Outline

Overview

This elective provides you with the skills and knowledge to conceptualise and develop a script, and to learn effective directorial techniques associated with the production of a short video work. During this elective you will be exposed to a range of film screenings, practical in-class exercises and moving image-based artworks. These viewings are intended to expose you to a range of creative writing skills and directorial techniques and encourage discussion, debate and creative development. Through lectures, tutorial, seminars, screenings and class exercises you are provided with a historical and conceptual framework in which to conceive of and develop your own creative projects. Projects are to be supported by a set of professional standard production documents and the presentation of seminars related to the development and production of the work.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Broinowski, anna.broinowski@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Virginia Hilyard, virginia.hilyard@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tamara Voninski, tamara.voninski@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	George-Alexander Nagle, george.nagle@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Creative assessment / demonstration	Project Proposal Screenplay Project Proposal with accompanying images and research sources.	20%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Aug 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Aug 2023	1000 words (5-7 pages) with images
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Project (Completed screenplay) 8-15 page screenplay for a screen-based work.	40%	Week 09 Due date: 03 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Oct 2023	1750 words (8-15 pages)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Presentation (Mise en Scene) 3-min scene + production documentation & storyboard (1750 word equivalent)	40%	Week 13 Due date: 31 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Nov 2023	3-5 min film with documentation
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Project Proposal: students rersearch, develop, conceptualise and write an industry-standard proposal for a drama, documentary or other screen-based work, incorporating the key structure, character-development and story arc principals outlined in class.
Project (Completed script): working from their project proposal, students develop an original short screenplay which incorporates the key structure, character-development and story arc principals learned in the course.
Presentation (Mise en Scene) students plan, shoot, direct and edit one scene scene from their developed screenplay, using the advanced direcxting, camera, framing, lighting and editing techniques learned in the technical workshop component of the course.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

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. SEMINAR: Source and research a story.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 02	LECTURE: Scripting techniques and principles - conflict and the 3-act structure; developing a premise and character goals; the protagonist formula. SEMINAR: Interview each other to identify and structure an engaging character arc.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 03	LECTURE: Scripting and structuring drama and other screen-based works; screenplay formatting. Assessment 1 recap. SEMINAR: Identify the premise, protagonist and antagonist, genre and mode of selected clips.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 04	LECTURE: Directing, POV and the Mise en Scene. SEMINAR: Write a draft scene; Assessment 2 (Project Script) consults. ASSESSMENT 1 (Project proposal) DUE.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 05	LECTURE: Performance, script analysis and directing Actors. SEMINAR: Directing a Scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 06	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ONE: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different camera movement techniques.	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP TWO: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different lighting techniques.	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	LECTURE: Storyboarding a scene and Assessment 2 (script) recap. SEMINAR: Storyboard a scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 09	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP THREE: Editing techniques focused on performance and direction. ASSESSMENT 2 (Project script) DUE.	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOUR: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using advanced camera and lighting techniques.	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	LECTURE: Assessment 3 (mise en scene) recap; Rushes and performance analysis. SEMINAR: Project consultations and feedback.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 12	LECTURE: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. SEMINAR: Project consultations and feedback.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 13	SEMINAR: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. ASSESSMENT 2 (MISE EN SCENE) DUE.	Online class (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. demonstrate the ability to conceptualise, plan and write a 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. have a critical understanding of 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 2 due date brought forward to allow students more time to complete Assessment 3. Assessment and lecture/seminar descriptions adjusted for clarity and consistency. (Assessment content itself hasn't changed). Reading list updated. Reminder about needing to be inducted and trained in camera equipment during the course workshops before being able to borrow it for relevant Assessments from the DMU inserted.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

All students are required to be inducted in the use of relevant camera and lighting equipment during the workshops for this course before they may hire it from the DMU for related Assessments.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

CAEL5043: Screenwriting and Directing

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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