Outline

Overview

This unit provides you with intermediate-to-advanced level skills and knowledge to conceptualise, research and write a screenplay, and to direct and realise 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 and advance your original screen voice.

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	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
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Project Proposal Part B 2-4 min. oral Q+A with tutor following in-class project proposal powerpoint presentation	10%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Sep 2026	2-4 min. Q+A following presentation	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project Proposal Part A Screenplay Project Proposal with accompanying images and research sources.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Sep 2026	1000 words (5-7 pages) with images	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Project (Completed screenplay) 8-15 page screenplay for a screen-based work.	40%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Sep 2026	1750 words (8-15 pages)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Presentation (Mise en Scene) 3-min scene + production documentation & storyboard (1750 word equivalent)	40%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Nov 2026	3-5 min film with documentation	AI allowed
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	Conceptualise, research, write, produce and direct a moving image work of an exceptional professional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Conceptualise, research, write, produce and direct a moving image work of a high professional standard
Credit	65 - 74	Conceptualise, research, write, produce and direct a moving image work of a competent standard with some room for improvement
Pass	50 - 64	Moving image work has not been conceptualised, researched, written, produced or directed to an adequate standard with extensive room for improvement
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory 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	DISCUSSION: Introduction to Course and Assessment Tasks. Sourcing, Identifying, Researching and Story Modes. Constructing Character, Goals and Story Arc. EXERCISES: Source and research a story.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	DISCUSSION: Scripting techniques and principles - conflict and the 3-act structure; developing a premise and character goals; the protagonist formula. EXERCISE: Interview each other to identify and structure an engaging character arc.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	DISCUSSION: Scripting and structuring drama and other screen-based works; screenplay formatting. Assessment 1 recap. EXERCISE: Identify the premise, protagonist and antagonist, genre and mode of selected clips.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	DISCUSSION: Directing, POV and the Mise en Scene. EXERCISE: Write a draft scene. ASSESSMENT 1 (Project Proposal) due. CONSULTS: Assessment 2 (Project Script).	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	DISCUSSION: Performance, script analysis and directing Actors. EXERCISE: Directing a Scene CONSULTS: ASSESSMENT 2 (project script)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	TECHNICAL INTENSIVE ONE: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different camera movement techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	TECHNICAL INTENSIVE TWO: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different lighting techniques. ASSESSMENT 2 (Project script) DUE.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	DISCUSSION: Storyboarding a scene and ASSESSMENT 3 (Mise-en-scene) recap. EXERCISE: Storyboard a scene. CONSULTS: Assessment 3 (Mise-en-scene).	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	TECHNICAL INTENSIVE THREE: Editing techniques focused on performance and direction.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	TECHNICAL INTENSIVE FOUR: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using advanced camera and lighting techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	DISCUSSION: Assessment 3 (mise en scene) recap; Rushes and performance analysis. CONSULTS: Mise-en-scene production planning, consultation and feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	DISCUSSION: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. CONSULTS: Mise-en-scene consultations and feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	PRESENTATION: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress 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. 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 criteria descriptions updated and permitted AI uses listed in "relevant information" section below. Secure Q+A component added to Assessment 1 (Proposal). Assessment 2 (script) due date brought forward to Week 7 to support timely completion of Assessment 3 (mise-en-scene) due in Week 13.

Additional information

Relevant materials and information for this course and related assessments is updated weekly on canvas. Students are required to pre-read class materials prior to each class and bring in questions for discussion. AI uses are permitted in some assessments subject to tutor consultation and advice. These include storyboarding; creating marketing images including film posters; producing proof-of-concept set and production design images; brainstroming film ideas and technical approaches; and constructing VFX. AI tools must not be used to write film proposals or film scripts. All AI uses must be discussed with the Tutor prior to assessment submission and declared and critiqued as part of the Assessment in which it is used.

Work, health and safety

All students are required to be inducted in the use of relevant camera and lighting equipment during the technical intensives for this course before they may hire it from the DMU for related unit Assessments. Technical support and equipment inductions provided by SCA senior technical officer Toby Petch (toby.petch@sydney.edu.au).

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

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

CAEL5043: Screenwriting and Directing

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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