Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a narrative or storyline.
It applies to individuals who work at a senior level in a range of film, television and digital media productions. Writers apply skills to take script development from outline to storyline, while storyliners develop storylines for ongoing narrative material and turn story outlines into scene breakdowns. They work collaboratively with story editors, script producers and script editors.
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. Plan and prepare to write production material | 1.1 Define script writing construction, style and formats required for the production and clients 1.2 Define and develop ideas and concepts based on analysis of genre, audience and purpose 1.3 Develop elements of narrative, including visual and aural components, dialogue and other communication techniques, such as symbols and icons, to convey information in production material |
2. Develop storylines or treatments | 2.1 Identify components of script development required by concept proposals 2.2 Develop concepts to synopsis stage or equivalent as required by production format or genre 2.3 Develop treatment and scene breakdown as required by production format or genre 2.4 Evaluate narrative development with relevant personnel and incorporate feedback as required 2.5 Develop material in a format appropriate for story conferencing or pitch presentation to client 2.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time |
3. Finalise storylines or treatments | 3.1 Present materials for discussion to production team responsible for story conferences or pitching to clients 3.2 Redraft materials incorporating feedback as required 3.3 Make relevant material ready for next stage of production within agreed timeframes and budget requirements |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
write original storylines and treatments for media productions
gather and synthesise ideas and concepts using a range of techniques
apply effective narrative and structural techniques and appropriate formats to storylines and treatments
prepare production materials for a story conference or pitch presentation
evaluate narrative development and incorporate feedback to improve scripts
work collaboratively with others to refine production material for client presentations.
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:
explain storytelling techniques appropriate to media productions
describe key elements of narrative and techniques used to convey information in production material
explain the steps in developing storylines
outline health and safety requirements as they relate to working for periods of time on screens and keyboards
outline typical challenges that arise when writing storylines and treatments and how to handle these.
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:
a production brief
interaction with others
software packages.
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 | 1.1-1.3, 2.1 2.4, 3.2, 3.3 | Analyses information from written sources Identifies and evaluates written material |
Writing | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.5, 3.2, 3.3 | Generates complex written texts, demonstrating a broad range of writing styles and purposes, including preparation of presentations and concept proposals Uses correct grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation and redrafts production materials in preparation for next stage of production Demonstrates sophisticated writing skills to express precise meaning, that engages and meets production requirements |
Oral Communication | 2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Establishes effective spoken communication with colleagues, applying listening, questioning and non-verbal communication cues and clearly articulating ideas, opinions and requirements |
Numeracy | 2.3, 3.3 | Estimates time required for production tasks, creates timeframes and calculates budget requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 2.6 | Follows work health and safety requirements |
Interact with others | 2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Works collaboratively to achieve writing goals Selects and uses communication practices and protocols appropriate to audience |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3 | Adopts a logical and methodical approach to the process of writing, developing and editing text-based material incorporating creative solutions as required Generates a range of text-based original, innovative and creative ideas in response to briefs meeting deadlines as required Uses digital tools for research, and for creation and storage of information |
Sectors
Communication – Writing