenplay for a screen based work	40%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Oct 2026	3-7 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation (Mise En Scene) 1-3 min scene or animatic/pre-visualisation from Script + documentation	40%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Dec 2026	1-3 min scene + production documentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Conceptualise and create a moving image screen work of an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Conceptualise and create a moving image screen work of a high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Conceptualise and create a moving image screen work of a competent standard with some room for improvement
Pass	50 - 64	Conceptualise and create a moving image screen work of an adequate standard with extensive improvement needed
Fail	0 - 49	Moving image screen work conceptualised and created is not of an adequate standard

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	LECTURE: Introduction to Course and Assessment Tasks. Sourcing, Identifying, Researching and Story Modes. Constructing Character, Goals and Story Arc. Tutorial: Source and research a story.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	LECTURE: Scripting techniques and principles - conflict and the 3-act structure; developing a premise and character goals; the protagonist formula. Tutorial: Interview each other to identify and structure an engaging character arc.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	LECTURE: Scripting and structuring drama and other screen-based works; screenplay formatting. Assessment 1 recap. Tutorial: Identify the premise, protagonist and antagonist, genre and mode of selected clips.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	LECTURE: Directing, POV and the Mise en Scene. Tutorial: Write a draft scene; Assessment 2 (Project Script) consults. ASSESSMENT 1 (Project proposal) DUE.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	LECTURE: Performance, script analysis and directing Actors. Tutorial: Directing a Scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ONE: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different camera movement techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP TWO: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different lighting techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	LECTURE: Storyboarding a scene and Assessment 2 (script) recap. Tutorial: Storyboard a scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP THREE: Editing techniques focused on performance and direction. ASSESSMENT 2 (Project script) DUE.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOUR: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using advanced camera and lighting techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	LECTURE: Assessment 3 (mise en scene) recap; performance and rushes analysis including selecting takes. Tutorial: Project consultations and feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	PRESENTATION: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. Tutorial: Project consultations and feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	PRESENTATION: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) screenings.ASSESSMENT 3 (MISE EN SCENE) DUE.	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted.
You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass. Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Mamet, David. On Directing Film. New York: Viking, 1991.
Trottier, David. The Screenwriter’s Bible: a Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script. 6th Edition. Los Angeles: Silman-James Press, 2014.
McKee, Robert. Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. Paperback edition. London: Methuen, 1999.
Rabiger, Michael., and Hurbis-Cherrier, Mick. Directing Film Techniques and Aesthetics. 5th ed. Burlington, Mass: Focal Press, 2013.
Aronson, L. (2010) The 21st-Century Screenplay: a Comprehensive Guide to Writing Tomorrow's Films Chapter 3: “What film are we in?” pp 31-41. Sydney, NSW: Allen & Unwin, 2010.
Batty, C. and Waldeback, Z. (2008) Writing for the Screen: Creative and Critical Approaches Chapters 3 & 4 pp 29-61. London, UK: Red Globe, 2019.
Snyder, B. (2007) Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: the Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.
Phillips, W.H. (1991) Writing Short Scripts. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1999.

Film links, writing resources and other relevant information will be distributed in class and made available on Canvas on a weekly basis.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. conceptualise, plan and write a 3-7 page script
LO2. critically analyse and problem solve through the narrative process
LO3. use a range of directorial techniques to produce creative video work
LO4. critically understand a range of different approaches to writing and directing in the context of the cultural advent of storytelling
LO5. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather and synthesise information
LO6. critically evaluate aesthetics, information & narratives in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment criteria descriptions updated. AI permissions included for some assessments, subject to lecturer advice and feedback. Large production space booked for Week 6 blocking and camera direction workshop to accommodate complex equipment set ups and facilitate student learning.

Additional information

All relevant information required for this course and related assessments is updated and distributed on canvas weekly.

Work, health and safety

All students are required to be inducted into relevant camera and lighting equipment during workshops for this course before they may borrow it for related screen assessments from the DMU.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL2069: Screenwriting and Directing

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links