CUADRT601
Establish the creative vision for screen productions


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use sound and visual images to transform written scripts into screen productions.

It applies to individuals who interpret and use scripts as the basis for developing the creative vision for relatively large-scale productions such as feature films, short films or television dramas. Directors apply a high level of creativity and innovative thinking to establish the big picture view for productions and to create a sense of overall unity within a production. They work closely with writers in developing scripts, and with other creative team members on strategies for achieving creative outcomes.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Interpret scripts

1.1 Read draft scripts and meet with creative personnel to discuss potential interpretations of the vision

1.2 Assess intended creative aims of scripts, define proposed objectives and explore their realisation visually or through the use of sound

1.3 Generate and consider a range of ideas for visualising scripts until a clear narrative emerges

1.4 Identify research and reference materials to inform creative directions and to assist in providing context for productions

1.5 Review script drafts in collaboration with writers, agree on the need for rewrites and organise deadlines for completion

1.6 Prepare development notes for script writers to produce script re-drafts as required

1.7 Document proposed visual and dramatic elements in scripts as the basis for shot plans

2. Prepare shot plans to realise visual narrative

2.1 Mark up working script into component scenes and identify key dramatic elements and technical parameters within each scenic unit

2.2 Plot key dramatic elements within and between scenes that aid transformation of written narrative into its visual representation

2.3 Review the whole narrative and individual scenes to determine location of characters and other elements for each shot

2.4 Assess photographic qualities of proposed shots and their impact on interpreting the story overall and within each scene

2.5 Prepare shot plans that allow both narrative and visual aspects to be controlled and carried forward to meet production requirements

2.6 Discuss shot plans with relevant production personnel prior to developing storyboards

3. Finalise creative planning

3.1 Document areas of productions that may be affected by script versions and discuss changes with colleagues

3.2 Arrange sign-off for final scripts and distribute to relevant creative personnel

3.3 Maintain an ongoing review of script and shot plans, and organise any further rewrites while production is underway

3.4 Provide production personnel with latest version of scripts and shot plans

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

review and revise scripts with writers so clear visual narratives emerge as the basis for establishing creative visions for screen productions

undertake research to aid the process of visualising narratives

identify key elements in scenes and develop shot plans that achieve a logical progression in the visual representation of written narratives

establish a process for reviewing scripts and shot plans as filming progresses

work collaboratively with writers and other members of creative team to establish the vision for screen productions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline how key elements of, and personnel in, the screen production industry fit into the process of establishing the overall creative vision for productions

describe format and conventions for marking up scripts

provide examples of topics that might need to be researched when establishing the creative vision for screen productions

explain visual story-telling techniques and ways of moving from written to visual narrative

identify typical problems of establishing the creative vision for screen productions and briefly describe solutions.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

the process of developing scripts

draft scripts

writers.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.5, 3.3

Analyses complex scripts and other textual resources to develop an overview of content, and extracts information that informs plans, creative goals and production decisions

Reviews scripts and plans for compatibility with production and identifies required revisions

Writing

1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1

Develops detailed information and instructions for scripts using vocabulary, terminology and structure to suit audience and purpose

Oral Communication

1.1, 1.5, 2.6, 3.1

Clearly articulates requirements using relevant language suitable for diverse audiences

Uses listening and questioning techniques to elicit information and confirm understanding

Navigate the world of work

1.4, 2.5, 3.2, 3.4

Works independently and collectively in a leadership role with responsibility for plans and decisions required for development of the creative vision of screen productions

Interact with others

1.1, 1.5, 2.6, 3.1

Establishes and uses appropriate communication methods and practices during discussions with writers and other personnel about project vision, scripts and production plans

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 1.5, 2.2-2.5, 3.3

Organises, plans and sequences own workload and that of others to establish creative vision of screen productions, and manages required communication

Assesses scripts to extract key elements that inspire creative ideas and decisions about the direction of visualisation of the story


Sectors

Media and Entertainment Production – Directing