In groups, students will present their analysis and response to set readings and lectures for a particular week (to be signed up for in the first class). The emphasis of the task is a brief presentation (about 10 minutes per student) raising issues and questions regarding the week's topic, lecture and readings. Students will then lead a workshop discussion.

MAS 314 students will prepare for their presentation and discussion in groups but will be individually marked for this assignment. However, you must show that you have planned your presentation as a group. 

This is not a simple reproduction of information explored in the readings and lectures. Aim to expand the discussion from the readings and lectures into relevant areas.

Your individual 1-2 page presentation notes /outline must be handed in to your tutor after your presentation.

If you are absent on a day you are due to give a presentation, you will forfeit your marks. Should you have a doctor's certificate, however, please consult your tutor about rescheduling your presentation. 

Assessment Criteria:

Clarity of expression

Capacity to articulate the key ideas of the text and expand discussion

Demonstrated relevant research

Engage in the process of learning

Conceptualise and write material with the development of a 12-15 minute film in mind. 

This assessment focuses on the writing process. Writers rarely begin with a fully-fledged concept, rather they develop their ideas concretely through writing scenes, taking photographs, drawing, developing CGI, and creating characters.

For this assessment you must combine at least two of the following and submit in the form of an 8-page folio:

a) Write two scenes (2-5 pages)

b) Take a series of photographs. These may be of locations, or of a journey through the city or suburbia, or at a workplace (1-3 pages)

c) Create illustrations by hand or using CGI (1-3 pages)

d) Write a series of character descriptions (1-2 pages)

This assignment will be discussed further in MAS314 workshops. 

Assessment Criteria

Ability to identify relevant/innovative screen ideas

Capacity to draft and revise a screenplay through successive stages and respond to critical feedback

Ability to identify and communicate screen ideas clearly and succinctly in a written document

Engage in the process of learning

Story Treatment and Research

This assessment consists of two parts - creative output and research. As screenwriters we are always combining the two. We are influenced by others yet need to step back and reflect on their methods in order to create our own.

Both the creative and research components must be completed.

Screenplay Treatment

a) A treatment can take may different forms, according to contemporary practices and and scholarship in screenplay studies. A chronological unfolding of the story is only one of the most traditional modes. Other modes will be discussed in class, and will be discovered in our readings.

It is to use 12 point Courier Font, single spacing and be no more than 3 pages.

Feature Screenplay Analysis

View a feature film from any cinematic era that has departed from the traditional screenwriting model (improvisation, no written script, other unusual approaches to narrative etc).

a) Provide a 75 word synopsis of the film.

b) Using any information you can about the script – excerpts online, interview with writer, press kit, production notes etc. - detail how the film departed from the traditional screenwriting model and reflect on the strength and weaknesses of the employed process on the final film (750 words)

c) Select a 1-2 page scene from any produced screenplay that you regard as compelling writing. The excerpt should include ‘big print’ and dialogue or narration. Briefly discuss its strengths. (300 words)

References must be provided for this assessment.

This assignment will be discussed further in MAS314 workshops.

Assessment Criteria

Screenplay Treatment

Capacity to draft and revise a screenplay through successive stages and respond to critical feedback

Ability to identify and communicate screen ideas clearly and succinctly in a written document

Engage in the process of learning

Feature Screenplay Analysis

Critically analyse the nature of the screenplay in screen production

Apply discipline-specific knowledge by planning, carrying out and documenting field research tasks to a deadline

12-15 minute First Draft Short Film Screenplay

Your final assessment is a culmination of all the work throughout the semester. Your "first draft" should be the result of a well thought through idea that has been continuously revised, rewritten and reimagined.

Please provide:

a) 50 word Synopsis of your idea

b) 300 word account of how you have responded to feedback from your treatment and the process you have used to toward writing your first draft

c) A 12-15 minute First Draft of your Short Film Screenplay.

Screenplays are expected to be formatted according to the Australian film industry conventions. Material will be provided on iLearn.  

However, thought-through departures from standard formatting are acceptable. Options include a Scriptment or Image/Text Assemblage. Please consult with your lecturer before submitting a non-traditional screenplay format. 

This assignment will be discussed further in MAS314 Workshops. 

Assessment Criteria

Ability to effectively translate screen idea/s to a first draft screenplay stage.

Demonstrated capacity to respond to feedback and develop screenplay, as evidenced by 150 word account.

Appropriate formatting and writing fluency/competency.

Students are expected to attend workshops regularly and actively contribute to discussions of readings, screenwriting exercises and readings of other students' work.