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

4. Reading/Viewing/Listening Research.  In  1-2 pages,  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 digital document for assessment. Please include some key images. 

Prepare a 10 minute summary to discuss with your tutorial group. 

Assessment Criteria

The criteria for this assessment are:

* Suitability of your  outline as the basis for an engaging and innovative short film 

* Clarity and fluency of written expression

* Evidence of in-depth research suited to the development of  your screen idea  that includes all  five required modes in section B above  (place, character, imagery, viewing/listening/reading, key text)

* Assembly and presentation of your work - both text and images. 

The treatment is a stage in developing your screen idea.You can submit a treatment for  a fiction or non-fiction project.

Prepare the treatment using Celtx or Microsoft Word. You may find some of the development tools in Celtx useful. 

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, themes character, sound and action.  a documentary version may  provide additional material on  research, themes.  It is what is happening on the screen in words.  Images can form part of the treatment but this is not essential. 

The submitted treatment should include the following elements:

1. a 50 - 75 word outline summarising your idea in an engaging way. 

 2. 3-6 line biographies of the key characters or participants (non-fiction) 

3. a  two page treatment

4. The first three scenes of the script fully written. 

A handout with some  approaches and examples will be  available at iLearn  before  the assignment is due. 

Assessment Criteria

* Clarity of expression

* Ability to tell a story (fiction or non-fiction) visually 

* Understanding of  the modes of writing used for a  script  treatment and scene breakdown.

* Presentation

Write a First Draft screenplay of  around 10 minutes (roughly 10 pages) for a short movie.  You should aim to draw on the research you have undertaken - and the feedback you have received - throughout the semester.

Parameters

1. Tell the story visually. Use dialogue sparingly. Narration or text on screen are good alternatives. 

2.  Format using an accepted Australian film industry  format. 

 Please note that information on formatting  and examples for fiction and non-fiction will be available at the unit’s iLearn page. This  will be discussed in tutorials ahead of the assignment.

3. The submitted assignment should include a title page  followed by a 50-75 word outline (revised from the treatment) summarising your idea in an engaging way. 

4.  The submitted assignment should include a 200 word Writer's Statement  identifying any challenges and obstacles you faced  in shaping the story materials and how you have chosen to address them. 

Assessment criteria

*  The suitability of the First Draft as the basis of an engaging and innovative short movie

*  Written expression  and demonstrated use of  visual storytelling, narration and dialogue, as appropriate to your chosen genre, form etch.

*  Demonstrated understanding of script formatting

*  Evidence of critical reflection in Writers' Statement.