Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to write scripts for a wide range of creative productions or projects in film and media and live performances.
It applies to individuals who take material from concept proposal, treatment or outline format to final draft, ready for production. The script-writing process involves negotiation and mediation, as well as an understanding of working collaboratively with other members of a production or project team.
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. Prepare to write scripts | 1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions 1.2 Identify audience and purpose, and requirements for genre, structure and format 1.3 Evaluate script concepts and ideas, narrative and structural framework in relation to stipulated source material, as required 1.4 Review, discuss and obtain feedback about narratives from relevant personnel, as required 1.5 Establish criteria to evaluate scripts in the form they will be produced |
2. Write draft scripts | 2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques 2.2 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time 2.3 Collaborate with relevant personnel to refine and redraft script to meet creative, technical and artistic requirements 2.4 Confirm factual accuracy based on original research and agreed existing narrative as required 2.5 Confirm material complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication 2.6 Check final draft of script meets production and performance requirements |
3. Produce final scripts | 3.1 Present draft script to production team for discussion 3.2 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel 3.3 Evaluate draft scripts against established criteria 3.4 Make final adjustments to scripts and submit to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use a range of script-writing tools and techniques to develop scripts for creative productions or projects by agreed deadlines
check and confirm accuracy of information and compliance with legislative requirements
seek and incorporate feedback from other production team members to ensure scripts meet creative, technical and artistic requirements.
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 the storytelling techniques and writing conventions that are applied in a range of screen, media, performance and text contexts
describe the script-writing narrative, structure and formats appropriate to genre and production methods
describe codes of practice and relevant aspects of laws on defamation, vilification, breaches of privacy and court reporting to be considered when writing scripts
identify copyright and intellectual property requirements as they relate to developing scripts for creative productions or projects
outline health and safety requirements as they relate to working for periods of time on screens and keyboards
describe typical challenges that arise when writing scripts and explain ways to resolve them
describe criteria which may be used to evaluate scripts.
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:
script outlines and treatments
software packages
interaction with others.
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 | 1.1-1.4, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 | Analyses information from written sources Identifies and evaluates written material |
Writing | 1.1, 1.3-1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.4 | 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 | 1.4, 2.3, 3.1, 3.4 | Reviews and discusses storylines or narrations with colleagues Establishes effective spoken communication with colleagues, applies listening, questioning and non-verbal communication cues and clearly articulates ideas, opinions and requirements |
Numeracy | 3.3 | Estimates time required for script writing |
Navigate the world of work | 2.2, 2.5 | Follows work health and safety requirements Complies with broadcasting legislation and codes of practice |
Interact with others | 1.4, 2.3, 3.1 | Works collaboratively to achieve writing goals Selects and uses communication practices and protocols appropriate to audience |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4 | 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 Uses digital tools to access information and to create and store files |
Sectors
Communication – Writing