Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CAEL5043: Screenwriting and Directing

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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) Toby Petch, toby.petch@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tamara Voninski, tamara.voninski@sydney.edu.au
George-Alexander Nagle, george.nagle@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Project Proposal
Screenplay Project Proposal with accompanying images and research sources.
20% Week 04
Due date: 20 Aug 2024 at 09:00

Closing date: 22 Aug 2024
1000 words (5-7 pages) with images
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Creative assessment / demonstration Project (Completed screenplay)
8-15 page screenplay for a screen-based work.
40% Week 09
Due date: 24 Sep 2024 at 09:00

Closing date: 26 Sep 2024
1750 words (8-15 pages)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentation group assignment Presentation (Mise en Scene)
3-min scene + production documentation & storyboard (1750 word equivalent)
40% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 02 Nov 2024
3-5 min film with documentation
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = 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 and create a moving image work of an exceptional professional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Conceptualise and create a moving image work of a high professional standard

Credit

65 - 74

Conceptualise and create a moving image work of a competent standard with some room for improvement

Pass

50 - 64

Moving image work has not been conceptualised or created at 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.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
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) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
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) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
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) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
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) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 LECTURE: Performance, script analysis and directing Actors. SEMINAR: Directing a Scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults. Online class (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ONE: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different camera movement techniques. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 TECHNICAL WORKSHOP TWO: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using different lighting techniques. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 LECTURE: Storyboarding a scene and Assessment 2 (script) recap. SEMINAR: Storyboard a scene; Assessment 2 (Project script) consults. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 TECHNICAL WORKSHOP THREE: Editing techniques focused on performance and direction. ASSESSMENT 2 (Project script) DUE. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 10 TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOUR: Directing, blocking and shooting a scene using advanced camera and lighting techniques. Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 LECTURE: Assessment 3 (mise en scene) recap; Rushes and performance analysis. SEMINAR: Project consultations and feedback. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 LECTURE: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. SEMINAR: Project consultations and feedback. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 SEMINAR: Assessment 3 (Mise en Scene) work-in-progress screenings. ASSESSMENT 2 (MISE EN SCENE) DUE. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

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 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.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment criteria descriptions updated. AI permissions included for some assessments, subject to lecturer advice and feedback. Large production space booked for Week 6 blocking and camera direction workshop to accommodate complex equipment set ups and facilitate student learning.

All relevant materials and information for this course and related assessments is updated weekly on canvas. AI use is permitted in some assessments on a case by case basis subject to lecturer consultation and advice. All AI uses must be acknowledged 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 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.