This task involves leaving your computer behind and taking a field trip. The aim is to observe/record details from the world. This material will feed into the short screenplay you will be working on this semester.

A. Write a 150 word outline of your script idea. Your script idea should be for a movie suitable for broadcast via the web, mobile devices or screening. It should be able to be shot in Australia. It could be for a short drama, non-fiction, animation or hybrid movie. 

B. Assemble Field-Notes for your script idea.

Your Field-notes should address the following:

1. Character. Draw a quick sketch  of your proposed character or entity.  Or record an interview with someone  who might have a similar professional or personal background  to your proposed character? What did you learn that was surprising about this person or entity?  What were your observations of the subject’s dress, body language and speech rhythms? How could you draw on this in developing your script?

2. Place. Visit a place that could function as a key location in your script. Take some photographs. Observe the time of day. Note the light, colours, forms, location sounds. Consider how you might use these observations in your script.

3. Key Imagery. Assemble 6 key images (photographs, postcards,  magazine images, found pictures, frames from other movies etc.) that could inspire situations, ideas, imagery or dramatic action.

4. Research.  Briefly summarise any key reading, viewing or listening that has informed your script idea. 

5. Key text. A quote that is relevant to your idea. (Please provide details of the writer and where it was published.)

Assemble your notes into a document/folder for assessment.

Prepare a 10 minute version to discuss with your tutorial group. Your tutor will allocate you a time to present.

The storyboard  for this assignment is aimed at developing  your  script idea, rather  than shot-listing for  production. 

Prepare the storyboard or treatment using Celtx or Microsoft Word. If you would like to use an alternative, discuss it with your tutor.  

Development Storyboard Parameters:

A  development storyboard presents an overview of your proposed 10 minute script in  sketches and/or photographs and text. 

1. The  storyboard can use text on screen, voiceover, music and sound.  Keep any dialogue  to a minimum. 

2. You must include a minimum of  12  images. Use more if necessary.

3. The storyboard should be prepared using Celtx software (unless you have discussed an alternative with your tutor). Please submit a printed hard copy for assessment.

4. The storyboard should be accompanied by a  150 word  outline of your 10 minute script idea.

Treatment Parameters

A treatment is usually a chronological (in screen time) unfolding of your story, generally without dialogue, paying particular  attention to style, dynamics, mood, genre, colour, character, sound and action. It is what is happening on the screen in words.

The submitted treatment should include:

1. 3-6 line biographies of the key characters

2. 3 page complete draft story treatment

3. Detailed scene breakdowns of the first three scenes of the  script.

Write a First Draft screenplay of  around 10 minutes (roughly 10 pages).

You should aim to draw on the research you have undertaken - and the feedback you have received - throughout the semester.

Script Parameters

1.    Tell the story visually. Use dialogue sparingly.
2.    Please refer to the Australian film industry’s standard drama format for guidance.

Alternative presentations such as photo/text collage, complete animation storyboard, graphic novel style, or transmedia, game or multi-platform format scripts – are encouraged. Please discuss this option with your tutor or the lecturer well in advance of the due date.

Please note that information on formatting will be available at the unit’s iLearn page. It will be discussed in tutorials ahead of the assignment.

Students are required to attend and actively participate in all tutorials. Participation is more than attendance. It requires being punctual and prepared. Tutorials will be devoted to exercises aimed at generating ideas and stories and discussion of  creative work-in-progress.